Differences in the red blood cell elution times of strains of Newcastle disease virus

Abstract

Elution times of velogenic, mesogenic and lentogenic strains of Newcastle disease virus were determined. Four samples each of velogenic (VGF2), mesogenic (Komarov) and lentogenic (Lasota) strains were used for haemaglutination test with 0.6% chicken red blood cells. The time it took for wells of the end haemagglutination points (highest dilution that gave agglutination) to elude was recorded as elution time for each sample. The mean elution time of the three strains of Newcastle disease virus differed significantly (p<0.05). Velogenic strain gave the highest mean elution time of 118 minutes, followed by mesogenic strain with 59 minutes and lentogenic strain with 25 minutes. Elution time could form the basis for characterization of Newcastle disease virus isolates into the three major strains.

Keywords: Newcastle virus, red blood cell, elution time, chickens

Tropical Veterinarian Vol. 22(3&4) 2004: 99-101