Fungal Viruses

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Fungal Viruses

Fungal Viruses

Although it was stated earlier that fungi are distinguishable from bacteria and actinomycetes in their freedom from virus attack, several workers have come to recognize the existence of fungal viruses in recent years.

Prior to 1968 convincing evidence did not come forth regarding the presence or replication of fungal viruses and they were invariably referred to as virus like bodies. Viruses have been reported to occur in over 60 species from some 50 genera of fungi and most reports include studies using an electron microscope. The most extensively studied system is the mycovirus of Penicillium chrysogenum.

Examinations of virus particles for electrophoretic mobility, sedimentation coefficient, buoyant density and serological specificity reveal differences among those viruses infecting species of molecular weight and amino acid content of different viruses have been made and electron microscope studies suggest that young apical regions of hyphae of Penicillium are free of virus particles whereas the older regions of hyphae of Penicillium are free of virus particles whereas the older regions of hyphae contain many particles.

Viruses have also been observed in sections of fungal spores. In three species of Penicillium, viruses are sometimes associated with lytic plaque formation which are not often reproducible, probably due to altered sensitivity of the host. The relationship between fungal viruses and the metabolism or genetic of their hosts is poorly understood.

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