Revisiting Avian Metapneumovirus Subtype B in Broiler Chickens and Turkeys in Morocco: First Molecular Characterization

• DOI: 10.3390/poultry4010003
• Publication Date: 2024-12-31T17:37:19Z
• Authors: Amine Mernizi; Abdeljelil Ghram; Hicham Fathi; Enrique Carceller; Juan-Luis Criado; Martina Dardi; Oumayma Arbani; Mohammed Bouslikhane; Mohammed Mouahid; Caterina Lupini; Elena Catelli; Siham Fellahi; Saadia Nassik
• Keywords: Metapneumovirus

Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) is a significant poultry pathogen with global presence, primarily causing respiratory issues in turkeys. It also affects chickens, although the severity of its impact often lessened this species. In Morocco, aMPV has been detected broiler flocks, prompting need to deeply analyze circulating strains better understand epidemiology and develop control measures accordingly. This research focuses on sequencing molecular characterization these flocks. Additionally, isolated from turkeys displaying Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT) signs was included study compare findings. RNA extracted positive swabs subjected nested PCR, targeting attachment protein G gene, followed by gel electrophoresis. Amplicons were purified sequenced using Sanger method. Bioinformatics tools facilitated sequence analyses, including BLAST for similarity searches Mega® phylogenetic analysis maximum likelihood method 1000 bootstrap replicates. The investigation unveiled existence two distinct clades aMPV/B isolates, which originated used vaccines, all broilers indicating potential virus transmission between both article presents first-ever Moroccan turkeys, encompassing comprehensive investigations presence subtype, genetic characterization.