Antigenic and genotypical characterization of Newcastle disease viruses isolated in Taiwan between 1969 and 1996

Three major epidemics of Newcastle disease (ND) occurred in Taiwan over the past three decades (in 1969, 1984, and 1995). In order to gain a better understanding of the relationships between past ND epizootics in Taiwan, 36 ND viruses (NDVs) isolated between 1969 and 1996 were characterized antigenically and genotypically. The antigenicity of these viruses was analysed by their ability to cause binding of mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to cell cultures infected with the isolate. Using a panel of 22 mAbs to divide NDVs into subgroups, a total of 18 binding patterns were revealed. The sequences covering the cleavage site of the fusion protein gene of these isolates were also determined. The results of the phylogenetic analysis placed 36 NDVs into I, II, VIb, VIIa, VIII and two novel genotypes (provisionally termed X and VIh). The 1969 velogenic isolates were of genotypes X and VIh; the 1984-1985 velogenic isolates were genotyped VIb, VIh, VIIa, and X; while the 1995-1996 velogenic isolates were genotyped VIIa or VIII. Some 1969 and 1984 velogenic isolates were of the same mAbs binding pattern and genotype, and the mAbs binding patterns of the 1995-1996 isolates have not been seen before. It is concluded that velogenic NDVs of different genotype and antigenic type have co-circulated in Taiwan at least since 1969. Also there were epizootiological links between strains isolated in 1969 and 1984, whereas the 1995-1996 epidemic was caused by new antigenic variants.