Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2019
Bornaviruses in naturally infected Psittacus erithacus in Portugal: insights of molecular epidemiology and ecology
Cavaleiro Pinto, Marlene; Craveiro, Hélder; Johansson Wensman, Jonas; Carvalheira, Júlio; Berg, Mikael; Thompson, GertrudeAbstract
Background: The genus Orthobornavirus comprises non-segmented, negative-stranded RNA viruses able to infect humans, mammals, reptiles and various birds. Parrot bornavirus 1 to 8(PaBV-1 to 8) causes neurological and/or gastrointestinal syndromes and death on psittacines. We aimed to identify and to produce epidemiologic knowledge about the etiologic agent associated with a death of two female Psittacus erithacus(grey parrot). Methods and Results: Both parrots were submitted for a complete standardised necropsy. Tissue samples were analysed by PCR. The findings in necropsy were compatible with bornavirus infection. Analysis revealed PaBV-4 related with genotypes detected in captive and in wild birds. The N and X proteins of PaBV-4 were more related to avian bornaviruses, while phosphoprotein was more related to variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1). Within the P gene/phosphoprotein a highly conserved region between and within bornavirus species was found. Conclusions: Portugal is on the routes of the intensive world trade of psittacines. Broad screening studies are required to help understanding the role of wild birds in the emergence and spread of pathogenic bornaviruses. PaBV-4 phosphoprotein is closer to VSBV-1 associated with lethalencephalitis in humans than with some of the avian bornaviruses. The highly conserved P gene/phosphoprotein region is a good target for molecular diagnostics screenings.Keywords
Orthobornavirus; RNA virusesPublished in
Infection Ecology & Epidemiology2019, volume: 9, number: 1, article number: 1682223
Authors' information
Cavaleiro Pinto, Marlene
University of Porto
Craveiro, Hélder
Baixo Vouga Veterinary Hospital
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences
Carvalheira, Júlio
University of Porto
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health
Thompson, Gertrude
University of Porto
UKÄ Subject classification
Clinical Science
Pathobiology
Publication Identifiers
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20008686.2019.1685632
URI (permanent link to this page)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/106452