Interaction of avian adenovirus with the immune system of poultry

The role of an avian adeno virus (AAV) as an immunosuppressive agent was in vestigated in 2-week-old broiler chicks. The immunosuppressive effect on hu moral and cellular immune responses was assessed by response of infected ch icks to unrelated antigens and 1-chloro-2-4 dinitrobenzene (DNCB) respectiv ely. The virus adversely affected the immune system of infected birds as de creased immunological responses was observed as compared to control. The hi stopathological examination of bursa of Fabricius and thymus revealed focal area of necrosis and lymphocyte depletion. Viral antigen was detected in t he faecal samples at 7 days postinfection(PI) and peak excretion of antigen reached at 14 days PI.