The morphology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by negative staining

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Abstract
We have examined preparations of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV‐1) and HIV‐2 by negative staining electron microscopy. HIV‐2 cultures contained large numbers of 130–200 nm particles containing a 130‐nm‐long by 30–70 nm‐wide core. This core is probably of conical or pear‐shaped morphology. Some particles exhibited a short fringe that could be seen to comprise a regular arrangement of repeating subunits when visualised end on. Identical particles were found in HIV‐1 cultures but in much lower numbers. Attempts to carry out negative staining immune EM were unsuccessful.Also detected in both HIV‐1 and HIV‐2 cultures were small (70–80 run) fringed viruslike particles. The possible significance of these particles is discussed.