Biochemical Characterization of a Human Parvovirus

The buoyant density, nucleic acid, and proteins of the human serum parvovirus-like agent were investigated. Evidence is presented which suggests that the virus has genomic single-stranded DNA, and that complementary strands may be encapsidated in separate virions. Three proteins of 48000, 68000 and 80000 mol. wt. were found to co-purify with viral antigen at a density of 1.43 g/ml on CsCl gradients. On the basis of these properties it is suggested that this virus is a parvovirus.