A possible association between plaque type and pathogenicity of Marek's disease herpesvirus

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09:28

Viral Concentration Determination Through Plaque Assays: Using Traditional and Novel Overlay Systems

Published on: November 4, 2014

B R Cho

    Avian Diseases
    |April 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDHV) isolants were classified by plaque type. Small-cell plaques correlated with virulent Marek's disease, while large-cell plaques indicated less severe infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Veterinary Virology
    • Avian Pathology
    • Herpesvirus Research

    Background:

    • Marek's disease is a significant lymphoproliferative disease in poultry.
    • Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDHV) is the causative agent.
    • Understanding MDHV pathogenicity is crucial for disease control.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDHV) plaque types and pathogenicity.
    • To differentiate MDHV isolants based on their in vitro plaque morphology and in vivo virulence.

    Main Methods:

    • Eighteen MDHV isolants were cultured in chicken embryo fibroblast cells.
    • Plaque morphology (small-cell vs. large-cell) was characterized for each isolant.
    • Pathogenicity was assessed by challenging a highly susceptible White Leghorn chicken line.

    Main Results:

    • Seven MDHV isolants produced small-cell (SC) plaques and caused clinical Marek's disease with high tumor incidence.
    • Eleven MDHV isolants produced large-cell (LC) plaques and resulted in subclinical infections with minimal lesions.
    • A strong correlation was observed between SC plaque formation and high pathogenicity.

    Conclusions:

    • Plaque typing of MDHV in cell culture can serve as a reliable indicator of pathogenicity.
    • SC plaque-forming MDHV isolants are associated with virulent disease, while LC plaque-forming isolants are less virulent.
    • This finding aids in the rapid assessment and differentiation of MDHV strains.

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