Detection of a novel astrovirus from a black-naped monarch (Hypothymis azurea) in Cambodia

• DOI: 10.1186/s12985-015-0413-2
• Publication Date: 2015-11-04T15:57:31Z
• Authors: Ian H. Mendenhall; Katherine Nay Yaung; Priscilla H. Joyner; Lucy Keatts; Sophie Borthwick; Erica Sena Neves; Sorn San; Martin Gilbert; Gavin JD Smith
• Keywords: Astrovirus

Astroviruses are comprised of two genera with Avastrovirus infecting birds and Mamastrovirus mammals. Avastroviruses have primarily been associated infections poultry, especially chicken, turkey, duck, guineafowl production systems, but also infect wading doves. Outcomes result in a spectrum disease, ranging from asymptomatic shedding to gastroenteritis diarrhea, stunting, failure thrive death. Virological surveillance was conducted sites Cambodia 2010. Samples were screened for influenza, astroviruses, coronaviruses, flaviviruses, paramyxoviruses. A total 199 tested an astrovirus detected black-naped monarch (Hypothymis azurea). This is the first detection passerine bird. Phylogenetic analysis nucleotide distances suggest that this avastrovirus forms distinct lineage may constitute fourth group.