Turkey meningo-encephalitis: pathogenic and immunological aspects of the infection.

The distribution of turkey meningo-encephalitis virus in infected birds and the development of immunity were studied. The turkey meningo-encephalitis virus was present in the blood as early as 24 h after experimental inoculation, and persisted for 5-8 d. Antibodies could be detected about the 5th d. A good correlation was found between haemagglutinin-inhibiting and virus-neutralizing antibodies. The virus could not be reisolated from any blood or organ sample collected after the 14th d and no sign of latent infection or carrier state could be found. The infection did not spread from the inoculated turkeys to control un inoculated birds in close contact. The possible existence of a natural reservoir and an arthropod vector of this virus is discussed.