The Influence of the Route of Administration of Newcastle Disease Virus on Host Response: III. Immunofluorescent and Histopathological Studies

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Abstract
Severe histological changes were present in the epithelium of chicken tracheas on the 3rd and 4th days after aerosol exposure to avlrulent or virulent strains of Newcastle disease virus. Comparable changes were observed in birds after intramuscular injection with the virulent strain but not with the avirulent strain. The greatest amount of virus was recovered from the tracheas on the 3rd day after exposure. The virulent strain resulted in the demonstration of more viral antigen and infectious virus in the tracheas. Maximum virus recoveries occurred 3 days after exposure. Fluorescent antibody studies revealed the viral antigen to be confined to the thin layer of epithelial cells adjacent to the tracheal lumen. Dense aggregates or nodules of mononuclear cells were present in the tracheal epithelium of aerosol vaccinees at 10 days and persisted throughout the remainder of the 4-week observation period.