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Ultrastructure of human retroviruses
1Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.
Journal of Electron Microscopy Technique
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Ultrastructural analysis using electron microscopy reveals distinct morphologies between human T-cell leukemia virus types I and II (HTLV-I, -II) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These differences allow for clear differentiation of these retroviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Human retroviruses, including HTLV-I, HTLV-II, and HIV, are significant pathogens.
- Understanding their ultrastructure is crucial for classification and diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the ultrastructure of HTLV-I, HTLV-II, and HIV using thin-section electron microscopy.
- To identify distinguishing morphological features for differentiating these retroviruses.
Main Methods:
- Thin-section electron microscopy of infected lymphocytes.
- Comparative ultrastructural analysis of virus particles.
Main Results:
- HTLV-I and -II exhibit a crescent-shaped nucleoid with an intermediate layer, resembling type C retroviruses.
- HIV displays an electron-dense, eccentric nucleoid and rod-shaped surface projections, characteristic of Lentivirus.
- Distinct morphological differences, particularly in nucleoid shape and surface projections, enable clear differentiation between HTLV-I/-II and HIV.
Conclusions:
- Thin-section electron microscopy is effective in distinguishing HIV from HTLV-I and -II based on ultrastructural characteristics.
- HIV shares ultrastructural similarities with Lentivirus, while HTLV-I and -II resemble other type C retroviruses.
- LAV-II and HTLV-IV exhibit similar morphology to HIV but with more prominent surface projections.