1

Speaker(s)：

Yang-chang Tu

Topic

Pathologic findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N2 in chicken, based on immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

Abstract

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in-situ hybridization (ISH) were used to investigate pathologic changes in broiler breeders naturally infected with H5N2 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. The gross lesions included pancreatic mottling, splenomegaly and cyanosis and edema of comb, wattles, and leg shanks. Histologically, lymphocytic depletion and necrosis in spleen, necrosis with glial nodules in the brain, necrosis of acinar cells in the pancreas, tubular necrosis with lymphocytic interstitial nephritis were seen. Occasionally, lymphocytic laryngitis, Zenker’s degeneration of skeletal muscle, and multifocal myocardial fiber necrosis were noted. By IHC and ISH, both influenza viral nucleoprotein and HA gene were most frequently observed in the neurons and ependymal cells of brain, acinar epithelial cells of pancreas, and tubular cells of kidney. In addition, they were seen also in striated muscle cells, pseudostratified columnar epithelium of larynx, theca interna of ovary, and surface epithelial cell in the oviduct. However, they were seldom found in mucosal epithelium of intestine. The staining areas were closely associated with histopathologic lesions. Most importantly, viral antigens and nucleic acids were mainly detected in the vascular endothelium in multiple organs. In current study, the H5N2 HPAI virus can replicate systemically and cause damage to a variety of organs and tissues. This virus especially tends to attack endothelium of vessels, acinar cells of pancreas, and tubular cells of kidney. 

2

Speaker(s)：

Yu-Ju, Lin

Topic

Validation of serologic tests for screening simian viruses Infection

Abstract

A surveillance of anti-viral antibodies in the serum samples of non-human primates was determined using Simian Viuses Dot Immuno Assay (DIA) Panel A1, which is designed to detect antibodies to herpes B virus (HBV), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian retrovirus (SRV) type D, simian T-lymphotropic virus (STLV) and measles virus.  All of the serum samples taken from tested simians showed negative to HBV, SRV and STLV, except one sample positively reacted to measles virus.  For this measles antibody-positive case, it could result from gaining the immunity through vaccination or natural infection in the animal cages that previously hosted the animal.  Using this kit, we failed to clarify the anti-SIV antibody status, since all of the tested serum specimens non-specifically reacted to the SIV antigen provided by the manufacturer.  To avoid  this pitfall and to confirm the antibody status, we also applied the western-blot technique to detect antibodies of SIV, SRV and STLV in our samples. All suspected specimens were further verified to be negative on SIV, SRV and STLV based on the results of western blotting. In addition, to examine the antibodies of Epstein-Barr-Virus-Like Agent (EBV) in serum, we co-operated with researchers in Kyoto University and University of Tokyo.  We found that all tested samples showed  positive to the EBV-like virus by the indirect fluorescent antibody test .

3

Speaker(s)：

CS Huang

Topic

Evaluation of the efficacy of imported Q-fever vaccine

Abstract

Q fever is a zoonosis which is caused by Coxiella burnetii, a biosafety level 3 (BL3) pathogen. Human and ruminants can be infected and its clinical signs are abortion and stillbirth. This study was to evaluate the efficacy of an imported Q fever vaccine (Coxevac®) in goats. The commercial ELISA kits were used to detect  serum antibodyagaist C. burnetii , and specific nested-PCR was carried out to detect the pathogen in genital discharge. In herd K (Q fever-free), 84.2% (16/19) of vaccinated goats became serological positive and all 10 goats in control group were negative. In herd T (Q fever positive , 5% of prevalence, 6/121), 89.7% (26/29) vaccinated goats became serological positive and all ten goats in control group were negative. And the genital discharge of all tested goats in two herds were negative in pathogen detection. According to the results, this vaccine could successfully induce humoral immunity in goats, but currently there is no simple and useful test to  analyze cellular immunity against Q fever .