AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Electron Microscopy of Coronavirus-Like Particles Characteristic of Turkey Bluecomb Disease

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1973
Authors:Ritchie, AE, Deshmukh, DR, Larsen, CT, Pomeroy, BS
Journal:Avian Diseases
Volume:17
Issue:3
Date Published:1973
ISBN Number:00052086
Keywords:Electron, Meleagris, Meleagris gallopavo, Phasianidae
Abstract:Particles morphologically similar to coronaviruses were found in bluecomb-infected turkey ceca, the bursa of Fabricius, and embryo intestines, but not in the same tissues of uninfected controls. The particles had diameters ranging from ca. 50 to >150 nm and bore variable numbers of pear- or club-shaped projections. None had a morphologically distinct organized internal component. The concentration of corona-virus-like particles (CVLP) was highest in embryo intestine and lowest in poult ceca and paralleled infectivity. The CVLP reacted specifically with antibodies in hyperimmune anti-bluecomb turkey serum but not with components of normal turkey serum or antibodies against 4 different coronaviruses. These CVLP appear to be characteristically associated with bluecomb disease and probably represent the infectious agent. Small oblate ellipsoidal particles, 20 × 45 nm, consisting of 2 curved portions fused at their ends were also uniquely associated with bluecomb infection and may represent viral precursors.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/1589153
Short Title:Avian Diseases
Taxonomic name: 
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