Ultrastructural characterisation of isolate 127 of egg drop syndrome 1976 virus as an adenovirus.

Virus isolate 127 causing egg drop syndrome 1976 was purified and examined by electron microscopy. In CsCl equilibrium density gradients three bands could be visualised. Two bands at an apparent density of 1.32 g/ml, which could not be separated by fractionation, harboured high amounts of HA-activity and infectivity. Electron microscopic examination of these bands revealed particles of typical adenovirus morphology. The third band at a density of 1.30 g/ml consisted mainly of disrupted particles. This band showed a clear peak of HA-activity but no evidence of radioactivity and negligible amounts of infectivity.