Isolation of a new rhabdovirus in Australia related to Tibrogargan virus

Abstract

A virus isolated from the blood of a healthy steer and designated DPP53 was shown to have rhabdovirus morphology. Although DPP53 virus was antigenically related to Tibrogargan virus by reciprocal immunofluorescence and neutralization tests, the viruses were distinguishable by neutralization tests. DPP53 virus contained RNA and was sensitive to both ether and chloroform. The geographical distribution of neutralizing antibody to DPP53 virus in Australian cattle corresponded to the distribution of Culicoides brevitarsis indicating that this virus may be arthropod-borne with this midge as a possible vector. Antibody to DPP53 virus was detected in serum from cattle, buffalo, dogs and one horse, but not in serum from deer, pigs, humans or wallabies. Highest virus titres were obtained by growth in Vero and BHK21 cell cultures, but the virus could also be grown in Aedes albopictus cell cultures. Higher virus titres were obtained when the multiplicity of infection was low. The name advanced for DPP53 virus is 'Coastal Plains' virus.