ARS | Publication request: Differences in innate immune responses to H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection between Pekin, Muscovy and Mallard ducks

Submitted to: American Association of Avian Pathologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: January 27, 2010
Publication Date: August 1, 2010
Citation: Cagle, C.A., Wasilenko, J.L., Pantin Jackwood, M.J. 2010. Differences in innate immune responses to H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection between Pekin, Muscovy and Mallard ducks [abstract]. American Association of Avian Pathologists Annual Meeting, August 1-4, 2010, Atlanta, Georgia. CD-ROM.

Technical Abstract: Ducks have been implicated in the dissemination and evolution of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses. However, differences in pathogenicity and response to vaccination have been observed between different duck species. In this study we examined the pathogenicity of H5N1 HPAI virus infection in Pekin, Muscovy and Mallard ducks and compared the host innate immune responses to infection. Pekin and Mallard ducks presented higher body temperatures after infection than Muscovy ducks which died two days earlier and had higher virus titers in tissues. The expression of innate immune related genes was also different between these duck species, which explains in part the differences observed in pathogenicity.