A FELINE HERPESVIRUS-1 RECOMBINANT WITH A DELETION IN THE GENES FOR GLYCOPROTEINS GI AND GE IS EFFECTIVE AS A VACCINE FOR FELINE RHINOTRACHEITIS

Using a site-directed mutagenesis technique we constructed a new felin e herpesvirus-l recombinant strain containing a deletion in two genes encoding glycoproteins gl and gE. These proteins may have a role in vi rulence, the establishment of latency, and viral recurrence as shown i n other herpesviruses of the varicella and simplex types. This recombi nant was characterized and used to immunize juvenile cats against viru lent virus challenge. Significant protection resulted from vaccination of cats by the subcutaneous route. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.