Siadenovirus infection in two psittacine bird species

Avian Pathol. 2009 Oct;38(5):413-7. doi: 10.1080/03079450903183660.

Abstract

Consensus polymerase chain reaction was used to identify a novel adenovirus from two psittacine birds: a plum-headed parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala) with lethargy, weight loss, and marked leukocytosis; and an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) with lethargy, weight loss, and feather abnormalities. Phylogenetic and comparative sequence analysis suggested that this virus is a member of the genus Siadenovirus, and is here termed psittacine adenovirus 2. This extends the characterized adenoviruses of psittacine birds beyond Aviadenovirus to include the genus Siadenovirus. Identification and further study of adenoviral types and species will provide useful diagnostic, prognostic, and epidemiologic information for the clinician. Like other known members of the genus Siadenovirus, Psittacine adenovirus 2 is AT-rich over the region sequenced, and it is hypothesized that this may be associated with shorter host-virus evolutionary association.

MeSH terms

  • AT Rich Sequence
  • Adenoviridae Infections / genetics
  • Adenoviridae Infections / physiopathology
  • Adenoviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Adenoviridae Infections / virology
  • Animals
  • Aviadenovirus / genetics
  • Biological Evolution
  • Bird Diseases / genetics
  • Bird Diseases / physiopathology
  • Bird Diseases / virology*
  • Cockatoos*
  • DNA, Viral
  • Feathers
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / genetics
  • Lethargy
  • Lymphocytosis
  • Parakeets*
  • Phylogeny
  • Siadenovirus / isolation & purification
  • Siadenovirus / physiology*
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • DNA, Viral