Isolation and characterization of an equine adenovirus
A A Ardans1, R F Pritchett, Y C Zee
1Departments of Clinical Sciences and Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616.
Abstract:
A viral agent was isolated from lung tissue obtained upon necropsy of an Arabian foal which had exhibited clinical signs of pneumonia. The virus is 75 nm in diameter, cubic in symmetry, and resistant to chloroform and low pH (3.0). It contains deoxyribonucleic acid and has a buoyant density of 1.31 g/cm(3) in cesium chloride. These findings indicate that the virus is a member of the adenovirus group.
Insights
Researchers identified an adenovirus in an Arabian foal with pneumonia. This equine adenovirus was characterized by its size, structure, and resistance to chemical and pH treatments, confirming its classification.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Equine Pathology
Background:
- Pneumonia is a significant respiratory disease in foals.
- Viral infections are a common cause of equine pneumonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the viral agent responsible for pneumonia in an Arabian foal.
- To determine the viral agent's classification.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy of affected foal and isolation of viral agent from lung tissue.
- Electron microscopy for size and symmetry determination.
- Biochemical assays including chloroform resistance, low pH stability, and buoyant density measurement.
Main Results:
- A viral agent was successfully isolated from the foal's lung tissue.
- The virus exhibited a diameter of 75 nm and cubic symmetry.
- The agent was resistant to chloroform and pH 3.0, contained deoxyribonucleic acid, and had a buoyant density of 1.31 g/cm(3).
Conclusions:
- The characterized viral agent belongs to the adenovirus group.
- This finding contributes to understanding viral causes of pneumonia in foals.
- Identifies a specific adenovirus strain relevant to equine respiratory disease.
