Systemic avian poxvirus infections associated with the B1 subclade of canarypox virus.

Abstract

Avian poxvirus infections typically manifest as 2 forms: cutaneous ("dry") pox, characterized by proliferative nodules on the skin, and diphtheritic ("wet") pox, characterized by plaques of caseous exudate in the oropharynx and upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Systemic spread of virus to visceral organs beyond the skin and mucous membranes is rarely reported. Out of 151 cases diagnosed with avian poxvirus over a 20-year period at a zoological institution, 22 were characterized as having systemic involvement based on histopathology and molecular findings. Gross lesions in systemic cases included soft white nodules scattered throughout the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Two histopathologic patterns emerged: (1) widespread histiocytic inflammation in visceral organs with intrahistiocytic viral inclusions and (2) severe, localized dry or wet pox lesions with poxvirus-like inclusions within dermal and subepithelial histiocytes. In situ hybridization targeting thegene confirmed the presence of poxvirus DNA within histiocytes in both patterns. Polymerase chain reaction was performed targeting theand thegene. Sequences of thefrom all systemic pox cases were identical to a previously described condorpox virus isolated from an Andean condor with systemic pox. Sequences of thegene from all systemic pox cases grouped into cluster 2 of the B1 subclade of canarypox viruses. Systemic involvement of avian poxvirus likely occurs as a result of infection with certain strain variations in combination with various possible host and environmental factors.