A Simple Technique for the Detection and Classification of Latent Avian RNA Tumor Viruses

Abstract

A rapid and simple technique for the detection of latent RNA tumor viruses has been described. It is based on phenotypic mixing between the latent agent (s) and a nondefective strain of RSV used as indicator virus. Most of the embryos from two different chicken lines tested so far contain such agents. According to their host range and serological properties they belong to subgroup E. The phenotypic mixing assay may also be applied for the titration of nontransforming viruses in general.