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Reptilian viruses: adenovirus-like agent isolated from royal python (Python regius)
1Institute of Zoology and Hydrobiology, University of Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
An adenovirus-like agent was isolated from a moribund royal python (Python regius). The DNA containing virus replicated in IgH2-cells at 30 degrees C forming eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. The virus proved to be stabile to treatment with chloroform, pH3 und pH 12 but it was labile to heat (56 degrees C). Infected IgH2 cells revealed symmetric hexagonal virus particles measuring 67-79 nm in the nucleus. The isolate shared characteristics with the viruses of the family Adenoviridae.
Insights
A novel adenovirus-like virus was isolated from a royal python. This DNA virus replicated in cells, forming inclusion bodies and hexagonal particles, sharing traits with Adenoviridae family viruses.
Area of Science:
- Herpetological virology
- Molecular biology
- Comparative pathology
Background:
- Emerging infectious diseases in reptiles pose significant threats to wildlife and captive populations.
- Understanding viral agents affecting reptiles is crucial for conservation and veterinary medicine.
- Royal pythons (Python regius) are popular exotic pets, making them susceptible to novel pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a viral agent from a moribund royal python.
- To determine the biological and physical properties of the isolated virus.
- To compare the novel virus with known viral families.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of a viral agent from affected royal python tissues.
- Replication studies in IgH2 cell lines at 30°C.
- Assessment of viral stability under various conditions (chloroform, pH 3, pH 12, heat at 56°C).
- Electron microscopy to determine virion morphology and size.
Main Results:
- An adenovirus-like agent was successfully isolated from the royal python.
- The virus replicated in IgH2 cells, inducing eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies.
- The virus demonstrated stability to chloroform, pH 3, and pH 12, but was heat-labile at 56°C.
- Electron microscopy revealed hexagonal virus particles (67-79 nm) within the nucleus of infected cells.
Conclusions:
- The isolated virus shares characteristics with viruses in the Adenoviridae family.
- This finding represents a potential novel adenovirus affecting royal pythons.
- Further research is needed to fully classify this reptilian adenovirus and assess its pathogenicity.