Best practices for correctly identifying coronavirus by transmission electron microscopy

Abstract

This guidance provides clear, concise strategies for identifying coronaviruses by transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin sections of tissues or infected tissue cultures. These include a description of virus morphology as well as cell organelles that can resemble viruses. Biochemical testing and caveats are discussed. Numerous references provide information for documentation and further study.

Keywords: coronavirus; coronavirus electron microscopy; coronavirus misidentification; coronavirus morphology; coronavirus ultrastructure; microbiology.