Chicken anaemia virus infection: Molecular basis of pathogenicity

Abstract

Chicken anaemia virus (CAV) is a small virus of a unique type with a particle diameter of 23 to 25 rim and a genome consisting of a circular single-stranded (minus-strand) DNA. This DNA multiplies in infected cells via a circular double-stranded replicative intermediate, which was recently cloned. DNA analysis of CAV strains isolated in different continents revealed only minor differences among the various isolates. Apparently, all CAV isolates belong to a single serotype. CAV is not related to other known animal single-stranded circuIar-DNA viruses, such as porcine circovirus and psittacine beak-and-feather-disease virus. © 1995 Avian Pathology