Histopathology, Cytology and Electron Microscopy Study of Turkey Pox

Ganesh K. Sawale; M. Lakshman; M. Hanumanthrao; B.V. Balaeswara Raju; G. Ramesh

Authors

Ganesh K. Sawale Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, INDIA
M. Lakshman Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, INDIA
M. Hanumanthrao Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, INDIA
B.V. Balaeswara Raju Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, INDIA
G. Ramesh Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, INDIA

Keywords:

Avipox virus, Cytology, Histopathology, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Turkey

Abstract

Turkey poxvirus was diagnosed in five of two-month-old turkeys of broad breasted white variety type. Clinically, turkey birds showed dullness, inappetence and lethargy. On necropsy, dead turkeys showed numerous circular to irregular size raised nodules (scab) of 1-3 cm in diameter on the skin of head, eyelids and around the beak. Histopathological examination of scab revealed hyperplasia of the epidermis and severe balloon degeneration with intra-cytoplasmic, eosinophilic inclusion bodies and sparse infiltration of inflammatory cells with the predominant population of heterophils. Cytological examination showed pink round bodies of inclusion bodies in clear vacuole. Transmission Electron Microscopy study of scab showed typical poxvirus morphology having oval shaped structure with dumbbell shaped dense core.