Characterization of CR326 human hepatitis A virus, a probable enterovirus
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Abstract:
CR326 human hepatitis A virus purified by isopycnic banding from infected marmoset sera was shown to consist of 27 mmu spherical particles on electron microscopic examination. The particles were identified as hepatitis A virus by tests for infectivity and by specific neutralization of infectivity with convalescent human hepatitis A serum. Also, identical 27 mmu viruses in liver extracts gave specific reactions with hepatitis A antisera when tested by immune electron microscopy. The buoyant density of the virus in CsCl was 1.34 and it was heat (60 degrees C), ether and acid stable but was destroyed by heat (100 degrees C), formalin (1:4000) and ultraviolet irradiation. Electron microscopic studies of sections of infected marmoset liver showed intracytoplasmic virus particles, usually in vesicles. Presumptive findings for RNA, together with the intracytoplasmic location of the virus, indicated the virus to be of RNA-type. The attributes of the virus indicate it is closely related to the enterovirus family and not to hepatitis B virus.
Insights
Researchers characterized the CR326 hepatitis A virus (HAV) from infected marmosets. The virus, identified as an RNA-type enterovirus, demonstrated specific properties distinguishing it from hepatitis B virus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a significant cause of viral hepatitis.
- Understanding HAV's physical and chemical properties is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the CR326 strain of human hepatitis A virus.
- To determine its physical properties and its relationship to other viruses.
Main Methods:
- Isopycnic banding for virus purification.
- Electron microscopy for particle visualization.
- Infectivity assays and neutralization tests.
- Immune electron microscopy for antigen-antibody reactions.
- Buoyant density determination in CsCl.
- Stability tests (heat, ether, acid, formalin, UV irradiation).
- Electron microscopy of infected marmoset liver sections.
Main Results:
- CR326 HAV consists of 27 nm spherical particles.
- Virus identified by infectivity and neutralization with human convalescent serum.
- Identical virus particles found in liver extracts reacted specifically with HAV antisera.
- Buoyant density in CsCl is 1.34 g/cm³.
- Virus is stable to heat (60°C), ether, and acid, but inactivated by heat (100°C), formalin, and UV irradiation.
- Intracytoplasmic virus particles observed in infected marmoset liver cells.
- Presumptive RNA genome and intracytoplasmic location suggest an RNA-type virus.
Conclusions:
- The CR326 HAV strain exhibits properties consistent with the enterovirus family.
- These findings differentiate it from hepatitis B virus.
- The characterization provides valuable data for understanding HAV pathogenesis and classification.