Simian hemorrhagic fever virus: a new togavirus.

Using the prototype strain of SHF virus, we have confirmed the nature of the genome (RNA), the presence of an envelope (derived from an internal membrane), the virion size (45-50 nm), and probable cubic symmetry. We have also described four viral structural proteins and determined the phospholipid content of the virions. The known properties of SHF virus suggest that it should be classified in the Togavirus family, and possibly in the Flavivirus group.