Padronização de técnicas de diagnóstico em virologia utilizando ovos embrionados de codorna como modelo biológico

Abstract

Quail embryonated eggs may be used for inoculation of several viruses by different ways, like the well-known techniques used in embryonated chicken (Gallus domesticus) eggs with some light adjustments. Some advantages may be assigned to this process like: lower production costs, reduction in incubation time, no need for large spaces and, maybe the most important one, for being a different species of Gallus domesticus and so, not carrying antigens and antibodies of interest for modern commercial poultry, it does not interfere in the diagnose or in the viral replication. To assess the viral replication potential, we used a total of 351 embryonated quail eggs of white eggshell type (Coturnix coturnix japonica) NISSEI lineage and samples of virus that affect birds (Newcastle disease virus, avipoxvirus and infectious bronchitis chickens and also, some other species like the equine influenza virus.From the eggs inoculated with Newcastle virus it was collected the allantois fluid to perform HA test which presented the better result for 72 hours period and a volume of 100μl. From the inoculation with Fowl pox we collected the chorioallantoic membrane o analyze both pox lesions and for histopathological analysis, all considered volumes (20, 40, 80 e 100μl) presented the disease characteristic lesions. For the Chicken Infectious Bronchitis Virus, from all considered volumes used only the 40μl volume produced embryo lesion like dwarfism and winding. The Equine Influenza Virus replication similar to what was observed with NDV was concentration and incubation time dependent, being the best result achieved for a 48 hours interval using a 40μl volume. White Shell quail embryonated eggs were also used to test its viability for primary cultures of fibroblasts and it was verified that they remain viable after four passages in vitro. This biological model demonstrated efficient for virus replication of Newcastle Disease, Fowl Pox, infectious bronchitis chickens and for equine influenza virus. These embryos also proved suitable for use in primary fibroblasts culture.