Characterization of a RNA virus from the parasite Leishmania.
We were interested in screening a series of isolates of the protozoan Leishmania for the presence of viruses. The experimental procedure we used was based on an enzymatic assay originally developed for viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Simultaneously, total promastigote nucleic acid preparations were analyzed for the presence of viral genome and/or transcripts. Two isolates, both classified as L. braziliensis guyanensis, were found to be positive for RNA polymerase activity and to carry a large (6 kilobases) RNA species. The polymerase reaction products hybridized to the 6-kilobase RNA, believed to be the viral genome. In conjunction with electron microscopical observations these results indicate the presence of an RNA virus in these Leishmania isolates.
Widmer
G
G
Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.
Comeau
A M
AM
Furlong
D B
DB
Wirth
D F
DF
Patterson
J L
JL
D000818:Animals; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000378:metabolism; D007891:Leishmania / Q000382:microbiology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D012328:RNA Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013045:Species Specificity
D012367:RNA, Viral; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases