Structure and Cytopathic Effects of Nelson Bay Virus

A virus isolated from a flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) has a morphology similar to that of reoviruses. However, unlike the reoviruses, this virus has a rapid cytopathic effect, causing cell fusion, vacuolization of the cytoplasm, and an unusual nuclear degeneration. Immunofluorescence indicates that viral antigen is distributed through both nucleus and cytoplasm. Viral maturation appears to take place in discrete cytoplasmic factories, and there is no apparent involvement of spindle tubules.