ARS | Publication request: Novel Methods to Diagnosis Marek's Disease

Submitted to: American Veterinary Medical Association Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: July 28, 2004
Publication Date: July 28, 2004
Citation: Gimeno, I.M., Witter, R.L., Fadly, A.M., Silva, R.F. 2004. Novel Methods To Diagnosis Marek's Disease [abstract]. American Veterinary Medical Association. P. 59.

Technical Abstract: Several novel criteria have been tested to assist in the differential diagnosis of tumors induced by Marek's disease virus (MDV) from those induced by avian leukosis virus (ALV) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV). A collection of tumors induced by inoculation of specific strains of MDV, ALV and REV, alone or in combination, were tested for quantification of viral DNA by real time PCR, expression of the viral oncogen meq, expression of several cell markers associated with transformation (AV37, MATSA, Rb, p53, telomerase), and general level of DNA methylation in the tumor cells. In addition, tissues latently infected with MDV and non infected tissues were tested as controls. Tumors induced by MDV had about 102 fold more copies of MDV DNA than either tissues latently infected by MDV or tumors induced by retrovirus in MDV vaccinated chickens. Moreover, MDV antigen meq was consistently expressed in all MDV tumors but it could not be detected in tissues latently infected with MDV or in tumors induced by retrovirus in MDV vaccinated chickens. Other markers studied were not specific of MDV and therefore the value for diagnosis is limited. Nonetheless, some of these markers might have potential value in research as they will help to identify transformed cells.