Design and evaluation of primer pairs for efficient detection of avian rotavirus.

The use of molecular methods for rotavirus characterisation provides increased sensitivity for typing and allows the identification of putative reassortant strains. Reagents and methods for genotyping the virus need constant modification because of the reassortant nature of the virus. This study was aimed at designing and evaluating new oligonucleotide degenerate primer pairs that provide increased sensitivity and specificity for detecting avian rotavirus.

Molecular epidemiology of Avian Rotaviruses Group A and D shed by different bird species in Nigeria.

Background: Avian rotaviruses (RVs) cause gastrointestinal diseases of birds worldwide. However, prevalence, diversity, epidemiology and phylogeny of RVs remain largely under-investigated in Africa.

Methods: Fecal samples from 349 birds (158 symptomatic, 107 asymptomatic and 84 birds without recorded health status) were screened by reverse transcription PCR to detect RV groups A and D (RVA and RVD).

Genotype effect on distribution pattern of maternally derived antibody against Newcastle disease in Nigerian local chickens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the variation in antibody from Newcastle disease (ND) vaccinated breeder birds and their progenies. The chicks were evaluated for maternally derived antibody (MDA) against ND virus and also the MDA transfer rate for each genotype. The local parent stocks were Frizzle-feathered, Normal-feathered, and Naked neck while an exotic parent stock (Anak Titan) was used for the purpose of comparison.