Newcastle Disease virus Agent Information Sheet
Boston University
Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP)
617-358-7647
Agent
Newcastle Disease virus causes severe disease in poultry worldwide. It primarily affects the respiratory system of birds, but nervous system and enteric (or viscerotropic) forms occur. Newcastle Disease virus belongs to serotype 1 of the avian paramyxoviruses. Based on pathogenic studies Newcastle Disease virus is categorized into three groups: lentogenic (low virulence), mesogenic (moderate virulence) and velogenic (highly virulent) strains.
Disease/Infection
It primarily affects the respiratory system of birds, but nervous system and enteric (or viscerotropic) forms occur. In humans, Newcastle Disease virus causes mild fever and conjunctivitis.
Pathogenicity
- Special Populations at Risk
None
Biosafety Information
Risk Group/BSL
Risk Group 2
Biosafety level 2
Modes of Transmission
| Transmission | |
| Skin Exposure (Needlestick, animal bite, or scratch): | Direct skin contact with infected animals or Newcastle Disease virus or vector. |
| Mucous Membrane Exposure Splash to Eye(s), Nose or Mouth: | Yes, direct contact with Newcastle Disease virus, including through droplet |
| Inhalation: | Unlikely airborne transmission |
| Ingestion: | Unlikely |
Host Range/Reservoir
Shed in respiratory secretions and feces of birds.
Symptoms
In humans in the occupational setting, the most common infection is self-limited conjunctivitis with tearing and pain that may develop within hours. Headache and flu-like symptoms can occur.
Incubation Period
Incubation period is 24 hours following eye exposure.
Viability
Susceptible to 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde. Physically, heat-labile antigen destroyed at 60° C, heat-stable antigen withstands 100° C (both may be present in infected tissue).
Survival Outside Host
Virus is inactivated by heat and direct sunlight (30 minutes) but in non-laboratory environment, has been shown to remain 21 days in cool weather like poultry litter and sheds.
Information for Lab Workers
Laboratory PPE
Personal protective equipment includes but is not limited to gowns with tight wrists and ties in back, disposable gloves, combination safety glass and mask or a face shield. Facilities for washing and changing clothing after work should be available.
Containment
Research should be conducted using Biosafety Level 2 practices, equipment, and facility design. Gloves and gowns should be worn when handling infected laboratory animals and when there is the likelihood of direct skin contact with infectious materials. Animal studies may be performed at ABSL-3. BSL-2 practices, containment equipment, and facilities are recommended for activities using clinical materials and diagnostic quantities of infectious cultures.
In Case of Exposure/Disease
- For injuries in the lab which are major medical emergencies (heart attacks, seizures, etc…):
Medical Campus: call or have a coworker call the Control Center at 617-414–4144.
Charles River Campus: call or have a coworker call campus security at 617-353-2121. You will be referred to or transported to the appropriate health care location by the emergency response - For lab exposures (needle sticks, bite, cut, scratch, splash, etc…) involving animals or infectious agents, or for unexplained symptoms or illness call the ROHP 24/7 hour number (1-617-358-ROHP (7647); or, 8-ROHP (7647) if calling from an on-campus location) to be connected with the BU Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP) medical officer. ROHP will refer you to the appropriate health care location.
- Under any of these scenarios, always inform the physician of your work in the laboratory and the agent(s) that you work with.
- Provide the wallet-size agent ID card to the physician.
Vaccination
No vaccine available
Information for First Responders/Medical Personnel
Public Health Issues
No vaccine available for humans.
Diagnosis/Surveillance
Monitor for symptoms; confirmation by identification of conjunctivitis, isolation of virus, serology.
First Aid/Post Exposure Prophylaxis
Perform one of the following actions:
| Skin Exposure (Needlestick or scratch): | Immediately go to the sink and thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes. Decontaminate any exposed skin surfaces with an antiseptic scrub solution. |
| Mucous Membrane Splash to Eye(s), Nose or Mouth: | Exposure should be irrigated vigorously. |
| Splash Affecting Garments: | Remove garments that may have become soiled or contaminated and place them in a double red plastic bag. |
Treatment
Support treatment for viral conjunctivitis.
References
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) 5th Edition. US Government Printing Office, Washington, 2007.
Control of Communicable Diseases Manual. David L. Heymann. Washington DC, USA: American Public Health Association Press, 19th edition 2008
Ganar K, Das M, Sinha S, Kumar S. Newcastle disease virus: current status and our understanding. Virus Res. 2014 May 12;184:71-81..
Revised: 11/6/15