A116 - Avian Paramyxovirus

Description:

Paramyxoviruses (PMV’s) are enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses with a helical capsid, that belong to the viral family Paramyxoviridae. This viral family contains 9 serologically distinguishable members, four of which are known to cause disease in caged birds (PMV-1, PMV-2, PMV-3, PMV-5). Different strains of paramyxovirus vary widely in their virulence and tissue specificity. For example, infection with PMV-2 is often unapparent, although some studies report rare respiratory infection in psittacine birds. PMV-3 is believed to have worldwide distribution and affects several psittacine species, particularly Neophema spp.. In these birds, the virus may cause a chronic pancreatitis ultimately resulting in pancreatic insufficiency. In other species, PMV-3 infection causes non-specific signs followed by central nervous system disease. PMV-5 infection is rare and was first reported in budgeriagar aviaries in Japan. Unlike the other PMV’s, PMV-5 may not be able to agglutinate red blood cells.
Viruses of the family Paramyxoviridae have also been shown to cause CNS infections in domestic and large exotic felines, although none of the viruses in this group are known to be primarily feline viruses.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis for avian paramyxovirus infection often relies on histopathological analysis, however this process can be time consuming and costly. A highly sensitive PCR-based assay for the paramyxovirus is now available, which can accurately detect the presence of paramyxovirus infection in a timely and efficient manner.

Sample:

1. Whole Blood in a lavender top (EDTA) tube: 3 ml for felines and 0.1-0.3 ml for avian samples.
2. Feces in a sterile container.
3. Tissue samples.

Special Handling:

Store blood and tissue samples at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

A116