Prepubertal Exposure to the Live Attenuated Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus Induces Epididymal Stones in the Rooster after Puberty

Uletta H Jackson, David A Boltz, Masaaki Nakai, Gail Scherba, David Bunick, Janice M Bahr
2006 The Journal of Poultry Science  
Roosters immunized prepubertally with the avian infectious bronchitis virus (AIBV) have a high incidence of epididymal calcium stones, reduced daily sperm production and lower serum testosterone as adults. The aim of the present study was to determine when and how stones are formed following vaccination with AIBV. Specific pathogen free roosters were either immunized with the live attenuated AIBV (vaccinated group, nῌ-2) or with the vehicle (nonvaccinated group, nῌ--) at " 0 and +* wk of age.
more » ... stes and epididymides were studied histologically at +" +0, ,* and ,0 wk of age. Abnormalities were not observed in testes of either vaccinated or nonvaccinated group at any age observed. The epididymal region of the vaccinated group was normal until +0 wk. However, aggregations of sperm, cell debris and macrophages and stones were present in the proximal e#erent ductules in the vaccinated group at ,* wk and ,0 wk of age. These e#erent ductules showed expanded lumen, reduced mucosal folds and low columnar epithelium. Next to these a#ected ductules were normal e#erent ductules. On the other hand, epididymal stones also occurred in the nonvaccinated group (,/2, ,/ῌ) at ,0 wk but the frequency was lower than that in the vaccinated group (2/+., /1ῌ). These results indicate that epididymal stone formation begins with aggregations of sperm, cell debris and macrophages immediately after puberty, which is followed by calcium deposition. It is suggested that the prepubertal vaccination with AIBV accelerates epididymal stone formation.
doi:10.2141/jpsa.43.280 fatcat:dmz4rgt3hbdrlcci4pn42k53m4