Fowl adenovirus (FAdV)

Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) is a genus of non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses belonging to the family Adenoviridae that primarily infects poultry. It is classified into five species (FAdV-A to FAdV-E) and twelve serotypes, which are responsible for significant economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. The virus is the causative agent of several distinct clinical conditions, including inclusion body hepatitis (IBH), hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), and adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE). FAdV replicates in the nucleus of host cells, leading to the formation of characteristic intranuclear inclusion bodies and eventual cell death. While not a single molecular target like a receptor or enzyme, specific viral components such as the fiber and hexon proteins are the primary targets for vaccine development and diagnostic assays. Current therapeutic strategies focus on prevention through biosecurity and the use of inactivated or recombinant vaccines to induce protective immunity.

Other names

AviadenovirusInclusion body hepatitis virusHepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome virusGizzard erosion adenovirusFowl aviadenovirus

Vaccines work by inducing neutralizing antibodies against viral capsid proteins, particularly the fiber and hexon proteins, to prevent viral entry and replication in host cells.