Electron microscopic localization of virions in developing teeth of young hamsters infected with minute virus of mice.

Virus particles were detected within the nuclei and cytoplasm of odontogenic cells in the developing teeth of young hamsters infected with a small DNA virus (MVM). Disturbances of normal cytodifferentiation and organogenesis occurred as a result of viral multiplication. Virions were also observed in dense lysosome-like bodies of activated monocytes within the periodontal ligament and adjacent connective tissues. Fibrolytic and osteolytic lesions in the periodontal ligament and adjacent alveolar bone were associated with the inflammatory cell infiltrate.