An RNA polymerase activity in purified rabies virions.

An RNA polymerase activity has been demonstrated in purified rabies virions. Efficiency of the reaction is low since the rate of incorporation was equal to 3 to 5 pmol of uridine per hour, per mg of protein. As with other mammalian rhabdoviruses the optimal temperature was 31 degrees C. Unlike vesicular stomatitis virus, manganese could be substituted for magnesium as a divalent cation, at an optimum concentration of 10 to 20 mM.