Histopathological Changes in Small Intestine of Rotavirus Infected Poultry

Background: Rotaviruses are important cause of acute gastroenteritis. Group A and D rotavirus are the predominant enteric viruses groups in birds. Outbreaks of rotavirus may lead to significant economic losses in poultry industry. Rotavirus infection alters the function of the small intestinal epithelium, resulting in diarrhea. Methods: Poultry intestinal samples were collected in 10% formalin and duodenum, jejunum and ileum were processed for histopathological examination by H and E staining. Result: Histopathological changes were noticed in all the three parts of the small intestine namely duodenum, jejunum and ileum in poultry intestinal content sample positive for AvRVD in RT-PCR. Duodenum showed necrosis, desquamation and loss of enterocytes from the villi. The jejunum showed severe disruption of villous architecture with vacuolation and separation of mucosal epithelial layer. Ileum showed a complete loss of enterocytes from the villous surface, congestion at the villous tips and infiltration of lymphocytes throughout the mucosa as well as submucosa.