Biochemical Analysis of a Virulent and an Avirulent Strain of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus

Abstract

A comparison has been made of some of the serological and physicochemical properties of a virulent and an avirulent strain of foot-and-mouth disease virus, serotype SAT₁. The avirulent strain (SAT₁-82) was derived from the virulent strain (SAT₁-7) by serial passage in BHK 21 cells. The viruses were indistinguishable in cross-neutralization tests. In immunodiffusion tests a clear spur line was obtained with the SAT₁-82 antiserum but not with SAT₁-7 antiserum. The major polypeptides of the two viruses were identical when examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.