Molecular and pathologic characterization of Canadian avian reovirus field isolates

Fourteen isolates of avian reovirus previously grown in chicken embryo liver cells were adapted to replicate in an African green monkey (Vero) cell line. The growth curves of five viruses studied in Vero cells showed them to be highly cell-associated. Different procedures were examined for releasing the cell-associated virus following propagation in Vero cells, including several freeze-thaw cycles, treatment with sterile distilled deionized water (ddH$\sb2$O), freon extraction, and trypsin treatment. It was observed that treatment of virus infected cultures with ddH$\sb2$O was the most effective, and trypsin treatment was the least effective procedure for dissociation of virus from cells.

Experiments were undertaken to characterize the trypsin sensitivity of 14 avian reoviruses in relation to their genotypes, serotypes, and pathogenicity in day-old chicks in an attempt to develop a rapid method for differentiation of pathogenic from non-pathogenic virus strains. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).