Effect of nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis viruses on renal function in young male broiler chickens

Abstract

1. The acute effects of challenge with Australian T‐strain infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) on renal function were evaluated, following primary vaccination in 1‐d‐old male broilers.

2. Challenge with T‐strain IBV decreased body weight and induced kidney hypertrophy and kidney asymmetry.

3. Haematocrit was reduced in birds challenged with the Australian T‐strain IBV and plasma uric acid was elevated in unvaccinated birds exposed to the IBV challenge.

4. Challenge with T‐strain IBV caused significant increases in urinary water losses, accompanied by decreased urine osmolality and increased fractional excretion of sodium, calcium and potassium.

5. Vaccination at 1‐d‐old with Vic S‐strain IBV provided a limited degree of protection against an heterologous challenge with T‐strain IBV at 15 d of age.

Notes

Current address: A.A. 151123 El Dorado, Santa Fe De Bogota, Columbia.

Reprints requests to Dr J. R. Roberts.