Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 particles in naso/oropharyngeal swabs by thin section electron microscopy – data set 02

We developed a sedimentation method using desktop ultracentrifugation (see description below) to visualize SARS-CoV-2 particles in suspensions from oro- and/or nasopharyngeal swabs by thin section electron microscopy. A detailed description of the methods and the data set is provided in the download container.

Data set 02 is a stitched image montage recorded from an area of a thin section through the sediment obtained from a swab sample which was positive by quantitative PCR (delta variant). One ciliated cell is visible and surrounded by cellular debris. The ciliated cell is infected with SARS-CoV-2. Few virus particles are visible within membrane-bound compartments of the cytoplasm. Numerous virus particles are located at the cell surface intermingled between the cilia. The virus particles of this cell appear deformed and deviate from the oval/circular profile which is usually present.

Related publication: Laue M, Hoffmann T, Michel J, Nitsche A. Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 particles in naso/oropharyngeal swabs by thin section electron microscopy. Virol J. 2023 Feb 6;20(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s12985-023-01981-9. PMID: 36747188; PMCID: PMC9901382.