Molecular characterization of avian adenoviruses in Iranian broiler flocks

This study was conducted to molecularly detect avian adenoviruses in broiler flocks showing liver lesions and respiratory syndrome in northeast Iran. In total, 60 tissue samples were collected from broiler farms with liver lesions, respiratory syndrome and also from clinically healthy flocks. Six samples were positive; however, three samples were selected for molecular studies. PCR products were sequenced to confirm the identity of avian adenoviruse. Based on the sequence analysis of the L1 region of the hexon gene, the NRB/FAV/4 should be classified as FAdV 8b strain and two other isolates - NRB/FAV/1 and NRB/FAV/5 - classified in cluster of the FAdV 2 & 11. As far as we know, this preliminary investigation is the only documented study to confirm the presence of avian adenoviruses in broiler flocks in Iran.