title: Characterization of a latent virus-like infection of symbiotic zooxanthellae.
abstract: A latent virus-like agent, which we designated zooxanthella filamentous virus 1 (ZFV1), was isolated from Symbiodinium sp. strain CCMP 2465 and characterized. Transmission electron microscopy and analytical flow cytometry revealed the presence of a new group of distinctive filamentous virus-like particles after exposure of the zooxanthellae to UV light. Examination of thin sections of the zooxanthellae revealed the formation and proliferation of filamentous virus-like particles in the UV-induced cells. Assessment of Symbiodinium sp. cultures was used here as a model to show the effects of UV irradiance and induction of potential latent viruses. The unique host-virus system described here provides insight into the role of latent infections in zooxanthellae through environmentally regulated viral induction mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Plymouth, UK.
authors.forename: Jayme
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lohr
authors.forename: Colin B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Munn
authors.forename: William H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000469:parasitology*; D004141:Dinoflagellida / Q000648:ultrastructure / Q000821:virology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D013559:Symbiosis; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014771:Virion / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014775:Virus Activation / Q000528:radiation effects