Pathogenesis of rotavirus infection in turkey poults

The pathogenesis of rotavirus infection was examined after experimental infection of conventional and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) turkey poults. In six experiments birds were exposed to turkey rotavirus isolates Tu-1 or Tu-2 or the chicken isolate Ch-1 at 7, 10 or 42 days of age. Poults were examined between 1 and 24 days after infection. Between 2 and 5 days watery droppings were observed in conjunction with remarkable paleness of the intestinal tract which was grossly observable. Maximum viral replication occurred between 2 and 5 days, during which period viral antigen could be demonstrated in the epithelial cells of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon. Sporadically, virus antigen-positive cells were seen in the caecum. As early as 4 to 5 days rotavirus antibodies could be detected by indirect immunofluorescence assays. Remarkable leukocyte infiltration of the lamina propria, vacuolation of the epithelial cells and scalloping of the villous surface at the tips were observed in the intestine of infected birds. Infection caused impairment of absorption of D-xylose from the intestinal tract at 2 and 4 days..