Characteristics and analysis of electropherotypes of avian reovirus field isolates

Genomic segments of 10 selected isolates of avian reoviruses recovered from the intestine of birds affected with malabsorption syndrome or runting/stunting syndrome were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Different electropherotypes were observed and analysed, depending on the period of recovery and particular geographic locations. The analysis showed great variability in the dsRNA profiles of the isolates and higher mobility of the segments L1, S1, S2, S3 and S4. There was no correlation between electropherotype and geographic origin of the isolate. The analysis also showed the emergence of electropherotypically distinct strains since the introduction of modified live reovirus vaccines.