Journal Article
Journal of Virology, vol. 87, iss. 24, pp. 13927-13929, 2013
Authors
James R. Laidler, Jessica A. Shugart, Sherry L. Cady, Keith S. Bahjat, Kenneth M. Stedman
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Long-distance host-independent virus dispersal is poorly understood, especially for viruses found in isolated ecosystems. To demonstrate a possible dispersal mechanism, we show that bacteriophage T4, archaeal virus
Sulfolobus
spindle-shaped virus Kamchatka, and vaccinia virus are reversibly inactivated by mineralization in silica under conditions similar to volcanic hot springs. In contrast, bacteriophage PRD1 is not silicified. Moreover, silicification provides viruses with remarkable desiccation resistance, which could allow extensive aerial dispersal.
