Systematic Veterinary Virology

CULTIVATION

• Embryonated eggs
  • PRV produce pock lesions, when inoculated in embryonated eggs by chorioallantoic membrane route. The embryo is also killed after 3-5 days.
• Cell culture
  • The PRV can be cultivated in many cell culture systems. However, the pig kidney cells (PK-15 cell line) are found to be more sensitive. The CPE appears within 24–72 hours, which include accumulations of perfringent cells, followed by complete detachment of the cell sheet. Different shaped and size syncytia also develop. Presence of virus is also confirmed by immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase, or neutralisation tests using specific antiserum.
• Laboratory animals
  • Rabbit is the preferred lab animals. The virus is injected via skin or by intracerebellar route. Rabbits develop characteristic CNS symptoms and intense pruritis.