Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 particles in naso/oropharyngeal swabs by thin section electron microscopy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

SARS-CoV-2 replicates efficiently in the upper airways of humans and produces high loads of virus RNA and, at least in the initial phase after infection, many infectious virus particles. Studying virus ultrastructure, such as particle integrity or presence of spike proteins, and effects on their host cells in patient samples is important to understand the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Suspensions from swab samples with a high load of virus RNA (Ct < 20) were sedimented by desktop ultracentrifugation and prepared for thin section electron microscopy using a novel method which is described in detail. Embedding was performed in Epon or in LR White resin using standard or rapid protocols. Thin sections were examined using transmission electron microscopy.

Re

SUBMITTER: Laue M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9901382 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature