Heterogeneity of Marine Birnaviruses Isolated from Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Abstract

Six marine birnaviruses isolated from turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) were compared with the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus reference strains Sp, Ab and WB from salmonid fish. This comparison was carried out by PAGE analysis of viral RNA and polypeptides and comparison of the reaction pattern with 4 monoclonal antibodies against the reference strains. High heterogeneity was found among the 6 isolates when comparing the RNA and polypeptide electrophoretic patterns and their reactions with the monoclonal antibodies. Most of the strains isolated from turbot could not be ascribed to any established serotype.