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ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Polyomaviridae

Ugo Moens1, Sébastien Calvignac-Spencer2, Chris Lauber3

  • 1University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.

The Journal of General Virology
|June 23, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The Polyomaviridae family comprises small viruses infecting mammals, birds, and fish. Some polyomaviruses cause cancer, while others are pathogens, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Taxonomy

Background:

  • Polyomaviridae are small, non-enveloped viruses with circular dsDNA genomes.
  • This viral family infects mammals and birds, with recent discoveries in fish.
  • Certain polyomaviruses, like Merkel cell polyomavirus, are oncogenic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) report on Polyomaviridae taxonomy.
  • To provide an updated classification and overview of the Polyomaviridae family.
  • To consolidate current knowledge on polyomavirus diversity and impact.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the official ICTV report on Polyomaviridae.
  • Analysis of genomic, host range, and pathogenic data.
  • Synthesis of taxonomic information and viral characteristics.

Main Results:

  • The Polyomaviridae family includes four genera with a broad host range.
  • Polyomaviruses exhibit oncogenic potential and act as human and veterinary pathogens.
  • Clinical symptoms are typically observed in immunocompromised hosts.

Conclusions:

  • The ICTV report provides a comprehensive taxonomic framework for the Polyomaviridae.
  • Understanding polyomavirus taxonomy is crucial for disease research and control.
  • Further research may uncover additional polyomavirus diversity and associations.

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