Construction of recombinant pseudorabies viruses optimized for labeling and neurochemical characterization of neural circuitry.

In this study we have modified the neuroinvasiveness of pseudorabies virus strain Bartha, a commonly utilized trans-synaptic tract-tracer. In addition, we sought to facilitate detection of cellular mRNAs in neurons infected with the virus. In order to modify spreading characteristics, we inserted the lacZ or the GFP (green fluorescent protein) genes into the genomic loci containing the putative latency-associated transcript promoter (P(LAT2)), resulting in the disruption of the promoter function.

Transneuronal labelling of nerve cells in the CNS of female rat from the mammary gland by viral tracing technique.

Using the viral transneuronal tracing technique, the cell groups in the CNS transneuronally connected with the female mammary gland were detected. Lactating and non-lactating female rats were infected with pseudorabies virus injected into the mammary gland. The other group of animals was subjected to virus injection into the skin of the back.

Sequence analysis of the membrane protein gene and nucleocapsid gene of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus isolated from a swine herd in Hungary.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was isolated from blood samples taken at a pig farm in Hungary from pigs showing clinical signs of the disease. The virus (ABV 32) was identified as belonging to the European genotype by using type-specific monoclonal antibodies. This was confirmed by comparing the sequence of the membrane protein gene (ORF 6) and the nucleocapsid gene (ORF 7) with the American VR2332 and the European LV genotype reference strain, respectively.