Genomic characterization of Indian isolates of egg drop syndrome 1976 virus

Five Indian isolates of egg drop syndrome (EDS) 1976 virus and the referenc e strain 127 were compared by restriction enzyme analysis of viral DNA, and the hexon gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Using these techniq ues, no differences were seen among these viruses. However, partial sequenc ing of the hexon gene revealed major differences (4.6%) in one of the isola tes sequenced, EDS-Kerala. Phylogenetic analysis also placed this isolate i n a different lineage compared with the other isolates. The need for consta nt monitoring of the genetic nature of the field isolates of EDS viruses is emphasized.