Modified results for fowl adenovirus PCR at AHL: Guidance for interpretation

Emily Martin and Davor Ojkic

Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON. 

AHL Newsletter 2024;28(2):20.

Recently, the reporting of fowl adenovirus (FAdV) PCR at the AHL has changed.  Previously, the reporting included results for FAdVE, FAdVD and FAdVAC.  However, now the results are reported as FAdVE, FAdVD and FAdVABCDE.  The reason for this change is that FAdVE and FAdVD are the most common species identified in Ontario.  By changing the reporting, the results clearly indicate if there is any other group of fowl adenovirus detected other than FAdVE and FAdVD.

Interpretation is as follows:

• If FAdVE and/or FAdVD are positive, FAdVABCDE should also be positive.
• If there are high Ct (Cycle threshold) values, then there will be the odd circumstance where FAdVABCDE will be negative when FAdVE and/or FAdVD is positive.
• If FAdVE and FAdVD are negative and FAdVABCDE is positive, then a different “species” of FAdV is detected.

If you have any questions on interpretation of results, please do not hesitate to call the lab and discuss. AHL