PARAMARIBO VIRUS, PROPERTIES OF A GROUP A ARBOVIRUS ISOLATED FROM HUMAN BLOOD IN SURINAM.

The isolation of a group A arbovirus (Paramaribo virus) from the blood of an adult male in Surinam is reported. The virus is pathogenic for both suckling mice and weaned mice following either intracerebral or peripheral inoculation, for hamsters, rats and suckling-guinea pigs. It multiplies in embryonated eggs and produces a distinct cytopathic effect in mouse embryo cell cultures. Moreover, the agent possesses several other properties of arboviruses, transmissibility by arthropods included. Cross neutralization tests revealed a close immunological relationship with Semliki Forest Virus.