ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Dicistroviridae
S M Valles1, Y Chen2, A E Firth3
1United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville FL 32608, USA.
The Journal of General Virology
|April 4, 2017
Summary
Dicistroviridae viruses infect arthropods, causing significant economic damage or acting as biocontrol agents against pests like disease-carrying bugs. This summary covers their taxonomy, host range, and potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Arthropod-borne viruses
- Virus Taxonomy
Background:
- Dicistroviridae are small, non-enveloped viruses with positive-sense RNA genomes.
- They exclusively infect arthropod hosts.
- Some species cause severe economic losses in agriculture and aquaculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) report on Dicistroviridae taxonomy.
- To highlight the dual role of these viruses as pathogens and potential biocontrol agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of the ICTV Report on Dicistroviridae.
- Analysis of viral characteristics including genome structure and host range.
Main Results:
- Dicistroviridae taxonomy has been updated by the ICTV.
- Viruses like acute bee paralysis virus and taura syndrome virus have major economic impacts.
- Triatoma virus shows potential for controlling Chagas disease vectors.
Conclusions:
- Dicistroviridae viruses represent a significant group in arthropod virology.
- Their taxonomy is crucial for understanding their impact and potential applications.
- Further research into their host specificity can lead to novel pest control strategies.
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