Detection of adenovirus nucleic acid sequences in human tonsils in the absence of infectious virus.
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.
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*
D004279:DNA, Viral