Electron microscope study on the replication of Autographa nuclear polyhedrosis virus and Spodoptera nuclear polyhedrosis virus in Spodoptera exigua

A comparative study of Spodoptera nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) and Autographa NPV replication in Spodoptera exigua revealed some cytopathologic differences. Infection with Spodoptera NPV was accompanied by electron-dense intranuclear granules. Autographa infection within the midgut led to secretion within the lumens of the goblet cells of paracrystalline arrays of small, round particles, 9.5 nm in diameter. Autographa virus was also observed in various stages of possible replication within the cytoplasm.