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A RNA virus in cells from Culicoides variipennis
S J Wechsler1, L E McHolland, W C Wilson
1U.S. Department of Agriculture, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratory, Laramie, Wyoming 82071-3965.
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
|March 1, 1991
Summary
A novel virus was identified in Culicoides variipennis biting midges. This nonenveloped, icosahedral virus, designated CuVa virus, showed no pathogenicity in cell lines or mice but infected various vertebrate and invertebrate cells.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Entomology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The biting midge, Culicoides variipennis, is a vector for several economically important animal diseases.
- Understanding novel viruses within vector populations is crucial for disease ecology and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a newly detected virus from a laboratory colony of Culicoides variipennis.
- To determine the cellular tropism and potential pathogenicity of this novel virus.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was used to visualize virion morphology.
- Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analyzed viral RNA.
- Inoculation studies were performed on various cell lines and suckling mice.
- Immunoperoxidase staining assessed viral infectivity across different cell types.
Main Results:
- A nonenveloped, icosahedral virus (30 nm) was observed in the cytoplasm of CuVa cells.
- Viral-induced double-stranded RNA was detected.
- The virus did not cause detectable pathology in cell cultures or mice.
- Infectivity was confirmed in toad, bovine endothelial, bovine kidney, mosquito, and KC cells.
- Coinfection with bluetongue virus in KC cells showed no interference.
Conclusions:
- A novel virus, designated CuVa virus, has been isolated from Culicoides variipennis.
- CuVa virus exhibits broad cellular tropism but lacks apparent pathogenicity.
- Further research is needed to understand the ecological role and potential interactions of CuVa virus with other pathogens.