Abstract
An electron microscopic investigation was made of Pirhemocyton tarentolae in erythrocytes of the gecko Gehyra variegata. Polygonal particles highly suggestive of an icosohedral virus were found in large numbers in infected red cells. The Pirhemocyton body had the structure of a cytoplasmic assembly pool or factory for the production of viruses, and many incomplete forms were observed in these areas. The “albuminoid body” was a vacuole. It was concluded that Pirhemocyton tarentolae is not a protozoon but in all likelihood an icosohedral virus which, except for a difference in size, closely resembles both Sericesthis iridescent virus (SIV) and Tipula iridescent virus (TIV).
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