Ultrastructural pathogenesis of the PRRS virus

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) was first isola ted in swine alveolar macrophages (SAMs) and has subsequently been reported to replicate in other cell lines. Entry of the virus inside the cell takes place by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Following the entry of the virus i nto the cell, several not completely understood changes take place. PRRSV h as been reported to be an apoptotic-inductor virus both in vivo and in vitr o. Interestingly, it has been suggested that PRRSV-induced apoptosis occurs in cells other than those in which PRRSV replicates by a bystander mechani sm. In this paper the ultrastructural pathogenesis of PRRSV will be reviewe d.