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Virus-like particles in Eimeria nieschulzi are associated with multiple RNA segments
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
A novel virus, Eimeria nieschulzi virus 1 (ENV 1), was discovered in Eimeria nieschulzi oocysts. ENV 1 possesses unique double-stranded RNA segments and shows genetic homology to Leishmania virus, suggesting complex viral origins.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Eimeria nieschulzi is an important protozoan parasite.
- Limited information exists on viruses infecting Eimeria species.
- The Eimeria stiedae virus (ESV) is the only previously identified virus in Eimeria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize novel virus-like particles and their associated RNA in Eimeria nieschulzi.
- To compare the newly identified virus with existing Eimeria viruses.
- To investigate the genetic relationship and potential origin of the new virus.
Main Methods:
- RNA extraction and analysis from Eimeria nieschulzi oocysts.
- RNase A digestion to identify protected RNA segments.
- Purification of virus-like particles using caesium chloride centrifugation.
- cDNA cloning and sequence homology analysis.
Main Results:
- Isolation and characterization of a new virus, designated ENV 1, from Eimeria nieschulzi.
- ENV 1 contains five double-stranded RNA segments, with four associated with purified particles.
- ENV 1 exhibits significant sequence homology to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of Leishmania virus (LRV 1).
- ENV 1 differs in particle size and genome structure from ESV.
Conclusions:
- ENV 1 represents a distinct virus within the Eimeria genus.
- The genetic relatedness of ENV 1 to LRV 1 suggests a potential shared ancestry or horizontal gene transfer.
- The distinct host and cell tropism of Eimeria and Leishmania present intriguing questions regarding the evolutionary origins of these viruses.