Orthopoxvirus inclusion bodies

Orthopoxvirus Inclusion Bodies

Orthopoxvirus inclusion bodies are unique structures that are formed within the cells infected by the Orthopoxvirus. These structures are of significant interest in the field of virology due to their role in the virus life cycle and their potential use in virus detection and diagnosis.

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Orthopoxvirus inclusion bodies seen under a microscope

Types of Inclusion Bodies

There are two types of inclusion bodies associated with Orthopoxvirus: A-type inclusion bodies (ATIs) and B-type inclusion bodies (BTIs).

A-type Inclusion Bodies

ATIs are large, eosinophilic structures that are visible under light microscopy. They are composed of a viral protein known as the A-type inclusion protein, which is encoded by the ATI gene of the Orthopoxvirus. ATIs are unique to Orthopoxviruses and are not found in other poxviruses.

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A-type inclusion bodies

B-type Inclusion Bodies

BTIs, also known as Guarnieri bodies, are smaller and less distinct than ATIs. They are composed of viral DNA and proteins and are the site of viral replication within the infected cell.

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B-type inclusion bodies

Role in the Virus Life Cycle

Inclusion bodies play a crucial role in the Orthopoxvirus life cycle. ATIs serve as a protective shell for the virus, allowing it to survive outside the host cell. BTIs, on the other hand, are the site of viral replication within the infected cell.

Use in Virus Detection and Diagnosis

The presence of inclusion bodies can be used to detect and diagnose Orthopoxvirus infections. ATIs can be seen under light microscopy, making them a useful tool for diagnosing infections in a laboratory setting. BTIs can be detected using electron microscopy or immunohistochemical staining.

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Orthopoxvirus diagnosis using inclusion bodies

See Also

• Orthopoxvirus
• Virology
• Virus life cycle