Characterization of Triatoma Virus, a Picorna-like Virus Isolated from the Triatomine Bug Triatoma infestans

Abstract

Some properties of Triatoma virus (TrV), a picorna-like virus recently isolated from Triatoma infestans, have been studied. Electron microscopic observations of purified viral preparations showed the presence of non-enveloped viral particles 30 nm in diameter. The sedimentation coefficient of virus particles was about 165S and the buoyant density in CsCl was 1.39 g/ml. The viral genome was composed of one single-stranded RNA molecule with an Mr of 3 x 10(6). Three major polypeptides with Mr values of 39K, 37K and 33K and a minor one of about 45K were found in the virus particle. TrV particles contain about 35% RNA and 65% protein by weight. These data support the classification of this virus in the family Picornaviridae.