Histopathological study on dual infections of adenovirus and papovavirus in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Abstract

Of a total of 293 budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) examined histologically, 45 birds (15.4%) had dual infections with adenovirus and papovavirus. Both viruses induced intranuclear inclusion bodies in the kidney and rarely in other organs. The renal tubular epithelium was the target site for the both viruses. These inclusion bodies were different in size and stainability. The adenoviral inclusions were very large and deeply basophilic or eosinophilic, whereas the papovaviral inclusions were large and clear or slightly basophilic. Ultrastructural. examination of very large basophilic inclusions in the kidneys revealed viral particles typical of adenovirus. The very large eosinophilic inclusions consisted of only fine granular and filamentous material. Papovavirus particles were frequently found in the slightly basophilic intranuclear inclusions, but none was demonstrated in the clear inclusions. The dual infections in this study were regarded as latent infections because there was little or no tissue damage in the affected tissues. © 1994, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.