Potential New Avian Species as Carriers of Diverse Circoviruses

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Garcia, Yasmin Luisa Neves Lemes ; Gomes, Ana Julia Chaves ; Neto, Guilherme Guerra ; Ando, Natasha Fujii ; Rodrigues, Camila Sanches ; Cesario, Richard Alegria ; Domit, Camila ; Lima, Fabio Henrique ; Ferreira, Helena Lage ; Araujo, Joao Pessoa ; da Silva, Bruna Lindolfo ; Spilki, Fernando Rosado ; Thomazelli, Luciano Matsumiya ; Gamon, Thais Helena Martins ; Assis, Isabela Barbosa ; Durigon, Edison Luiz ; Oliveira, Danielle Bruna Leal ; da Costa, Vivaldo Gomes ; Calmon, Marilia de Freitas ; Rahal, Paula

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PATHOGENS; v. 14, n. 6, p. 12-pg., 2025-05-28.

Abstract

Avian species pose risks for transmitting viruses, including avian circoviruses, that could be a threat for conservation and introduction into commercial flocks. This study investigated the presence of circovirus in 81 avian species from different regions of Brazil, including the northwest region of S & atilde;o Paulo and the coast of Paran & aacute;. Blood samples and oropharyngeal, cloacal, and other organ swabs were collected. The samples were extracted and screened using nested PCR for the replicase gene. In positive cases, the samples were sequenced. Regarding the results, a total of 1528 swab samples were collected from 601 birds, of which 24 (4%, 95% CI: 2.4-5.6) tested positive for various circovirus subtypes. Most positive birds (92%, 22/24) were from the northwest region of S & atilde;o Paulo, mainly from the city of S & atilde;o Jos & eacute; do Rio Preto (54%, 12/22). The study also identified the presence of circovirus subtypes in avian families that were not previously described. Furthermore, the presence of raven circovirus in the blood sample of a Nyctibius griseus (potoo), suggests the possibility of a new carrier of the virus. Ultimately, the findings underscore the complexity of the viral ecology of avian circoviruses, highlight the necessity of enhancing future studies, and emphasize the need to support health assessment of wildlife, including marine birds. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/08528-3 - Adjusting the active surveillance in migratory wild birds in the state of São Paulo
• Grantee: Helena Lage Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research in Public Policies
• FAPESP's process: 23/10809-3 - Application of metagenomics for studies of viral diversity in bats and analysis of the inhibitory activity of peptides against viral isolates
• Grantee: Vivaldo Gomes da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors
• FAPESP's process: 23/01598-9 - Application of metagenomics for studies of viral diversity in bats and analysis of the inhibitory activity of peptides against viral isolates
• Grantee: Paula Rahal
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants