3.5 Viruses
3.5.1 PBV 250
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| Programme Goal: | To classify wobbly possum disease virus and develop diagnostic assays. To culture, characterise and make vector constructs of the possum enteric adenovirus. |
Objective 1
| Objective Title: | Molecular characterisation of WPD Virus |
| Research Leader: | Dr Joseph O'Keefe |
Description:
Recent progress in studies of Wobbly Possum Disease (WPD) have revealed a relationship between WPD and Borna Disease Virus (BDV). In addition to clinical and histological data consistent with a BDV like disease process, it has been established, by serological testing, that possums with WPD sero-convert to BDV and that antigen reactive with BDV monoclonal antibodies is present in tissues from these possums. Western blot assays and RNA electrophoresis have demonstrated viral proteins and sub-genomic RNA species consistent with BDV. Although the viruses cross-react serologically and cannot at present be distinguished, certain differences indicate they are not the identical. This objective will attempt to find a clear definition of the relationship between these two viruses and a serological test that can distinguish between the two.
Objective 2
| Objective Title: | Isolation and characterisation of possums adenovirus |
| Research Leader: | Dr Joanne Meers (Massey University) |
Description:
Intestinal viruses including adenoviruses have been found in the intestinal contents of possums. Several attempts have been made to grow adenoviruses in vitro and in vivo. Further attempts will be made to grow these viruses in human adenovirus permissive cell line Graham 293 and also by transfections of purified DNA from possum adenovirus samples. If these in vitro methods are successful and virus grows readily in cell cultures, then it is planned to characterise the virus by antigenic analysis and by sequencing the selected regions of the genome. This would enable identification of host specificity and relatedness to other adenoviruses and to establish an insertion site for expression of possum specific-immunocontraceptive agents. If work on the adenovirus progresses more quickly than expected, the putative possum retrovirus will be investigated.
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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