Molecular detection of Fowl adenoviruses in broiler chickens suspected of inclusion body hepatitis inMarkazi andQomprovinces, Iran

Adenoviruses are common infectious agents in poultry around the world and show a wide range of clinical signs and symptoms. The importance of the presence of adenovirus infections, in addition to economic losses, is associated with other viral diseases.The purpose of this study was the molecular detection of Fowl adenoviruses and histopathological  examination of liver lesions in broiler chickens suspected of inclusion body hepatitis in Markazi and Ghom provinces, Iran. In this regard, the liver samples with macroscopic lesions were collected from dead birds of ten broiler chicken flocks of these provinces in the winter of 97 and spring 98. The chickens of these flocks were at the age of 6 to 41 days. For molecular analysis, PCR was performed on L1 (Loop1) region of the hexon gene. For histopathology, a portion of the liver tissues were placed in 10% formalin. After routine procedures in the pathology laboratory, microscopically examined. Eventually, 9 flocks from the 20 flocks were positive in the PCR test. These positive products were sequenced. These adenoviruses belonged to the D and E genotypes and D11 and 8b serotypes of avian adenoviruses. Also, in the microscopic study of the affected liver, necrosis with several heterophilia infiltration around these regions and within the liver sinusoid was observed. In the nucleus of healthy hepatocytes around the necrosis regions, the inclusion of intra-basophilic nucleus was observed. Confirmation of the presence of the IBH agent in these provinces, the need for prevention programs in mother and broiler farms should be considered.