Related Experiment Videos
Eimeria species which infect the chicken contain virus-like RNA molecules
1Department of Parasitology, AFRC Institute for Animal Health, Houghton Laboratory, Huntingdon.
Abstract:
There is increasing support for the presence of viruses and virus-like particles inside protozoan cells. This study describes viral-like RNA molecules that have been detected in two species of Eimeria that infect the chicken. The RNA molecule identified in E. maxima has been characterized: subcellular fractionation studies have shown that the RNA is present in the cytoplasm, probably as an abundant ribonucleoprotein that is insensitive to RNAse A treatment. Electron microscopy has demonstrated that this RNA molecule is double stranded. In addition, all E. maxima strains examined so far contain this RNA molecule.
Insights
Researchers found viral-like RNA within chicken Eimeria protozoa. This double-stranded RNA in Eimeria maxima is abundant in the cytoplasm and resistant to RNAse A treatment.
Area of Science:
- Protozoology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Increasing evidence suggests viruses and virus-like particles reside within protozoan cells.
- Eimeria species are significant protozoan parasites affecting chickens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe viral-like RNA molecules detected in two Eimeria species infecting chickens.
- To characterize the viral-like RNA molecule found in Eimeria maxima.
Main Methods:
- Subcellular fractionation to determine RNA location.
- RNAse A treatment to assess RNA stability.
- Electron microscopy to determine RNA structure.
- Analysis across multiple Eimeria maxima strains.
Main Results:
- Viral-like RNA molecules were detected in two Eimeria species.
- In Eimeria maxima, the RNA is located in the cytoplasm.
- The RNA is an abundant, RNAse A-insensitive ribonucleoprotein.
- Electron microscopy confirmed the RNA molecule is double-stranded.
- All examined Eimeria maxima strains harbor this RNA molecule.
Conclusions:
- A double-stranded viral-like RNA molecule is a consistent feature of Eimeria maxima.
- This RNA molecule represents a potentially novel intracellular component within Eimeria protozoa.