ARS | Publication request: Identification and initial characterization of a novel turkey-origin picobirnavirus using a metagenomic approach

Submitted to: American Society for Microbiology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 3, 2010
Publication Date: May 23, 2010
Citation: Day, J.M., Zsak, L. 2010. Identification and initial characterization of a novel turkey-origin picobirnavirus using a metagenomic approach [abstract}. American Society for Microbiology General Meeting, San Diego, California.

Technical Abstract: Using the Genome Sequencer FLX Titanium technology (Roche, 454 Life Sciences), a ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus-specific metagenome was prepared using the pooled intestinal contents collected from North Carolina turkey flocks experiencing enteric disease signs. This analysis produced 6526 contigs ranging in size from 97 to 2578 base pairs (bp). 724 of these contigs had similarity to sequences from cellular organisms, including bacteria, fungi and vertebrates. An additional 788 contigs were similar to RNA viral sequences,including the double stranded RNA viruses (Reoviridae and Picobirnaviruses), and the single stranded RNA viruses (Caliciviridae, Leviviridae, Picornavirales, and Astroviridae). This extensive dataset would facilitate the development of updated molecular diagnostic tests for novel poultry enteric viruses,while allowing a better understanding of the role viruses play in enteric disease and in the performance of poultry flocks in general. To these ends, novel reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)primers were designed targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene of a novel turkey picobirnavirus, and picobirnavirus-specific sequences were identified via RT-PCR in archived enteric material collected from turkey flocks throughout the United States.