Characterization of Triatoma virus, a picorna-like virus isolated from the triatomine bug Triatoma infestans

Some properties of Triatoma virus (TrV), a picorna-like virus recently isolated from Triatoma infestans, have been studied. Electron microscopic observations of purified viral preparations showed the presence of non-enveloped viral particles 30 nm in diameter. The sedimentation coefficient of virus particles was about 165S and the buoyant density in CsC1 was 1.39 g/ml. The viral genome was composed of one single-stranded RNA molecule with an Mr of 3 x 106. Three major polypeptides with Mr values of 39K, 37K and 33K and a minor one of about 45K were found in the virus particle. TrV particles contain about 35 ~ RNA and 65 ~ protein by weight. These data support he classification of this virus in the family Picornaviridae. The triatomine bug Triatoma infestans is one of the most important vectors in South American countries of the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Chagas disease is the chronic disease resulting from infection with this parasite. In 1984 a survey of viral pathogens of triatomines was started in order to identify potential biological control agents. Recently we have described two cases where picornavirus-like particles w re observed in Triatoma (Muscio et al., 1987). In one case the particles were detected by electron microscopic observation ofthe abdominal content o