Characterization of a latent virus-like infection of symbiotic zooxanthellae.

A latent virus-like agent, which we designated zooxanthella filamentous virus 1 (ZFV1), was isolated from Symbiodinium sp. strain CCMP 2465 and characterized. Transmission electron microscopy and analytical flow cytometry revealed the presence of a new group of distinctive filamentous virus-like particles after exposure of the zooxanthellae to UV light. Examination of thin sections of the zooxanthellae revealed the formation and proliferation of filamentous virus-like particles in the UV-induced cells. Assessment of Symbiodinium sp. cultures was used here as a model to show the effects of UV irradiance and induction of potential latent viruses. The unique host-virus system described here provides insight into the role of latent infections in zooxanthellae through environmentally regulated viral induction mechanisms.

Citation

Jayme Lohr, Colin B Munn, William H Wilson. Characterization of a latent virus-like infection of symbiotic zooxanthellae. Applied and environmental microbiology. 2007 May;73(9):2976-81

Mesh Tags

PMID: 17351090

search → result