Antigenic Components of Punta Toro Virus
Abstract
The sandfly fever agents or Phlebotomus Fever Serogroup viruses have been recently proposed as members of a Phlebovirus genus of the family Bunyaviridae. Together with the most prominent member of this proposed genus, Rift Valley Fever virus, these agents share antigenic characteristics and common molecular characteristics. All members so far studied contain a negative-stranded, tripartite, RNA genome, two surface envelope glycoproteins and a smaller, nonglycosylated nucleocapsid or core protein. The participation of these structural proteins in the serological reactivities of these viruses has not yet been described. Our research has been primarily concerned with developing models that will help to explain the diversity that exists between members of this group in their biology, antigenicity and molecular characteristics such as oligonucleotide fingerprints. We suspect that genetic change in nature may be a continual process and that dual infection of arthropod vectors resulting in natural reassortments is a real possibility. If these genetic changes are phenotypically reflected as changes in the antigens of these viruses, it becomes difficult to pursue vaccine development, interpret serological responses or predict immunity without defining specific antigenic determinants as markers. Thus, describing some of these antigens for a single virus was the purpose of this preliminary study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA110171
Entities
People
- C. J. Peters
- J. F. Smith
- J. M. Dalrymple
- M. K. Gentry
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases