IMMUNE RESPONSE OF CHICKENS INFECTED WITH AVIAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS ISOLATE
Cell-mediated and humoral immune responses of 7-day-old chickens to intranasal and intraocular infection with subtype B avian metapneumovirus were examined. Experimental infection with avian metapneumovirus induced rhinitis and conjunctivitis on day 5-8 post infection (dpi). Increase of CD8+ T-cell activity was reported on 5 dpi and it was accompanied with decrease of CD4+ T-cells in spleen. Increased T-helper expression in peripheral blood and spleen was reported on 12-20 dpi. Humoral immune response involved development of specific antibodies after 20 dpi.