Evaluation of an Ovine Testis Cell Line (OA3.Ts) for Propagation of Capripoxvirus Isolates and Development of an Immunostaining Technique for Viral Plaque Visualization

An ovine testis cell line (OA3.Ts) was evaluated and compared with primary lamb kidney (LK) cells for its utility in capripoxvirus propagation and titration. A comparison of OA3.Ts cell growth kinetics and morphology at low (<33) and high (34−36) passage levels indicated a difference in both characteristics. However, viral titers determined in low and high passage OA3.Ts cells were comparable with those obtained using LK cells. Capripoxvirus infection of OA3.Ts and LK cells resulted in a similar cytopathic effect, which allowed for the detection of discrete viral plaques following immunostaining with capripoxvirus-specific antiserum.

Comparative susceptibility among three stocks of yellow perch, Perca flavescens (Mitchill), to viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus strain IVb from the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes strain of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus IVb (VHSV-IVb) is capable of infecting a wide number of naive species and has been associated with large fish kills in the Midwestern United States since its discovery in 2005. The yellow perch, Perca flavescens (Mitchill), a freshwater species commonly found throughout inland waters of the United States and prized for its high value in sport and commercial fisheries, is a species documented in several fish kills affiliated with VHS. In the present study, differences in survival after infection with VHSV IVb were observed among juvenile fish from three yellow perch broodstocks that were originally derived from distinct wild populations, suggesting innate differences in susceptibility due to genetic variance. While all three stocks were susceptible upon waterborne exposure to VHS virus infection, fish derived from the Midwest (Lake Winnebago, WI) showed significantly lower cumulative % survival compared with two perch stocks derived from the East Coast (Perquimans River, NC and Choptank River, MD) of the United States. However, despite differences in apparent susceptibility, clinical signs did not vary between stocks and included moderate-to-severe haemorrhages at the pelvic and pectoral fin bases and exophthalmia. After the 28-day challenge was complete, VHS virus was analysed in subsets of whole fish that had either survived or succumbed to the infection using both plaque assay and quantitative PCR methodologies. A direct correlation was identified between the two methods, suggesting the potential for both methods to be used to detect virus in a research setting.

A previously unknown mechanism in viral pathogenesis leading to effective new vaccines and post-exposure immune treatments of viral infections

Investigations with the rabies virus identified a previously unknown mechanism of viral pathogenesis. After ultracentrifugation of a suspension of rabid dog brain and rabies vaccine strains, the supernatant was found to contain active components, as evaluated in an in vitro plaque test. The unexpected detection of active components in non-sedimented material prompted further research and the finding that these components, and not the complete virus, were responsible for paralysis and death. Vaccination of cattle with existing rabies vaccines showed that even low titres of antibodies against these components provided protection after challenge. In a control group of non-vaccinated cows, cows that had low titres of these antibodies survived rabies challenge. These low titres could not be detected with the usual serum neutralization test in mice but only with a plaque reduction test, which is more sensitive. A hyperimmune serum raised in rabbits against active components isolated from the brain of a rabid dog was injected intracerebrally into mice that had been previously injected intramuscularly with a rabies virus. This delayed post-exposure treatment was still effective against advanced rabies (virus already in the brain, but not yet paralytic symptoms). This promising finding makes the development of a new inactivated rabies vaccine possible and opens the way for post-exposure treatment for humans, particularly in developing countries where rabies is still a major problem. The role of these active components in other viral diseases, such as human immunodeficiency virus, should be investigated.

Ovine rotavirus strain LLR-85-based bovine rotavirus candidate vaccines: construction, characterization and immunogenicity evaluation

Group A bovine rotaviruses (BRVs) are the most important cause of diarrheal diseases in neonatal calves and cause significant morbidity and mortality in the young animals, and epidemiologic surveillance of bovine rotavirus G genotypes conducted in various cattle populations throughout the world has shown that approximately 90% of the bovine rotavirus isolates belong to G6 and G10. Based on the modified Jennerian approach to immunization, we constructed and characterized a reassortant rotavirus stain, which bears a single bovine rotavirus VP7 gene encoding G genotype 6 specificity while the remaining 10 genes are derived from the ovine attenuated rotavirus LLR-85. The reassortant rotavirus strain, named as R191, and its parental virus strain LLR-85 were combined as bivalent vaccine candidates to inoculate the colostrums-deprived neonatal calves for evaluation of the immunogenicity. The calves were orally inoculated with the reassortant R191 (group 1), the parental rotavirus LLR-85 (group 2), or combined the R191 and LLR-85 (group 3), and serum specimens were detected to determine the immune response of IgG and IgA antibodies. Results showed that seroconversion to positivity for IgG and IgA antibodies occurred at postinoculation day (PID) 10 in all of the inoculated calves, and the highest titers of the serum IgG (range 1:800 to 1:6400) and IgA (range 1:800 to 1:3200) antibodies were obtained at PID 21 for all calves. Meanwhile, virus shedding was detected after inoculation, showing that the inoculated virus was positive in 2 of 77 fecal specimens (2.6%) collected from the inoculated calves during the first 7 days of oral inoculation with the rotavirus vaccine candidates. The results suggested that the rotavirus strains R191 and LLR-85 are promising bivalent vaccine candidates for the prevention of bovine G6 and G10 rotavirus infection.

Effects of human recombinant alpha-2b interferon and feline recombinant omega interferon on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus-1

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (rHuIFN-alpha2b) and recombinant feline interferon omega (rFeIFN-omega) on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus (FHV)-1.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Cultures of Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells.

PROCEDURES

CRFK cells were treated with rFeIFN-omega or rHuIFN-alpha2b at concentrations ranging from 100 to 500,000 U/mL. Cultures were then inoculated with FHV-1. Constant concentrations of interferon products were maintained throughout the study. Reductions in the number and size of plaques were used as indicators of antiviral activity. Six plaque reduction assays were performed in duplicate. A 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to detect cytotoxic effects of interferon. A 1-way ANOVA and Dunnett test were used to determine significant differences.

RESULTS

Treatment with rFeIFN-omega at various concentrations resulted in significant reductions in the number of plaques (100,000 U/mL, 54.7%; and 500,000 U/mL, 59.8%) and in plaque size (100,000 U/mL, 47.5%; 250,000 U/mL, 81.0%; and 500,000 U/mL; 70.5%). Treatment with various concentrations of rHuIFN-alpha2b resulted in a significant reduction in plaque size (100,000 U/mL, 56.0%; 250,000 U/mL, 75.7%; and 500,000 U/mL, 69.0%). None of the tested concentrations of interferon caused significant cellular toxicosis.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

At some of the higher concentrations, the antiviral effect of rFeIFN-omega was greater than the antiviral effect of rHuIFN-alpha2b. Reduction in plaque size appeared to be a good indicator of the antiviral activity of interferon against FHV-1.

Biological characterization of bovine herpesvirus 1 recombinants possessing the vaccine glycoprotein E negative phenotype

Intramolecular recombination is a frequent event during the replication cycle of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1). Recombinant viruses frequently arise and survive in cattle after concomitant nasal infections with two BoHV-1 mutants. The consequences of this process, related to herpesvirus evolution, have to be assessed in the context of large use of live marker vaccines based on glycoprotein E (gE) gene deletion. In natural conditions, double nasal infections by vaccine and wild-type strains are likely to occur. This situation might generate virulent recombinant viruses inducing a serological response indistinguishable from the vaccine one. This question was addressed by generating in vitro BoHV-1 recombinants deleted in the gE gene from seven wild-type BoHV-1 strains and one mutant strain deleted in the genes encoding gC and gE. In vitro growth properties were assessed by virus production, one step growth kinetics and plaque size assay. Heterogeneity in the biological properties was shown among the investigated recombinant viruses. The results demonstrated that some recombinants, in spite of their gE minus phenotype, have biological characteristics close to wild-type BoHV-1.

Immunologic responses to West Nile virus in vaccinated and clinically affected horses

OBJECTIVE

To compare neutralizing antibody response between horses vaccinated against West Nile virus (WNV) and horses that survived naturally occurring infection.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

ANIMALS

187 horses vaccinated with a killed WNV vaccine and 37 horses with confirmed clinical WNV infection.

PROCEDURE

Serum was collected from vaccinated horses prior to and 4 to 6 weeks after completion of an initial vaccination series (2 doses) and 5 to 7 months later. Serum was collected from affected horses 4 to 6 weeks after laboratory diagnosis of infection and 5 to 7 months after the first sample was obtained. The IgM capture ELISA, plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), and microtiter virus neutralization test were used.

RESULTS

All affected horses had PRNT titers > or = 1:100 at 4 to 6 weeks after onset of disease, and 90% (18/20) maintained this titer for 5 to 7 months. After the second vaccination, 67% of vaccinated horses had PRNT titers > or = 1:100 and 14% had titers < 1:10. Five to 7 months later, 33% (28/84) of vaccinated horses had PRNT titers > or = 1:100, whereas 29% (24/84) had titers < 1:10. Vaccinated and clinically affected horses' end point titers had decreased by 5 to 7 months after vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A portion of horses vaccinated against WNV may respond poorly. Vaccination every 6 months may be indicated in certain horses and in areas of high vector activity. Other preventative methods such as mosquito control are warranted to prevent WNV infection in horses.

Induction of neutralizing antibodies in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) after administration of a killed West Nile virus vaccine

In 2002, West Nile virus (WNV) infection with clinical neurologic disease and encephalomyelitis was described in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). The susceptibility of reindeer to WNV prompted questions concerning vaccination of reindeer to prevent WNV infection. Between January and April 2003, eleven 2-4-yr-old, castrated male reindeer, some of which had antibody titers suggestive of prior exposure to WNV, were vaccinated three times at 4-wk intervals with a commercially available vaccine approved for use in horses. No adverse reactions to vaccination were noted. All vaccinated reindeer developed high neutralizing antibody titers to WNV, as determined by the plaque reduction neutralization test. Reindeer without antibody titers from previous natural exposure to WNV required a primary vaccination and one or two booster vaccinations for development of neutralizing antibody to WNV. Protective efficacy of vaccination was not evaluated. Vaccination of reindeer for WNV may be warranted in certain circumstances combined with management practices to limit exposure to potential vectors.

Wild rabies virus detection by plaque assay from naturally infected brains in different species

A simple, sensitive and specific plaque assay protocol for the detection of wild type rabies virus in different species is described using confluent monolayers of chicken embryo cells in 6-well plates. Plaques are produced after application of either agarose or Sephadex G-100 overlay onto cell monolayers and incubation for 96 h after virus infection at 37 degrees C. The parameters affecting plaque appearance include cell seeding concentration, overlay composition and time of incubation after infection. Optimal conditions are seeding at a concentration of 4 x 10(6) cell/cm(3), incubation at 37 degrees C in 5% CO(2) atmosphere during 96 h, using either 1% agarose or 2% Sephadex G-100 overlays. The described plaque assay would be a new valuable tool in conducting various quantitative investigations, since the chicken embryo cells are susceptible to rabies virus infection from all species studied.

The propagation of a porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in swine cell lines

A strain of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), P-5V, utilized as a live virus vaccine in Japan was infected to a swine cell lines, KSEK6 and IB-RS-2 cells. Clear CPE, characterized by cellular destruction, started to appear in the infected cells on 2-3 days post infection (DPI) and affected cells was completely degenerated on 4 DPI. The virus was serially passaged in the cells even without addition of trypsin. Small but clear plaques were formed under an agar overlay medium on the cells. The infective titer in the order of 10(7.00-7.50) TCID50 per ml was obtained at usual incubation temperature.

Growth and infectivity assays of the Israeli vaccine strain of fowl poxvirus in chicken embryo fibroblasts

The Israeli vaccine strain of fowl poxvirus grows efficiently in chicken embryo fibroblasts but not in cell lines derived from monkey kidney or human fibroblasts. We developed two assays for the titration of the infectivity of this virus in secondary cultures of chicken embryo fibroblasts. The first is a focus assay, in which minimum essential medium and SeaKem ME agarose were used for the overlay media. Under these conditions, clear virus foci appeared after 5 days of incubation at 37 C. The second assay is a semiautomatic colorimetric test based on the ability of live cells in culture to reduce the yellow tetrazolium salt 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT; thiazolyl blue) to its formazan derivative. The reagent was added to infected chicken embryo fibroblasts in 96-well plates 10 days after infection. The formazan formed during 2 hr was extracted with dimethyl sulfoxide, and its absorbance was read by an automatic microplate spectrophotometer. A good correlation of the infectivity titers of the virus was obtained by the two methods.

Targeted RNA recombination of the membrane and nucleocapsid protein genes between mouse hepatitis virus and bovine coronavirus

The targeted RNA recombination was attempted to substitute the membrane (M) protein gene and part of the nucleocapsid (N) protein gene of mouse hepatitis virus with the corresponding sequences from bovine coronavirus. Using a defective interfering (DI) RNA-like cDNA construct derived from pMH54, 690 nucleotides representing the entire M gene and the 5' most 915 nucleotides of the N gene of the mouse hepatitis virus Albany 4 mutant were attempted to be replaced. Upon infection of cells with Albany 4 followed by transfection with synthetic RNA transcribed from the DI-like cDNA construct, recombinant mouse hepatitis viruses as the large plaque forming phenotype were isolated by plaque assays at the non-permissive temperature of 391 degrees C. By RT-PCR and sequencing, those large plaque phenotypes were confirmed to have contained the thermostable phenotype marker derived from the transfected RNA, demonstrating that recombination occurred between the Albany 4 genomic RNA and the in vitro RNA transcripts. Further analysis of the recombinant viruses indicated that there combination had taken place within the region of 222 nucleotides between positions 916 and 1,137 of the N gene. This is the region immediately downstream of the replacement sequence and the start of the temperature resistant phenotype marker. The results suggest that the M and part of the N genes of bovine coronavirus may not be able to complement the function of those of mouse hepatitis virus. This study redirects our current approach of utilizing the MHV targeted RNA recombination as a means to study bovine coronavirus genetics towards the construction of an infectious cDNA clone.

Derivation and characterization of a live attenuated equine influenza vaccine virus

OBJECTIVE

To develop and characterize a cold-adapted live attenuated equine-2 influenza virus effective as an intranasal vaccine.

ANIMALS

8 ponies approximately 18 months of age.

PROCEDURES

A wild-type equine-2 virus, A/Equine/Kentucky/1/91 (H3N8), was serially passaged in embryonated chicken eggs at temperatures gradually reduced in a stepwise manner from 34 C to 30 C to 28 C to 26 C. At different passages, infected allantoic fluids were tested for the ability of progeny virus to replicate in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells at 34 C and 39.5 C. Virus clones that replicated at 26 C in eggs and at 34 C in MDCK cells, but not at 39.5 C in MDCK cells, were tested for stability of the cold-adapted, temperature-sensitive (ts), and protein synthesis phenotypes. A stable clone, P821, was evaluated for safety, ability to replicate, and immunogenicity after intranasal administration in ponies.

RESULTS

Randomly selected clones from the 49th passage were all ts with plaquing efficiencies of < 10(-6) (ratio of 39.5 C:34 C) and retained this phenotype after 5 serial passages at 34 C in either embryonated eggs or MDCK cells. The clone selected as the vaccine candidate (P821) had the desired degree of attenuation. Administered intranasally to seronegative ponies, the virus caused no adverse reactions or overt signs of clinical disease, replicated in the upper portion of the respiratory tract, and induced a strong serum antibody response.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A candidate live attenuated influenza vaccine virus was derived by cold-adaptation of a wild-type equine-2 influenza virus, A/Equine/Kentucky/1/91, in embryonated eggs.

Characterization of a virus obtained from snakeheads Ophicephalus striatus with epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) in the Philippines

This is the first report of the isolation and characterization of a fish virus from the Philippines. The virus was isolated using snakehead spleen cells (SHS) from severely lesioned epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS)-affected snakehead Ophicephalus striatus from Laguna de Bay, in January 1991. The virus induced cytopathic effects (CPE) in SHS cells yielding a titer of 3.02 x 10(6) TCID50 ml(-1) at 25 degrees C within 2 to 3 d. Other susceptible cell lines included bluegill fry (BF-2), catfish spleen (CFS) and channel catfish ovary (CCO) cells. Replication in chinook salmon embryo cells (CHSE-214) was minimal while Epithelioma papulosum cyprini cells (EPC) and rainbow trout gonad cells (RTG-2) were refractory. Temperatures of 15 to 25 degrees C were optimum for virus replication but the virus did not replicate at 37 degrees C. The virus can be stored at -10 and 8 degrees C for 30 and 10 d, respectively, without significant loss of infectivity. Viral replication was logarithmic with a 2 h lag phase; viral assembly in the host cells occurred in 4 h and release of virus occurred 8 h after viral infection. A 1-log difference in TCID50 titer between the cell-free virus and the total virus was noted. Freezing and thawing the virus caused a half-log drop in titer. Viral exposure to chloroform or heating to 56 degrees C for 30 min inactivated the virus. Exposure to pH 3 medium for 30 min resulted in a more than 100-fold loss of viral infectivity. The 5-iododeoxyuridine (IUdR) did not affect virus replication, indicating a RNA genome. Neutralization tests using the Philippine virus, the ulcerative disease rhabdovirus (UDRV) and the infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) polyvalent antisera showed slight cross-reaction between the Philippine virus antiserum and UDRV but established no serological relationship with SHRV and IHN virus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of SHS cells infected with the virus showed virus particles with typical bullet morphology and an estimated size of 65 x 175 nm. The Philippine virus was therefore a rhabdovirus, but the present study did not establish its role in the epizootiology of EUS.

Epizootiology of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus in Pacific herring from the spawn-on-kelp fishery in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA

Both the prevalence and tissue titer of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) increased in Pacific herring Clupea pallasi following their introduction into net pens (pounds) used in the closed pound spawn-on-kelp (SOK) fishery in Prince William Sound, Alaska. VHSV was also found in water samples from inside and outside the SOK pounds after herring had been confined for several days; however, water samples taken near wild free-ranging, spawning herring either failed to test positive or tested weakly positive for virus. Little or no virus was found in tissue samples from free-ranging, spawning herring captured from the vicinity of the pounds, nor did the prevalence of VHSV increase following spawning as it did in impounded herring. The data indicated that increased prevalences of VHSV were correlated with confinement of herring for the closed pound SOK fishery and that infection was spread within the pounds through waterborne exposure to virus particles originating from impounded fish. In addition, pounds containing predominantly young fish had higher prevalences of VHSV, suggesting that older fish may be partially immune, perhaps as a result of previous infection with the virus. Operation of SOK pounds during spawning seasons in which young herring predominate may amplify the disease and possibly exacerbate the population fluctuations observed in wild herring stocks.

Protective effects of bacteriophage on experimental Lactococcus garvieae infection in yellowtail

The present study describes the in vitro and in vivo survival of Lactococcus garvieae bacteriophages and the potential of the phage for controlling experimental L. garvieae infection in yellowtail. Anti-L. garvieae phages persisted well in various physicochemical (water temperature, salinity, pH) and biological (feed, serum and alimentary tract extracts of yellowtail) conditions, except for low acidity. In the in vivo, the phage PLgY-16 was detected in the spleens of yellowtail until 24 h after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, or the phage was recovered from the intestine of yellowtail 3 h after the oral administration of phage-impregnated feed but undetectable 10 h later. Simultaneous administration of live L. garvieae and phage enhanced recovery of the phage from the spleen or intestine. The survival rate was much higher in yellowtail that received i.p. injection of the phage after i.p. challenge with L. garvieae, compared with that of control fish without phage injection. When fish were i.p. injected with phage at different hours after L. garvieae challenge, higher protective effects were demonstrated in fish that received phage treatment at the earlier time. Protection was also obtained in yellowtail receiving phage-impregnated feed, in which fish were challenged by an anal intubation with L. garvieae. Anal-intubated L. garvieae were detected constantly in the spleens of the control fish, while they were detected sporadically and disappeared from the phage-treated fish 48 h later. On the other hand, orally administered phage was detected at high plaque-forming units from the intestines and spleens of the phage-treated fish until 48 h later. These results indicate that intraperitoneally or orally administered anti-L. garvieae phage prevented fish from experimental L. garvieae infection, suggesting potential use of the phage for controlling the disease.

Limited potential for mosquito transmission of genetically engineered, live-attenuated Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus vaccine candidates

In an attempt to improve the current live-attenuated vaccine (TC-83) for Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE), specific mutations associated with attenuation of VEE virus in rodent models were identified. These mutations were inserted into full-length cDNA clones of the Trinidad donkey strain of VEE virus by site-directed mutagenesis, and isogenic virus strains with these mutations were recovered after transfection of baby hamster kidney cells with infectious RNA. We evaluated 10 of these strains for their ability to replicate in and be transmitted by Aedes taeniorhynchus, a natural vector of epizootic VEE virus. Two vaccine candidates, one containing a deletion of the PE2 furin cleavage site, the other a combination of three separate point mutations in the E2 glycoprotein, replicated in mosquitoes and were transmitted to hamsters significantly less efficiently than was either parental (wild type) VEE virus or TC-83 virus. Although the attenuated strains were transmitted to hamsters by mosquitoes, after intrathoracic inoculation, there was no evidence of reversion to a virulent phenotype. The mutations that resulted in less efficient replication in, or transmission by, mosquitoes should enhance vaccine safety and reduce the possibility of environmental spread to unintentional hosts.

Immunogenicity of a recombinant infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus glycoprotein produced in insect cells

A recombinant infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) glycoprotein (G protein), produced in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells following infection with a baculovirus vector containing the full-length (1.6 kb) glycoprotein gene, provided very limited protection in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss challenged with IHNV. Fish were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with Sf9 cells grown at 20 degrees C (RecGlow) or 27 degrees C (RecGhigh) expressing the glycoprotein gene. Various antigen (Ag) preparations were administered to adult rainbow trout or rainbow trout fry. Sera collected from adult fish were evaluated for IHNV neutralization activity by a complement-dependent neutralization assay. Anti-IHNV neutralizing activity was observed in sera, but the percent of fish responding was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in comparison to fish immunized with a low virulence strain of IHNV (LV-IHNV). A small number of fish immunized with RecGlow or RecGhigh possessed IHNV G protein specific antibodies (Abs) in their serum. Cumulative mortality (CM) of rainbow trout fry (mean weight, 1 g) vaccinated by i.p. injection of freeze/thawed Sf9 cells producing RecGlow was 18% in initial trials following IHNV challenge. This level of protection was significant (p < 0.05) but was not long lasting, and neutralizing Abs were not detected in pooled serum samples. When trout fry (mean weight, 0.6 g) were vaccinated with supernatant collected from sonicated Sf9 cells, Sf9 cells producing RecGlow, or Sf9 cells producing RecGhigh, CM averaged 46%. Protection was enhanced over negative controls, but not the positive controls (2% CM), suggesting that in the first trial soluble cellular proteins may have provided some level of non-specific protection, regardless of recombinant protein expression. Although some immunity was elicited in fish, and RecGlow provided short-term protection from IHNV, Ab-mediated protection could not be demonstrated. The results suggest that recombinant G proteins produced in insect cells lack the immunogenicity associated with vaccination of fish with an attenuated strain of IHNV.

Eastern equine encephalitis virus in birds: relative competence of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)

To determine whether eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus infection in starlings may be more fulminant than in various native candidate reservoir birds, we compared their respective intensities and durations of viremia. Viremias are more intense and longer lasting in starlings than in robins and other birds. Starlings frequently die as their viremia begins to wane; other birds generally survive. Various Aedes as well as Culiseta melanura mosquitoes can acquire EEE viral infection from infected starlings under laboratory conditions. The reservoir competence of a bird is described as the product of infectiousness (proportion of feeding mosquitoes that become infected) and the duration of infectious viremia. Although starlings are not originally native where EEE is enzootic, a starling can infect about three times as many mosquitoes as can a robin.

(E)-5-(2'-bromovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine inhibition of macropodid herpesvirus 1 in vitro

Herpesviruses have caused the death of kangaroos and wallabies in European and North American zoos. Eight antiherpetic purine or pyrmidine nucleoside compounds were tested in plaque reduction neutralization tests for in vitro inhibition of macropodid herpesvirus 1, a virus that has been associated with illness in captive macropods in Australia. The virus was most susceptible to inhibition by (E)-5-(2'-bromovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine (BVDU) and 5'-iodo-2'-deoxycytidine. Because BVDU effectively inhibits macropodid herpesvirus 2 in vitro, it may be the drug of choice for experimental therapy in herpesvirus infections in captive macropodids.

Effect of heparin on infection of cells by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether heparin has any effect on the growth of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).

SAMPLE POPULATION

2 isolates of PRRSV, and as control viruses, 1 isolate of pseudorabies virus (PRV) and 1 isolate of parainfluenza 3 virus (PIV-3).

PROCEDURES

Plaque assays, using a continuous cell line (MARC-145) derived from African green monkey kidney cell line (MA104), were performed for determination of inhibitory effect of heparin on PRRSV, PRV, and PIV-3. The effect of various doses of heparin and heparinase on the growth of PRRSV, PRV, and PIV-3 was evaluated and compared. In each experiment, value were expressed as the mean value for duplicate samples.

RESULTS

The number of plaques formed by PRRSV and PRV was reduced to 24 to 25 and 15% of the untreated control (100%), respectively, by 1 U of heparin/ml, but could not be reduced below 6 to 7 and 3%, respectively, by use of concentrations up to 50 U/ml. An inhibitory effect of heparin, at a concentration up to 50 U/ml, was not observed on PIV-3. Delaying addition of heparin for 30 minutes after the addition of PRRSV and PRV reduced plaque formation by 48 to 51 and 68%, respectively, compared with 91 to 92 and 95%, respectively, if heparin was added at the time of infection. In addition, most PRRSV added was retained by heparin beads, as was PRV. Heparinase treatment of MARC-145 cells reduced the number of PRRSV-, as well as PRV-induced plaques. On the other hand, the number of PIV-3-induced plaques did not decrease after treatment of MARC-145 cells with heparinase.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of heparin to PRRSV or to the MARC-145 cells before virus inoculation and treatment of the cells with heparinase prevented the virus from infecting the cells.

Antigenic and plaque variations of serotype II feline infectious peritonitis coronaviruses

Three feline coronavirus (FCoV) isolates KUK-H, M91-266, and M91-267 were examined to elucidate their biological and antigenic properties as well as disease potential in cats. Immune stainings of virus-infected cells by using FCoV type-specific monoclonal antibodies indicated that their antigenic specificity was serotype II. However, antigenic variations among these serotype II FCoVs were detected by neutralization assay with hyperimmune antisera against FCoVs and canine coronaviruses, and with experimentally infected cat sera; there were two subtypes in serotype II FCoVs. The isolates efficiently grew in fcwf-4 cell culture showing lytic CPE enough to form distinct plaques: when measured 48 hr after infection, plaque sizes of both M91-266 and M91-267 were approximately 1 mm in diameter, and a mixture of small (less than 1 mm in diameter) and large (approximately 3 mm in diameter) plaques were produced in the case of KUK-H. Strains KUK-H, M91-266 and M91-267 produced feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in 50%, 67% and 89% of experimentally inoculated kittens, respectively. Furthermore, 80% of the kittens inoculated with the small plaque former of KUK-H developed FIP accompanied by more prominent clinical signs as well as pathological changes when compared with 28.6% of kittens inoculated with the large plaque former. These results suggest that serotype II FIPVs producing smaller size of plaques are more virulent than those producing larger size of plaques.

Antigenicity, pathogenicity, and immunogenicity of small and large plaque infectious bursal disease virus clones

A serotype 1 variant strain of infectious bursal disease virus designated IN was passaged 40 times in BGM-70 cell line. A small plaque (SP) clone and a large plaque (LP) clone were then isolated and plaque purified four times. The SP and LP viruses formed circular plaques about 0.5 mm and 6.0 mm in diameter, respectively. Both clones lost their pathogenicity for specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens and did not elicit significant levels of virus-neutralizing antibody titers. However, the SP and LP clones maintained their immunogenicity when used as inactivated vaccines in SPF chickens. The restriction enzyme profiles of both clones were similar. Back passage of the SP and LP clones in SPF chickens resulted in loss of their phenotypic characteristics.

Sensitive plaque assay and propagation of Chuzan (Kasba) virus, a Palyam serogroup orbivirus, in BHK-21 cells

Various factors influencing plaque formation of Chuzan virus in BHK-21 cell monolayers were studied and a practical method for plaque assay was developed. On addition of trypsin (5 micrograms/ml) and/or diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-dextran (50 micrograms/ml) to the virus diluent as the virus adsorption medium and agar overlay medium, the number of plaques increased. When 100 micrograms/ ml DEAE-dextran was added to the diluent and overlay medium, plaques were produced in about 10-fold higher numbers than without trypsin and DEAE-dextran. Based on these results, a practical plaque assay method for Chuzan virus was established. Using this method, one-step growth of Chuzan virus was performed at an input multiplicity of 25 plaque-forming units (PFU) per cell. Cytopathic effects were first observed at 7.5 h post-inoculation (p.i.), and were complete at 12 h p.i. The titre of cell-associated virus, after gradual decline during the first 3 h of incubation, showed a rise within 4.5 h p.i. and a rise to a plateau of 10(6.3)PFU/0.2 ml at 12 h p.i. By indirect immunofluorescence, virus-specific antigen was detected in the cytoplasm of the cells at 4.5 h p.i., and all the cells fluoresced at 6 h p.i. Haemagglutination activity was first detected in infected whole cultures at 7.5 h p.i. reaching a plateau of 1:64 at 15 h p.i. Plaque formation and haemagglutination by the virus were specifically inhibited by antisera against the original and the plaque-cloned virus.

Pathogenicity studies of an Arkansas variant infectious bursal disease virus

A variant infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), IBDV-s977, was blind passaged in cell culture, plaque purified, and attenuated by serial passage at a high multiplicity of infection (MOI) in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF). Cell culture passages of virus caused less bursal atrophy and splenomegaly than did the original isolate and retained immunogenicity; however, virus tended to persist for a longer time in the bursa and spleen of birds infected with the highest CEF passages. Antibody to both low MOI and high MOI passages of IBDV-s977 poorly neutralized virus that was isolated from bursal tissue 28 days postinfection (PI). The spleens of chickens infected with the eighteenth CEF passage were negative for virus at 3 and 7 days PI but had high titers of virus at 14 and 28 days PI. There was also more virus in the bursa of birds infected with the fifteenth and eighteenth CEF passages at 28 days PI than at 7 or 14 days PI. Defective interference (DI) was demonstrated when cell cultures were coinfected with a constant amount of low MOI virus and serial dilutions of high MOI virus. There was an increase in interference score with increased passage number in CEF, and there was more interference in virus passaged at a high MOI. There was an inverse relationship between interference score and bursal lesion score and splenomegaly at 7 days PI, indicating that DI particles may be involved in virus attenuation. There was a positive relationship between interference and viral persistence in the bursa and spleen at 28 days PI. Antiserum to s977 was shown to enhance the nonlytic replication of s977 in CEF, presumably within macrophages, providing a possible mechanism for the pathotypic variation seen in emerging strains of IBDV.

Comparative effects of bluetongue virus infection of ovine and bovine endothelial cells

Bluetongue virus (BTV) infection results in disparate clinical syndromes among ruminant species. An in vitro model system of BTV/target cell interaction was developed using umbilical vein endothelial cells (EC)from fetal lambs and calves. These cells had microscopic, ultrastructural, and immunocytochemical features typical of EC. BTV infection in these cells was examined using virus binding assays, plaque assays, a whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, electron microscopy, and a bioassay for interferon activity. EC from both species supported cytopathic BTV infections. Ovine EC bound more BTV initially and produced more virus over time, whereas bovine EC underwent more rapid lysis subsequent to infection. An ultrastructural comparison of BTV-infected ovine and bovine EC, grown as differentiated capillary-like cords on a laminin-rich matrix or as monolayers, revealed no significant interspecies differences in viral morphogenesis between 1 minute and 24 hours after infection. The intracellular distribution of BTV nonstructural protein 1, which localized to virus inclusion bodies and tubules, was identical for ovine and bovine endothelial cells. Ovine and bovine EC produced a soluble mediator of interferon activity in response to BTV infection; however, ovine EC produced higher levels of interferon activity at lower levels of infection. These findings indicate differences in BTV-EC interaction that may contribute to the pathogenesis of the severe inflammatory disease that is characteristic of clinical bluetongue disease in sheep.

Characterization of DBT cell clones derived from cells persistently infected with the JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus

Twelve clones derived from the cells persistently infected with the JHM strain (JHMV) of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) were established from mouse astrocytoma-derived DBT cells and characterized. All the cell clones were resistant to superinfection with MHV. Only one of the persistently infected cell clone synthesized viral RNA and proteins and produced virus particles. Viral RNA was detectable in some other cell clones without production of viral protein nor the virus. No cell clones exhibited contact fusion activity. The results suggested that such variety of cell clones might have resulted from persistent infection with JHMV.

Prevalence of hemagglutination-inhibition and neutralizing antibodies to arboviruses in horses of java

A study was conducted to measure the prevalence of hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and neutralizing antibodies against two arboviruses (Chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis virus) in horses of Java, Indonesia. Blood specimens were collected from a sample of 112 horses at two stables: Pulo Mas, a racing track-horse complex, located in a residential area in North Jakarta, and Pamulang, a riding school, located in a rural environment of West Jaya. Sera were tested by the HI assay and plaque reduction neutralization test. JEV antibodies were detected by HI in 58 (52%) of the horses, while only 11 (10%) had Chikungunya antibodies by HI. The proportion of Pamulang horses infected with JEV (66%) was significantly higher than found among Pulo Mas horses (40%) screened (p < 0.01). Of the 58 horses with JEV antibodies by HI, 52 (90%) were found to have specific neutralization antibodies to JEV. HI and neutralization tests on horse sera indicated that the risk to alpha virus infections was minimal in horses surveyed from Java. However, there was a high risk of JEV infection among the same population.

Isolation, identification, and plaque titration of parvovirus from Muscovy ducks in Japan

Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) showed abnormal feathering, leg weakness, and high mortality. A virus was isolated from these ducks after several blind passages in embryonating Muscovy duck eggs. The isolate was resistant to chloroform, to pH 3.2, and to 65 C for 30 min. Electron microscopy showed that the isolate was an icosahedral and nonenveloped virus 20-22 nm in diameter. The isolate reacted with an antiserum against a goose parvovirus in agar gel precipitation tests. After 15 passages of the isolate in embryonating eggs, the isolate was adapted to Muscovy duck embryo fibroblasts. The adapted virus developed cytopathic effects and made clear plaques on sheets of the fibroblasts. When 5-iodo-2-deoxyuridine was added to the culture medium, virus growth was inhibited. From the data shown above, the isolate was identified as a goose parvovirus.

Partial inhibition by turkey herpesvirus of serotype 2 Marek's disease virus plaque formation and in vivo infectivity

The increased use of serotype 2 Marek's disease virus (MDV) and serotype 3 turkey herpesvirus (HVT) as components of effective bivalent vaccines against Marek's disease (MD) prompted studies on the possible interactions of these two viruses in vitro and in vivo. The replication of the SB-1 strain of MDV was compared with replication of the FC126/2 strain of HVT in chickens and cell cultures infected with one or both viruses. Replication of MDV was reduced in the presence of HVT in both in vitro and in vivo systems. MDV plaque counts in dually infected chicken embryo fibroblast cultures inoculated with tissue-culture-propagated viruses were reduced by up to 91%; however, no inhibition was noted when inocula consisted of virus-infected buffy-coat cells. Plaque formation by MDV in chicken embryo fibroblast cultures was inhibited by virus-free conditioned medium from HVT-infected cultures. This conditioned medium also inhibited growth of vesicular stomatitis virus in a standard interferon assay. In chickens inoculated with both MDV and HVT, MDV viremia titers were lower and the dose required to infect 50% of susceptible chickens was increased 13-fold compared with chickens inoculated with MDV alone. In spite of these findings, there was no evidence that high concentrations of HVT interfered with either the ability of MDV to induce protective synergism in vivo or the protective efficacy of bivalent vaccines. No reciprocal inhibitory effects of MDV on the replication of HVT in vivo or in vitro were noted.

Isolation of different non-cytopathogenic bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) viruses from cytopathogenic BVD virus stocks using reverse plaque formation method

Non-cytopathogenic (NCP) bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) viruses were isolated from three cytopathogenic (CP) BVD virus stocks using the reverse plaque formation method, which was based on intrinsic interference. By means of an exaltation of Newcastle disease virus (END) test, these NCP BVD viruses were divided into two groups; END phenomenon positive (END+) and END phenomenon negative (END-) viruses. Additionally, the END+ NCP BVD viruses interfered only with CP BVD virus whereas the END- NCP BVD viruses interfered with vesicular stomatitis virus as well as CP BVD virus. Differences in antigenicity existed among the three CP strains, however, each group of parent CP BVD virus and derivative NCP BVD virus was antigenically indistinguishable.

An immunoplaque assay distinguishing between cytopathogenic and noncytopathogenic biotypes of bovine viral diarrhoea virus

Cytopathogenic (cp) and noncytopathogenic (ncp) biotypes of bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) could be clearly distinguished by hollow plaques with peripheral immunostaining in infected fetal calf kidney (FCK) monolayers cultures or the appearance of homogenously stained immunoplaques (IPs), respectively. Of 70 BVDV isolates formerly classified as cytopathogenic according to microscopic observations in FCK cell cultures, 46 produced IPs of both types while the remaining 24 isolates induced only the IP type characteristic of the ncp BVDV biotype. The same was true for 24 additional isolates classified by light microscopy as ncp after ten blind passages in FCK cell cultures. Thus it appeared that in 1/3 of the cases changes in FCK cell cultures had been formerly misinterpreted as BVDV induced cytopathic effects (CPE). Of the 46 isolates which produced both ncp and cp immunoplaques 5 BVDV isolates were selected and successfully subjected to cloning. Clones of the cp biotype were developed by picking native plaques from unfixed FCK cell monolayers. In case of ncp IP, cloning was attempted by picking randomly in the spaces between visible native plaques. Pairs of clones from each of the field isolates proved to consist of pure plaque populations of cp BVDV and ncp BVDV biotypes, respectively, at the dilution of viral suspension which allowed the classification of a single IP according to morphology. Analysis of the clones using 15 monoclonal antibodies against the major viral glycoprotein revealed far-reaching antigenic homogeneity for each pair with only few but distinct exceptions.

Re-evaluation of the pathogenicity of A/chicken/Alabama/75 (H4N8) influenza virus

Avian influenza (AI) virus A/chicken/Alabama/7395/75 (H4N8), a putatively non-pathogenic virus associated with a self-limiting outbreak of severe disease in commercial layers, was selectively passed in chickens or in cell cultures and then in chickens to determine whether virus with increased pathogenicity would emerge. When 20 derivatives of the parental virus were each inoculated intranasally and intratracheally in leghorn hens, mortality rates ranged from zero (0/24) to 25% (6/24); mortality was 4% (1/24) for hens inoculated with the parental virus. Many virus reisolates (51/144) from hens that died exhibited high pathogenicity, killing at least six of eight intravenously inoculated 4-week-old chickens. Most derivatives examined produced plaques in trypsin-free cell cultures more efficiently than the parental virus, but the highest plaquing efficiencies observed (10%) were lower than would be expected (100%) for highly pathogenic subtype H5 or H7 AI viruses. These results confirm that the Alabama H4N8 virus can acquire increased pathogenicity upon passage in chickens and suggest that it may have acted alone in producing the severe disease observed in laying chickens in Alabama.

A trial of molecular epidemiology using bovine enteroviruses isolated monthly from cattle

Enteroviruses were isolated monthly for one year from feces in the intestine of 47 cattle. Judging from the isolation panel, it was suggested that endemic infection occurs. Genetic changes of isolated enteroviruses were traced using RNase T1 oligonucleotide fingerprint analysis and nonparametric distance scaling. Using some characteristics transitions of fingerprint patterns we could also trace some strains. These analyses suggested that in some strains drastic genetic changes may occur, which coincide with additional infections transmitted from other cows. Furthermore, it was indicated that the genetic changes of viruses isolated from cow R13 were not very drastic, but genetic changes were drastic for viruses isolated from cow R19. Overall, we could never observe the same fingerprint pattern using RNase T1. This study suggests that genetic changes tend to accumulate as time elapses, and at the same time, infection decreases.

Replication and plaque formation of swine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (67N) in swine cell line, SK-K culture

Swine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (HEV), 67N strain, adapted to suckling mouse brain, grew readily in a porcine cell line, SK-K cell culture with cytopathic effect (CPE) consisting of syncytium formation and detachment of fused cells and round cells from glass surface. After further passages in SK-K cell monolayers with undiluted culture fluid, CPE developed earlier and became complete within 48 h postinoculation (p.i.). Viral specific antigen was detected in the cytoplasm of the infected SK-K cells by indirect immunofluorescence using rabbit antiserum against the mouse-passaged virus. The SK-K-passaged virus as well as the original mouse-passaged virus formed clear plaques on SK-K cell monolayers under simple overlay medium. The plaque assay system for HEV 67N was established by studying various factors influencing the plaque formation in the SK-K cell cultures. By this system more than 10(6) PFU/0.2 ml of the virus yield was detected in the fluid phase of the infected cultures at 48 h p.i. The SK-K-passaged virus caused fatal infection in 4-week-old mice by intracerebral inoculation, but was inhibited by rabbit antiserum against the mouse-passaged virus. Plaque formation and hemagglutinating activity of the virus were specifically inhibited by antisera against the mouse-passaged and SK-K-passaged 67N virus.

Comparative study of bovine rotavirus isolates by plaque assay

Rotaviruses were isolated on BSC-1 cells from counterimmunoelectrophoresis and/or electron microscopy positive intestinal contents from two asymptomatic and six diarrheic calves from Quebec. The plaque assay was performed using these lines and agar overlay medium containing trypsin and DEAE-dextran. This assay was used to compare the Quebec isolates to an attenuated American strain (NCDV) and another strain (TH) obtained from France. The NCDV strain produced plaques that were significantly larger than those produced by the TH strain. Three Quebec isolates produced plaques similar in size to TH strain, one isolate was similar to NCDV strain and another isolate produced larger plaques than those of both NCDV and TH strains. The other isolates induced the production of plaques that were not significantly different from those of NCDV or TH strains.

The neutralizing peroxidase-linked assay for detection of antibody against swine fever virus

The neutralizing peroxidase-linked antibody ( NPLA ) assay was standardized and compared with the micro-plaque reduction test (PRT) on series of sera from pigs infected with different strains of swine fever virus (SFV) and bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV), swine fever reference sera and field sera. The NPLA system was found to be as sensitive as the PRT, it detected SFV antibody in 17 out of 18 pigs 3 weeks after intranasal exposure and differentiated between antibody against SFV and BVDV. With varying concentrations of SFV parallel lines of neutralization with a slope of about 120 degrees were obtained with sera of different origin. The regression coefficient of approximately -1.74 implies that a 10-fold increase in the virus dose will result in an approximate 3.8-fold decrease in the serum titre. The NPLA assay has a high capacity and has been found to be a great asset in large scale surveys for detection of neutralizing antibody against SFV.

Inducement of cytopathic changes and plaque formation by porcine haemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus

ESK cells were shown to be a good medium for propagating the 67N strain of porcine haemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus, although no cytopathic effect was observed. The virus induced a readily recognizable cytopathic effect in ESK cells, when a noncytotoxic amount of diethylaminoethyl-dextran (DEAE-dextran) was incorporated in the culture medium. Based on this finding, a sensitive, practical assay method for the virus was developed. When DEAE-dextran was incorporated in the agar overlay medium, 67N virus formed plaques in ESK cell monolayers. The cytopathic effect as well as the plaque formation were specifically inhibited by antisera against the virus. Neutralization tests were developed on the basis of these findings. Neutralization and haemagglutination-inhibition tests on swine serum samples indicated a wide dissemination of haemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus or antigenically-related viruses in Japanese pigs.

Plaque assay of bovine rotavirus

Incorporation of trypsin and diethylaminoethyl-dextran in the overlay was found to be necessary for infectivity assay of the UK strain of bovine rotavirus by plaque assays. Small plaques of about 1 mm in radius were formed in BGM cells. Large plaques of about 3–4 mm in radius were consistently produced in monolayers of secondary calf kidney cultures.

Dose-dependent inhibition of virus rescue from lymphocytes latently infected with turkey herpesvirus or Marek's disease virus

The number of plaque-forming units (PFU) of turkey herpesvirus (HVT) isolated per 10(6) latently infected splenic lymphocytes was determined by co-cultivation on permissive monolayer cultures in 35-mm-diameter Petri dishes. Doses of 1 x 10(6) spleen cells or less per culture gave uniform dose-related titers, whereas doses of 8 x 10(6) cells often yielded less than 1-2% of the expected number of PFU. Intermediate doses gave proportionally reduced virus yields. This dose-dependent inhibition was observed with spleen cells from birds within a week after infection and became more marked with time. A similar phenomenon occurred with a non-oncogenic Marek's disease virus (MDV) isolate (SB-1) but not with oncogenic MDV isolates (CU-2, JM-10, GA-5), except in genetically resistant birds. High numbers of uninfected spleen cells mixed with low numbers of HVT-infected cells during assay reduced titers only slightly. Immunosuppression by combined neonatal thymectomy and cyclophosphamide treatment before HVT infection prevented the inhibition, but embryonal bursectomy had no effect.

In vitro evaluation of B-lymphocyte function in turkeys infected with hemorrhagic enteritis virus

Studies were conducted on B-lymphocyte function in turkeys infected with hemorrhagic enteritis (HE) virus. Hemolytic plaque-forming technique was used to detect antibody-forming cells in turkeys. The plaque-forming cell responses in HE virus-infected and noninfected controls were compared. Results of this study indicated a decreased capability of HE virus-infected turkeys to produce antibodies to sheep RBC. The greatest inhibition of antibody-forming cell production was seen in the turkeys 19 days after exposure to the virus. However, after this period, the turkeys gradually recovered their immunocompetence to sheep RBC.

A plaque assay for duck plague virus

A plaque assay for duck plague virus was developed for a chicken embryo-adapted virus and a duck lethal virus and used to determine the identity of these viruses. Using the plaque inhibition neutralization test, duck plague virus was differentiated from Newcastle disease, fowl plague, and duck hepatitis viruses. The plaque morphology is described.