[Comparative analysis of the VP2 variable region of the gene from infectious bursal disease virus isolates].

Variable cDNA regions in the VP2 gene of 24 isolates of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) isolated in Russia in 1993-1996 were amplified by the "nested" PCR and sequenced. The primary structure analysis of the VP2 gene variable region revealed 2 major groups of IBDV isolates. The first group consisted of the isolates with the structure identical or closely related to the highly virulent European strains CS89, 74/89A, 661, JY86, and DV86, the second group included the isolates with a high level of homology to the vaccine strains PBG98 and Cu-1. In addition, two isolates with original structure were identified, which differed from previously studied strains.