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ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Iridoviridae
V Gregory Chinchar1, Paul Hick2, Ikbal Agah Ince3
1Department of Microbiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
The Journal of General Virology
|May 31, 2017
Summary
The Iridoviridae family comprises large DNA viruses infecting vertebrates and invertebrates. This report summarizes the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses findings on Iridoviridae classification.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Taxonomy
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The Iridoviridae family includes large, double-stranded DNA viruses.
- These viruses infect a wide range of hosts, including vertebrates and invertebrates.
- Iridovirus infections can cause significant mortality in ecologically and commercially important species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) report on Iridoviridae taxonomy.
- To provide an updated classification of the Iridoviridae family.
- To outline the characteristics and host ranges of different Iridoviridae subfamilies.
Main Methods:
- Review of the latest International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) report.
- Analysis of viral genome size and structure.
- Classification based on host organism and infection type.
Main Results:
- The Iridoviridae family is divided into two subfamilies: Alphainvertebrateiridovirinae and Betainvertebrateiridovirinae.
- Alphainvertebrateiridovirinae primarily infect ectothermic vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles).
- Betainvertebrateiridovirinae primarily infect insects and crustaceans.
Conclusions:
- The current ICTV report provides a comprehensive taxonomy of the Iridoviridae family.
- Understanding Iridoviridae classification is crucial for managing viral diseases in important animal populations.
- Further research into Iridoviridae biology and pathogenesis is warranted.
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