Detection and Molecular Characterization of Chicken Astrovirus from Broiler Flocks in Iran: The First Report

Background and Aims: Enteric diseases have had detrimental impacts on commercial poultry through depressing growth rates and caused considerable economic losses to poultry producers. Chicken astrovirus (CAstV) is one of the most common viruses related to enteric diseases in chickens, especially in young chicks. Materials and Methods: Chicken astroviruses were detected by reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in intestinal contents collected from commercial chickens. RT-PCR test amplified a fragment of 601 base pairs located in conserved regions within the ORF 1b (RNA polymerase) gene. Results: Astroviruses were detected in birds from 36 poorly performing flocks with signs of enteric disease or retarded growth. In total, chicken astroviruses were discovered in pooled intestinal contents of 16 (44.4%) affected broiler flocks, while twenty flocks were negative (55.6%). Phylogenetic analysis based on a 601-bp segment of the ORF1b gene revealed two subgroups of Iranian astroviruses. Conclusion: Thus, this study discloses the presence of chicken astroviruses in broiler chickens in Iran with enteric problems and stunting syndrome for the first time.