Viral titer and RNA copy numbers from HOFI inocula and relative RNA input ratios between groups.

a Mean value and standard deviation calculated from duplicates of each inoculum.b Relative input RNA ratio between competing wildtype virus and COAV997-5nt calculated from mixed infection groups.c Relative input RNA ratio between wildtype virus and COAV997-5nt calculated from singly infected groups. Each ratio accounts for differences between the inoculum of either COAV997-IC, NY99-IC or CA-04 groups compared to the COAV997-5nt group.Experimental groups and the total number (n) of infected birds per group are shown on the left. Viral titers of HOFI inocula were determined by plaque assay titration and are expressed as log10 PFU/mL. Titrations were performed in duplicate utilizing freshly prepared inocula and remaining inocula saved from syringes after bird injections. RNA copy numbers were determined in duplicate for wildtype viruses and COAV997-5nt by allele-specific qRT-PCR. The relative input (inoculum) ratio between RNA copies from wildtype virus and COAV997-5nt was calculated for each mixed competition group by dividing the wildtype RNA copies by COAV997-5nt RNA copies. The same ratio was calculated for singly infected groups in reference to the singly infected COAV997-5nt inoculum. Titers and RNA copies are followed by respective standard deviations resulting from duplicate values.Viral titer and RNA copy numbers from HOFI inocula and relative RNA input ratios between groups.