Oncorna-Like Virus Particles in the Cochlear Spiral Ganglion of Guinea Pigs

Introduction: Virus particles in spiral ganglion cells of the guinea pig have been grouped with herpes viruses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this classification of the viruses and their influence on cell morphology.

Material and Methods: 20 healthy, adult guinea pigs from different breeds were studied. The spiral ganglion was serially sectioned and examined electron microscopically.

Results and Discussion: All examined spiral ganglions of several guinea pig populations from different breeds showed intracytoplasmic viruses in some granular spiral ganglion cells. According to their localization and morphology we classify these viruses with the oncorna virus group. This is not in agreement with the classification of other authors. Apparently there is a world-wide latent viral infection in guinea pigs. The accumulation of lysosomal-like vacuoles in vicinity to the viruses indicates an increased local lysosomal activity of the infected ganglion cells. Considering the otherwise normal ultrastructure of the infected cells an additional influence of these viruses on the intracellular metabolism can neither be demonstrated nor denied.