Conserved deletion of two consecutive glycine residues in the 100K protein is a critical determinant of FAdV-11 pathogenicity.

Key Points

• To investigate how two consecutive glycine residues in the 100K protein influence the pathogenicity of FAdV-11.
• Comparison of mortality rates between mutant and wild-type FAdV-11 in SPF chickens.
• Assessment of viral load and pathology associated with both strains.
• 10% mortality observed in SPF chickens infected with the mutant versus 100% for the wild-type.
• Mutant showed reduced viral load and less severe pathology compared to wild-type.