Nuevos hallazgos de dicistrovirus en palomas (Columba livia) de la ciudad de La Plata, Argentina

Pigeons (Columba livia) are among the few animal species that have successfully adapted to urban environments. The characterization, diagnosis, and definitive treatment of their diseases are of great interest, as these birds can act as reservoirs of pathogens with potential impact on animal and public health. In 2022, dicistrovirus was detected for the first time in pigeons in Argentina, with 60% of oropharyngeal and cloacal samples testing positive. This study aimed to detect the presence and molecular characterization of dicistrovirus in pigeons in the city of La Plata. Thirty pigeons were captured, and blood, oropharyngeal, and cloacal samples were obtained. RNA extraction was performed, followed by multiplex RT-PCR. Positive samples were confirmed with primers specific for Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV). Amplicons were purified and sequenced. BLAST analysis revealed 88.24% identity with IAPV. In one pigeon, dicistrovirus was detected in blood, oropharyngeal and cloacal samples. This result could suggest the presence of a viral infection, even in the absence of clinical signs, which highlights the need to explore and monitor potential animal reservoirs in their natural habitat.