Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of experimental pulmonary simian varicella (Delta herpesvirus) infection in African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops).

The lungs of African green monkeys infected with simian varicella virus (Delta herpesvirus) were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Endothelial cell shrinkage, oedema formation and necrosis characterized the scanning electron microscopy of the affected vasculature. Oedema of the interalveolar septa with swelling of the capillary endothelial cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Numerous viral particles were associated with a generalized area of necrosis of the alveolar wall.