A reolike virus of the Mediterranean shore crab Carcinus mediterraneus

Abstract

During studies on viral diseases of the Mediterranean shore crab (Carcinus mediterraneus ) a new viral agent has been found. It localizes in epithelial cells of hepatopancreatic tubules, especially inside B-cells. Virions, paraspherical in shape, non-enveloped, 70 to 75 nm in diameter, form large cytoplasmic viral areas. Generally, groups of virions do not exhibit an ordered arrangement; however some paracrystalline clusters have been observed. By its characteristics, size, shape, absence of envelope and cytoplasmic development, this agent can be closely related to the Reoviridae.