Intrinsic interference between swine influenza and fowl plague virus

Multiplication of swine influenza (SW) virus is inhibited by fowl plaque virus (FPV) at the level of RNA synthesis when host cells are infected with both viruses at a high multiplicity of infection. Under these conditions reassortment between the two viruses cannot be detected. The inhibitory effect of FPV is highly reduced and recombinants between the two viruses could be obtained when the cells were superinfected with FPV 1--2 hours after infection with SW virus, or after simultaneous infection with a low multiplicity of infection. The phenomenon is compatible with the intrinsic interference.