Characterization of a lentogenic Newcastle disease virus isolated from broiler chickens in Japan
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Updated: Oct 13, 2026
Optimization of Antigen Preparation for Hemagglutination Inhibition Assay of Newcastle Disease Virus Serology
Published on: January 24, 2025
Y Murakawa1, K Takase, K Sakamoto
1Department of Veterinary Hygiene, Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Gakuen-Kibanadai, Japan.
Abstract:
Newcastle disease virus (NDV), named MET95, was isolated from a non-vaccinated broiler flock in Japan in 1995. The MET95 strain was determined to be a lentogenic NDV. The strain has the properties of eluting rapidly at 4 C and has low thermostability in hemagglutinating activity with chicken erythrocytes. In these studies, no difference could be found between the MET95 strain and the Hitcher B1 vaccine strain. However, the chickens inoculated with the MET95 strain, as well as chickens that they were in contact with, had a much higher hemagglutination-inhibition antibody response than those inoculated with the B1 strain. Accordingly, the MET95 strain is thought to be a promising candidate as a live ND vaccine strain. In Japan, this is the first report on the isolation of lentogenic NDV from chickens since the paper on the Ishii strain isolated in 1966.
Insights
A new lentogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain, MET95, was isolated in Japan. MET95 shows potential as a live NDV vaccine due to its higher antibody response compared to the B1 vaccine strain.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Newcastle disease virus (NDV) poses a significant threat to poultry health worldwide.
- Lentogenic NDV strains are crucial for developing effective live vaccines.
- The MET95 strain was isolated from a broiler flock in Japan in 1995.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the MET95 strain of NDV.
- To evaluate the immunogenicity of the MET95 strain in chickens.
- To assess the potential of MET95 as a live ND vaccine candidate.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of NDV MET95 strain.
- Assessment of hemagglutinating activity and thermostability.
- Comparison of antibody response between MET95 and Hitcher B1 vaccine strain in chickens.
- Evaluation of contact-induced immunity.
Main Results:
- MET95 was identified as a lentogenic NDV strain with rapid elution at 4°C and low thermostability.
- No significant differences were observed between MET95 and the Hitcher B1 vaccine strain in basic properties.
- Chickens inoculated with MET95 exhibited a significantly higher hemagglutination-inhibition antibody response compared to those inoculated with B1.
- Contact chickens also showed a notable antibody response, suggesting potential for transmission.
Conclusions:
- The MET95 strain demonstrates promising immunogenicity, inducing a stronger antibody response than the B1 vaccine strain.
- MET95 is a viable candidate for a live Newcastle disease vaccine in Japan.
- This marks the first isolation of a lentogenic NDV in Japan since 1966, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance.
