Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
08:33
A Protocol for Collecting and Staining Hemocytes from the Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes aegypti
Published on: May 16, 2011
ULTRACENTRIFUGATION STUDIES OF YELLOW FEVER VIRUS.
1Laboratories of the International Health Division of The Rockefeller Foundation, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
This study used ultracentrifugation to analyze yellow fever virus particles in monkey serum. The yellow fever virus exhibits high light absorption and particle aggregation, with estimated sizes around 12-19 micrometers.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Biophysics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Yellow fever virus is a significant pathogen requiring detailed characterization.
- Understanding virus particle behavior in biological fluids is crucial for diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Direct observation of virus particles in native serum presents analytical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physical and optical properties of yellow fever virus particles directly within unaltered infected monkey serum.
- To determine the concentration, light absorption characteristics, sedimentation behavior, and size of the yellow fever virus.
- To explore potential aggregation phenomena of the virus particles.
Main Methods:
- Ultracentrifugation combined with optical methods for direct observation.
- Spectrophotometry to measure light absorption properties.
- Viscometry and sedimentation rate analysis.
Main Results:
- Yellow fever virus particles display exceptionally high intrinsic light absorption between 320-440 nm.
- Virus concentration in infective serum is approximately 0.00005 gm/cc.
- Sedimentation rates indicate particle aggregation, with estimated diameters ranging from 12 to 19 micrometers.
Conclusions:
- The study provides direct biophysical data on yellow fever virus particles in their native environment.
- High light absorption and aggregation are key characteristics of the virus.
- Estimated particle size is consistent with previous ultrafiltration studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. After transmission through a mosquito bite, the virus initially replicates in skin-resident immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells then migrate to the lymph nodes, where viral replication increases, eventually leading to...
01:05Centrifugation
Centrifugation is a separation technique based on differences in density or size. It is commonly used to separate solids from aqueous interferents. During centrifugation, the sample is placed in centrifugation tubes and spun at high angular velocity, which allows centrifugal force to act differentially on the different densities or masses of the components. After spinning, the supernatant liquid is decanted. Depending on the specific application, either the pellet or the supernatant is retained...