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Ultrastructural Observations on Effects of Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Eggshell-Forming Regions of the Oviduct of the Commercial Laying Hen

Animal Science, School of Rural Science and Agriculture, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia

¹ Corresponding author: kchousal{at}une.edu.au

The pathogenesis of 2 strains of infectious bronchitis virus (T and N1/88 strains) was studied in the eggshell-forming regions of the oviduct of commercial laying hens. There were no external shell deformities, except for paler shells. There was no decline in egg production in either of the infected groups. One hen from the N1/88-infected group and 2 hens from the T-infected group were out of lay. The light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopic changes in infected shell-forming regions of the oviduct were compared with the control oviducts at different egg positions. The ultrastructural finding revealed that the extent of cytopathology in the isthmus was greater than in the tubular shell gland and shell gland pouch. The T strain of infectious bronchitis virus was more pathogenic compared with the N1/88 strain. Severe cytopathology was recorded in the shell-forming region of hens that were out of production, and virus particles were observed in hens that had stopped laying. Virus particles were recorded in the dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex of the isthmus, tubular shell gland, and shell gland pouch of all 3 hens that had stopped laying. Although a decrease in egg production and deterioration in eggshell quality were not observed in this trial, cessation of egg production in a small number of hens could be due to severe cytopathology in the eggshell-forming regions of the oviduct.

Key Words: transmission electron microscope • scanning electron microscope • infectious bronchitis virus • oviduct • hen