Studies Of Gastroenteritis Viruses By EM

Niaid Extramural Activities

Investigators

Abstract

The electron microscope continues to provide support to the research program of the Epidemiology Section of LID focussed on the study of enteric diseases. Past highlights of these investigations have included inquiry into the etiology of diseases of unknown cause and studies of fastidious agents of disease that defied cultivation in any cell culture system. The electron microscope, as a unique instrument played a major role in the discoveries of the 27nm Norwalk virus (now known as a member of the norovirus genus in the calicivirus family) and the establishment of its etiologic role in human diarrheal disease, and of the 27nm hepatitis A virus particle and establishment of its etiologic role. It also was an imporant epidemiologic tool for the detection of rotaviruses in stools of infants and young children hospitalized with diarrhea. Although intensive efforts have been made by numerous groups of investigators, the Norwalk and related human enteric noroviruses have yet to be cultivated in any tissue culture system. This, along with the recent expression of 27nm virus-like particles of some members of this group of agents, as well as studies of expressed viral proteins of rotavirus, have contributed to the continuing important role of the electron microscope in the research program of the Epidemiology Section. The electron microscope continues to be the only method (i) for direct detection of the noroviruses and derivative 27nm expressed virus-like particles and (ii) for unraveling the antigenic relationships among these fastidious agents. In addition, its role in attempting to visualize the presence of expressed rotavirus virus-like particles and to discern their morphology continues to be relevant to the research program.