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Replication of an Iridovirus in a nematode (Mermithidae)
Abstract:
An iridovirus was observed with the electron microscope in the tissues of a mermithid nematode parasitic in the isopods Porcellio scaber and Armadillidium vulgare. Virus particles were seen associated with virogenic areas in the cytoplasm along with viral stages suggestive of particle maturation. Extracts of portions of the same nematodes used for transmission electron microscopy appeared positive in serologically specific electron microscopy with antisera prepared against iridescent virus from the isopod hosts. These same extracts in 21 of 40 isopods produced infections when fed to P. scaber. This is the first report of a known virus replicating in a nematode and extends the host range of iridoviruses to the phylum Nematoda.
Insights
A novel iridovirus was identified replicating within a nematode parasite of isopods. This discovery expands the known host range for iridoviruses to the Nematoda phylum.
Area of Science:
- * Virology
- * Nematology
- * Invertebrate Pathology
Background:
- * Iridoviruses are large, double-stranded DNA viruses known to infect a wide range of invertebrates.
- * Mermithid nematodes are parasitic organisms that infect various arthropods, including isopods.
- * The host range and replication dynamics of iridoviruses in different invertebrate phyla are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the presence and characteristics of a virus in mermithid nematodes.
- * To determine if the observed virus is an iridovirus and if it can replicate within the nematode host.
- * To establish the potential for iridoviruses to infect and replicate in the phylum Nematoda.
Main Methods:
- * Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to visualize virus particles in nematode tissues.
- * Serologically specific electron microscopy (SSEM) was employed to confirm the viral identity using antisera against isopod iridoviruses.
- * Infectivity assays were conducted by feeding nematode extracts to susceptible isopod hosts (Porcellio scaber).
Main Results:
- * Electron microscopy revealed iridovirus particles and maturation stages within the cytoplasm of mermithid nematodes.
- * Serological tests confirmed the virus was antigenically related to iridoviruses from isopod hosts.
- * Feeding experiments successfully transmitted the virus from nematodes to P. scaber isopods, causing infection.
Conclusions:
- * This study reports the first instance of a known virus replicating within a nematode.
- * The findings demonstrate that iridoviruses can infect and replicate in the phylum Nematoda.
- * This research significantly broadens the recognized host range of iridoviruses.