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Characterization of a virus associated with turkey rhinotracheitis
1Poultry Department, Central Veterinary Laboratory, New Haw, Weybridge, Surrey, U.K.
Abstract:
A virus associated with turkey rhinotracheitis was purified and its morphology and structural polypeptides were compared with those of the bovine, human and murine members of the genus Pneumovirus. The isolate possessed surface projections 13 to 14 nm in length and a helical nucleocapsid 14 nm in diameter with a pitch of 7 nm. Approximately seven presumed viral polypeptides were observed. Their apparent molecular weights were 200 x 10(3) (200K), 84K, 54K, 42K, 37K, 31K and 14K; two of these, the 84K and 54K polypeptides, were glycosylated. The virus was shown to possess many features that were similar to established pneumoviruses and can therefore be regarded as a possible member of this genus.
Insights
A novel virus causing turkey rhinotracheitis was identified and characterized. Morphological and structural analyses suggest it is a potential new member of the Pneumovirus genus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Turkey rhinotracheitis is a significant respiratory disease in poultry.
- The genus Pneumovirus includes important respiratory pathogens in mammals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a virus associated with turkey rhinotracheitis.
- To compare its morphology and structural proteins with known pneumoviruses.
Main Methods:
- Virus purification and electron microscopy for morphology.
- Analysis of viral polypeptides using SDS-PAGE.
- Comparison of structural features with established pneumoviruses.
Main Results:
- The turkey isolate exhibited surface projections and a helical nucleocapsid.
- Seven viral polypeptides were identified, with molecular weights ranging from 14K to 200K.
- Two polypeptides (84K and 54K) were found to be glycosylated.
- The virus shared key morphological and structural characteristics with pneumoviruses.
Conclusions:
- The characterized virus possesses features consistent with the Pneumovirus genus.
- This finding suggests a potential new member of the Pneumovirus genus infecting turkeys.