Distinction between Bunyaviridae genera by surface structure and comparison with Hantaan virus using negative stain...

Ultrastructural studies of glutaraldehyde-fixed viruses of the Bunyaviridae were performed by negative-stain electron microscopy. The surface structure of viruses of each genus was compared with that of the other genera and with Hantaan virus, the prototype of a proposed new genus of Bunyaviridae. Viruses of each genus had a surface structure distinct for that genus. In addition, Hantaan virus had a surface structure composed of a grid-like pattern of morphologic subunits not previously described for animal viruses. Careful morphologic studies of suspected Bunyaviridae may be used in considering preliminary generic assignment. This study also supports the assignment of Hantaan-related viruses to a separate generic status within the Bunyaviridae.