Pathology of inclusion body hepatitis & hydro-pericardium syndrome (IBH-HPS) in broiler of Bangladesh

This study aimed to investigate the presence of Inclusion Body Hepatitis and Hydropericardium Syndrome (IBH-HPS) in broiler chickens using conventional diagnostic techniques. Between January and June 2024, samples were collected from 12 privately operated broiler farms located in Faridpur and Narsingdi districts of Bangladesh. A total of 600 birds were randomly selected for clinical observation. For histopathological analysis, organ samples were collected from 30 birds—20 of which exhibited clinical signs or were found dead, while the remaining 10 appeared clinically healthy. Gross pathological findings included pale, friable, and enlarged livers with focal to diffuse necrotic lesions, along with accumulation of straw-colored fluid in the pericardial sac. Microscopic examination of the liver revealed acute degeneration of hepatocytes, necrosis, infiltration by mononuclear cells, and the presence of basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. Cardiac tissues demonstrated myocardial edema and necrotic changes. The overall prevalence of IBH-HPS was recorded at 9.33%, with a significantly higher prevalence observed in Narsingdi (26.67%) compared to Faridpur (3.56%).