Reptilian Viruses: Adenovirus‐like Agent Isolated from Royal Python (Python regius)

Abstract
An adenovirus‐like agent was isolated from a moribund royal python (Python regius). The DNA containing virus replicated in IgH2‐cells at 30 °C forming eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. The virus proved to be stabile to treatment with chloroform, pH 3 und pH 12 but it was labile to heat (56 °C). Infected IgH2 cells revealed symmetric hexagonal virus particles measuring 67–79 nm in the nucleus. The isolate shared characteristics with the viruses of the family Adenoviridae.