Genomic and antigenic characterization of avipoxviruses

A permanent cell line of avian origin, QT-35, was used for the propagation of avipoxvirus isolates, including juncopox, pigeon pox, and field and vaccine strains of fowlpox viruses. The genomes of these avipoxvirus isolates were compared by restriction enzyme analysis using BamHI and HindIII endonuclease digestion and subsequent agarose gel electrophoresis. The genetic profiles of the virus strains were very similar, with a high proportion of comigrating fragments, although most strains could still be distinguished; therefore, these avipoxviruses appear to be closely related. Similar results were obtained when the immunogenic proteins of 6 fowlpox virus strains were examined by immunoblotting. Although the majority of the antigens were common, the strains could be differentiated by unique proteins of differing electrophoretic mobilities.