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Published on: July 27, 2018
Taxonomical developments in the family Polyomaviridae
Reimar Johne1, Christopher B Buck, Tobias Allander
1Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany. Reimar.Johne@bfr.bund.de
The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) is revising the Polyomaviridae family taxonomy. This involves creating three new genera: Orthopolyomavirus, Wukipolyomavirus, and Avipolyomavirus, to better classify mammalian and avian polyomaviruses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Taxonomy
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The family Polyomaviridae currently consists of a single genus, Polyomavirus.
- Existing classification does not adequately differentiate between mammalian and avian polyomaviruses.
- The Polyomaviridae Study Group of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) identified the need for taxonomic revision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement revised taxonomic classifications for the family Polyomaviridae.
- To establish new genera for improved organization and identification of polyomaviruses.
- To reflect current scientific understanding and usage in viral nomenclature.
Main Methods:
- The Polyomaviridae Study Group proposed specific taxonomic changes.
- Species will be redistributed from the existing genus (Polyomavirus) into new genera.
- New polyomavirus species will be incorporated into the revised classification.
Main Results:
- The family Polyomaviridae will be divided into three distinct genera.
- Two genera, Orthopolyomavirus and Wukipolyomavirus, will encompass mammalian polyomaviruses.
- One genus, Avipolyomavirus, will encompass avian polyomaviruses.
Conclusions:
- The proposed taxonomic revisions will enhance the classification of polyomaviruses.
- The new genera provide a more precise framework for studying viral diversity and evolution.
- Updated nomenclature will facilitate clearer communication and research within the virology community.
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