Nature 228, 372 - 373 (24 October 1970); doi:10.1038/228372a0

Investigation of Leucocytes from Chickens with Marek's Disease

S. D. KOTTARIDIS & R. E. LUGINBUHL

Department of Animal Diseases, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06268.

THERE is evidence that the aetiological agent of Marek's disease is a herpes-type virus^1–4, which has been propagated successfully in chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF), duck embryo fibroblasts (DEF) and chick–kidney cells (CKC)^1,5,6. Virus-like particles have been found in tumours, peripheral leucocytes and plasma pellets from birds with Marek's disease^7,8. We have made electron microscopic, fluorescent antibody and bioassay studies of leucocytes from chickens with Marek's disease.

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