Serological Investigation and Molecular Characterization of Reticuloendotheliosis Virus from Breeder Flocks in Pakistan by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to provide the authentic information about the incidence of reticuloendotheliosis virus in Pakistan because several epidemiological studies suggested a link between avian oncogenic viruses and different types of cancers in people working in poultry industry. METHODOLOGY: Cross sectional study to determine the REV infection status. Presence of antibodies in serum were observed using ELISA and confirmation of REV genome was made by polymerase chain reaction using long terminal repeat specific primers to amplify a 291bp fragment of REV viral genome from tumor samples of liver collected from breeder flocks with average age of 30 weeks. In all 480 serum and liver samples were taken from 24 poultry breeder across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. RESULTS: Out of 480 serum samples 42 serum samples which were found positive for REV antibodies by ELISA. When subjected to PCR revealed n=37 to bear REV genome. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that reticuloendotheliosis virus is present in breeder flocks across a wide range of area across Pakistan which can be hazardous to public health.