title: Detection of adenovirus nucleic acid sequences in human tonsils in the absence of infectious virus.
abstract: Human tonsillar and adenoid tissues from surgical specimens and cell cultures established therefrom were screened for adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) sequences by in situ hybridization. For labeling we have utilized biotinylated DNA probes. We report detection of adenoviral sequences after hybridization with adenovirus type 2 DNA probes in tissues as well as in cell cultures from specimens without any signs of infectious virus even after long-term cultivation. In the infected tonsils only some of the cells appear to carry viral sequences. In conclusion, truly latent adenovirus infections in man seem to occur.
mesh_terms: D000260:Adenoviruses, Human / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral