Application of Quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the Detection of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease Virus (PBFDV) in Air Conditioning Systems: A Model Study from a Veterinary Hospital in Thailand
Source: PubMed Central Open Access, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine
Simple Summary Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a serious viral disease affecting parrots and other psittacine birds, often leading to feather loss, beak abnormalities, and weakened immunity. The virus can spread not only through direct contact between birds but also through contaminated environments, including airborne particles such as feather dust. In this study, we investigated the presence of the virus in air conditioning systems within a veterinary hospital using quantitative PCR (qPCR). The results showed that viral DNA was detected in all the sampled air conditioning units, with higher levels found in areas where exotic birds were treated. This suggests that air circulation systems may play a role in distributing viral particles within the hospital environment. These findings highlight the importance of environmental monitoring and proper cleaning and air management practices to reduce the risk of infection. This approach may also be useful for controlling other airborne pathogens in veterinary and clinical settings. plain-language-summary Abstract Psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV), a member of the family, is a major pathogen affecting psittacine birds worldwide; however, its potential for airborne dissemination in veterinary environments remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate PBFDV contamination in air conditioning systems within a veterinary hospital and to compare the distribution and levels of viral load across diff
Abstract
Simple Summary Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a serious viral disease affecting parrots and other psittacine birds, often leading to feather loss, beak abnormalities, and weakened immunity. The virus can spread not only through direct contact between birds but also through contaminated environments, including airborne particles such as feather dust. In this study, we investigated the presence of the virus in air conditioning systems within a veterinary hospital using quantitative PCR (qPCR). The results showed that viral DNA was detected in all the sampled air conditioning units, with higher levels found in areas where exotic birds were treated. This suggests that air circulation systems may play a role in distributing viral particles within the hospital environment. These findings highlight the importance of environmental monitoring and proper cleaning and air management practices to reduce the risk of infection. This approach may also be useful for controlling other airborne pathogens in veterinary and clinical settings. plain-language-summary Abstract Psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV), a member of the family, is a major pathogen affecting psittacine birds worldwide; however, its potential for airborne dissemination in veterinary environments remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate PBFDV contamination in air conditioning systems within a veterinary hospital and to compare the distribution and levels of viral load across different functional areas. Environmental swab samples were collected from 17 air conditioning units located in examination rooms, surgical suites, wards, and laboratory areas. Viral nucleic acids were extracted and analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) on the Genesig q16 (Version 4) platform. PBFDV DNA was detected in multiple units, with viral loads ranging from 25,000 PBFDV genome copies per qPCR reaction. The highest levels were observed in an examination room (26,172 copies) and a surgical room (25,730 copies), whereas several locations showed low or negligible contamination (<100 copies). These findings indicate that air conditioning systems may act as a possible environmental contamination pathway and potential sources of viral dissemination within clinical settings. The results underscore the importance of routine environmental monitoring and targeted disinfection strategies. As a preliminary model, this study provides baseline data to support the development of effective biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of PBFDV in veterinary facilities.