Antigenic relationships among sheep pox, goat pox and contagious pustular dermatitis viruses.

Antigenic relationships among sheep pox, goat pox and contagious pustular dermatitis (CPD) viruses were determined by serological techniques using soluble antigens partially purified by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. Homologous antigen-antibody reactions were characterized by the presence of 7 precipitation lines with sheep pox and of 5 ones each with goat pox and CPD viruses. The nature of cross-reactions of sheep pox, goat pox and CPD virus soluble antigens with corresponding sera suggested that sheep pox virus shared 3 soluble antigenic components with goat pox and either 3 or 4 ones with CPD virus. Goat pox virus shared either 2 or 3 soluble antigenic components with CPD virus. Cross-neutralization tests revealed an one-way cross of goat pox virus with sheep pox and CPD viruses, respectively. The results showed that the 3 viruses in question share common soluble antigenic components.