Parainfluenza 3 virus: plaque-type variants lacking neuraminidase activity

Virus clones lacking detectable neuraminidase activity (SC-YN and M-YN) as well as those possessing it (LT-910N and LT-YN) were isolated from bovine strains of parainfluenza 3 virus. LT-910N and LT-YN viruses produced large turbid plaques in MDBK cells, and SC-YN virus produced small clear plaques. Incorporation of a bacterial neuraminidase in agar overlay medium made SC-YN virus form large turbid plaques, whereas it made M-YN virus form large clear plaques. However, M-YN virus formed only pinhole plaques or no plaques in the absence of neuraminidase. The exogenous neuraminidase had little effect on the plaque formation of LT-910N and LT-YN viruses. M-YN virus induced extensive syncytial formation, and SC-YN virus produced less extensive syncytial formation. The exogenous neuraminidase enhanced replication of SC-YN and M-YN viruses and reduced syncytial formation by these viruses. The enzyme had little effect on replication and cytopathic effect of LT-910N and LT-YN viruses. The reason for these effects of the exogenous neuraminidase is discussed.