Characterization of an iridovirus isolated from the southern mole cricket, Scapteriscus vicinus

Invertebrate Iridoviruses: A Glance over the Last Decade

Members of the family Iridoviridae (iridovirids) are large dsDNA viruses that infect both invertebrate and vertebrate ectotherms and whose symptoms range in severity from minor reductions in host fitness to systemic disease and large-scale mortality. Several characteristics have been useful for classifying iridoviruses; however, novel strains are continuously being discovered and, in many cases, reliable classification has been challenging. Further impeding classification, invertebrate iridoviruses (IIVs) can occasionally infect vertebrates; thus, host range is often not a useful criterion for classification. In this review, we discuss the current classification of iridovirids, focusing on genomic and structural features that distinguish vertebrate and invertebrate iridovirids and viral factors linked to host interactions in IIV6 (Invertebrate iridescent virus 6). In addition, we show for the first time how complete genome sequences of viral isolates can be leveraged to improve classification of new iridovirid isolates and resolve ambiguous relations. Improved classification of the iridoviruses may facilitate the identification of genus-specific virulence factors linked with diverse host phenotypes and host interactions.

Comparative analysis of the genome and host range characteristics of two insect iridoviruses: Chilo iridescent virus and a cricket iridovirus isolate

The iridovirus isolate termed cricket iridovirus (CrIV) was isolated in 1996 from Gryllus campestris L. and Acheta domesticus L. (both Orthoptera, Gryllidae). CrIV DNA shows distinct DNA restriction patterns different from those known for Insect iridescent virus type 6 (IIV-6). This observation led to the assumption that CrIV might be a new species within the family Iridoviridae. CrIV can be transmitted perorally to orthopteran species, resulting in specific, fatal diseases. These species include Gryllus bimaculatus L. and the African migratory locust Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Orthoptera, Acrididae). Analysis of genomic and host range properties of this isolate was carried out in comparison to those known for IIV-6. Host range studies of CrIV and IIV-6 revealed no differences in the peroral susceptibility in all insect species and developmental stages tested to date. Different gene loci of the IIV-6 genome were analyzed, including the major capsid protein (274L), thymidylate synthase (225R), an exonuclease (012L), DNA polymerase (037L), ATPase (075L), DNA ligase (205R) and the open reading frame 339L, which is homologous to the immediate-early protein ICP-46 of frog virus 3. The average identity of the selected viral genes and their gene products was found to be 95.98 and 95.18% at the nucleotide and amino acid level, respectively. These data led to the conclusion that CrIV and IIV-6 are not different species within the Iridoviridae family and that CrIV must be considered to be a variant and/or a novel strain of IIV-6.

Occurrence of an invertebrate iridescent-like virus (Iridoviridae) in reptiles

Viral isolates were obtained in 1998, 1999 and 2000 from the lung, liver and intestine of two bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and a chameleon (Chamaeleo quadricornis) and from the skin of a frill-necked lizard (Chamydosaurus kingii) by using viper heart cells (VH2) at 28 degrees C. Electron microscopic examination of infected VH2 cells revealed the assembly of icosahedral iridovirus-like particles measuring 139 nm (side to side) and 151 nm (apex to apex). Negatively stained virus particles had dimensions of 149 nm (side to side) and 170 nm (apex to apex). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of purified viral DNA with primers corresponding to the partial gene encoding the major capsid protein (MCP) of Frog viris-3 (FV-3), the type species of the genus Ranavirus, was unsuccessful. In contrast, primers corresponding to the partial MCP gene of Chilo iridescent virus (CIV; genus Iridovirus) amplified 500-bp products with 97% identity to the nucleotide sequence of CIV and 100% identity to the nucleotide sequence of Gryllus bimaculatus iridescent virus (GbIV), an invertebrate iridescent virus. Virus protein profiles analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and restriction fragment length profiles of purified viral DNA treated with the endonucleases EcoRI, HindIII and HpaII were identical to those of GbIV.

Characterization of a new iridovirus isolated from crickets and investigations on the host range

Typical signs of an iridovirus infection were observed in two species of fatally diseased crickets, Gryllus campestris L. and Acheta domesticus L. (Orthoptera, Gryllidae). The infection was manifested by hypertrophy and bluish iridescence of the affected fat body cells. Electron microscope investigations led to the identification of a new iridovirus, which was termed cricket iridovirus (CrIV). In negatively stained preparations the size of the icosahedral virus particles ranged from 151 nm (side-side) to 167 nm (apex-apex). Assembly of virions occurred in the cytoplasm of hypertrophied fat body cells, where they often accumulated in paracrystalline arrays. Genetic analyses of purified viral DNA using a variety of restriction enzymes revealed that CrIV is distinct from all other known iridoviruses that have been isolated from insects and reported so far. In host range studies it was shown that CrIV can be transmitted perorally to other orthopteran species, causing characteristic symptoms and fatal disease. These species include Gryllus bimaculatus L. (Orthoptera, Gryllidae) and the African migratory locust Locusta migratoria migratorioides (R. & F.) (Orthoptera, Acrididae), which represents one of the most important pest insects in developing countries, as well as the cockroaches Blattella germanica L. and Blatta orientalis L. (both Orthoptera, Blattidae). Consequently, the isolation and characterization of this new cricket iridovirus is of particular interest in view of its possible use in biological or integrated control. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

A putative iridovirus from the honey bee mite, varroa jacobsoni oudemans

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Comparative studies of iridoviruses: further support for a new classification

Changes in the classification of invertebrate iridoviruses (IVs) (Iridoviridae) have recently been proposed (Williams and Cory, 1994). The previous system of naming isolates according to the host and sequence of discovery (IV type 1, IV2, IV3, etc.) is not adequate for the purposes of taxonomy, since iridovirus isolates may infect many species, including hosts from diverse invertebrate orders. The new system of invertebrate iridovirus nomenclature, as with several other virus families, is based on geographical origin. Proposals have been made, based on DNA hybridization and other characteristics, by which invertebrate iridovirus isolates can be assigned to one of four recognized complexes, or considered as candidates for alternative assignations. This study reports comparative data on the DNA of 14 invertebrate iridovirus isolates used in the Williams and Cory study plus the two type vertebrate iridoviruses, frog virus 3 and flounder lymphocystis disease virus. DNA studies support the validity of assigning several isolates a common name and of grouping the known isolates into four complexes. The detection of such complexes is in broad agreement with previous serological studies. A previously undescribed isolate (San Miguel IV) obtained from the lepidopteran pest Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lep.: Noctuidae) has been initially characterized following the procedures recommended by Williams and Cory. DNA hybridization and Southern blot analysis identified this isolate as a new member of the Polyiridovirus complex. The San Miguel IV MSP gene was identified and a central fragment of ca. 719 bp was recovered by PCR amplification. The restriction endonuclease profiles (5 enzymes) of this isolate were distinct from others previously described.

Characterization and description of a virus causing salivary gland hyperplasia in the housefly, Musca domestica

A double-stranded DNA virus was isolated from hyperplasic salivary glands of male and female houseflies, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), collected from a dairy in Alachua County, Florida, U.S.A. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of this housefly salivary gland hyperplasia (SGH) virus revealed the presence of two major and eight minor structural polypeptides. Restriction endonuclease analysis indicated that the c. 137 kilobase pair DNA was double-stranded. Weekly, sweep-net sampling of the fly population throughout the season (May-October, 1991) showed that 1.5-18.5% of the dissected flies possessed hyperplasic salivary glands. The virus replicated within the nuclei of the salivary gland cells and was transmitted per os to newly-emerged healthy adult flies.

Characterization of a non-occluded baculovirus (subgroup C) from the field cricket, Gryllus rubens

A non-occluded baculovirus was isolated from nymphs of the field cricket, Gryllus rubens. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of 6 major and 11 minor polypeptides in these particles. Restriction endonuclease analysis indicated that the genome, 87.0 +/- 1.8 kilobase pairs, was a closed circular DNA molecule. DNA-DNA hybridization in low strigency conditions revealed no homology with the genomes of Oryctes baculovirus or Autographa california NPV. The virus replicated in nuclei of fat body cells, and was transmitted per os to a small proportion of first instar G. rubens nymphs.