The reptilian paramyxovirus GOV was successfully adapted to Vero cells in 8
0 passages at 30 degrees C. The virus replicated with HA titres of 1:64 and
10(7.5) TCID50/ml in the heterologous host cells forming syncytia, giant c
ells and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. After 80 passages GOV was identified
by immunofluorescence, by immune electron microscopy and by PCR. Sequencin
g of RT-PCR products of GOV after 80 passages did not reveal changes in the
nucleotide sequence of the partial L-gene of GOV.