Contributions to Characterization and Classification of Animal Viruses

Abstract

Systematic organization of the known viruses is important from the taxonomic viewpoint and in the practical sense in providing inferential knowledge based on known qualities of related agents. Determination of nucleic acid type, sensitivity to organic solvents, pH 3.0 lability, size, and structure provide excellent basic criteria for grouping viruses. Further subgrouping can be based on factors such as heat stability, sensitivity to drugs, cytopathology, and type of inclusions. Acid lability tests and nucleic acid typing were carried out for a number of viruses and methods for determining essential lipid, drug sensitivity and heat lability were explored. A simplified working scheme for classification and identification of viruses is presented.