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Comparison of two serotype 1 MDV isolates
A M Miles1, A S Anderson, E L Bernberg
1Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark 19717-1303, USA.
Abstract:
We compared the RB1B and T. King (TK) serotype 1 isolates of Marek's disease virus (MDV) in vivo. Body and organ weights, mortality, and lesions indicated that the TK inoculum established early infection more efficiently than RB1B and did greater damage to the bursa of Fabricius and thymus. Subsequent studies showed that the TK inoculum that we used contained chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV). Therefore, pathogenicity profiles shown here should be interpreted with the presence of CIAV contamination in the TK stock in mind.
Insights
Marek's disease virus (MDV) serotype 1 isolates were compared. The T. King (TK) isolate caused more damage, but was later found to be contaminated with chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV).
Area of Science:
- Poultry Virology
- Immunology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Marek's disease virus (MDV) causes significant economic losses in the poultry industry.
- Understanding the pathogenicity of different MDV serotypes and isolates is crucial for effective disease control.
- Previous comparisons of MDV isolates have not always accounted for potential co-infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vivo pathogenicity of two Marek's disease virus (MDV) serotype 1 isolates: RB1B and T. King (TK).
- To assess the impact of these isolates on host factors including body and organ weights, mortality, and lesion development.
- To identify potential confounding factors in MDV pathogenicity studies.
Main Methods:
- In vivo comparison of RB1B and T. King (TK) serotype 1 MDV isolates in chickens.
- Monitoring of body and organ weights, mortality rates, and gross pathological lesions.
- Subsequent analysis of the TK inoculum for the presence of other viral agents.
Main Results:
- The TK isolate demonstrated more efficient early infection establishment compared to the RB1B isolate.
- Greater damage to the bursa of Fabricius and thymus was observed with the TK inoculum.
- Post-study analysis revealed chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) contamination in the TK inoculum.
Conclusions:
- The observed pathogenicity profile of the TK isolate was influenced by co-infection with CIAV.
- Pathogenicity comparisons of MDV isolates require careful consideration of potential viral contamination.
- Future studies should ensure the purity of viral stocks for accurate pathogenicity assessments.
