Molecular Detection and Genotypic Characterization of Fowl Adenovirus Associated with Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) in Broiler Chickens of Nagpur

Background: Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) is the causative agent of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in broiler chickens and is responsible for increased mortality and reduced production in the poultry sector. Molecular detection of the hexon gene is the primary focus for antigenic determination and genotyping of FAdV. The present study intended to explore the prevalence and genotype characterization of fowl adenovirus serotypes circulating in the poultry population of Nagpur. Methods: Two hundred liver tissue samples collected from broiler chickens were subjected to molecular detection of the hexon gene by conventional PCR, followed by a Sanger sequencing approach to determine prevailing FAdV serotypes. Result: A total of 105 (52.5%) samples were recorded as positive for fowl adenovirus by hexon gene-based PCR. The representative nucleotide sequences showed 98.44-99.88% homology with serotype 11 and 99.17% with serotype 8b of FAdV D and E species, respectively. This study imparts crucial information regarding the circulating serotypes of fowl adenovirus in broiler chickens of Nagpur and emphasizes the need for monitoring of FAdVs to formulate better immunization strategies to control the dissemination of the disease.