Porcine parvovirus DNA: characterization of the genomic and replicative form DNA of two virus isolates.

The genomic and replicative form (RF) DNA of porcine parvovirus (PPV) have been characterized. PPV isolate NADL-8 was found to have a 5000-base single-stranded genome, and a unique strand was encapsidated in virus particles. The RF DNA of isolate NADL-8 was found to be an infectious 5000-base pair (bp) molecule. Select restriction endonuclease sites were mapped along the RF DNA of PPV (NADL-8), and oriented with respect to the viral genomic DNA. The RF DNA of a second isolate of PPV, the less pathogenic, cell culture-adapted NADL-2 virus, was also analyzed. DNA preparations isolated from NADL-2 virus-infected cells contained two viral RF DNA species: a 5000-bp infectious molecule very similar if not identical to the NADL-8 virus RF DNA, and a noninfectious 4700-bp DNA molecule. The 4700-bp RF DNA molecule found in NADL-2 DNA preparations was similar in all respects to the 5000-bp RF DNA, except for a 300-bp deletion in the region encoding the viral capsid proteins. The presence of this defective variant in PPV (NADL-2) virus preparations is discussed in relation to the reduced pathogenic potential of the NADL-2 virus as compared to the NADL-8 virus.