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Published on: December 21, 2019
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Hepeviridae
Michael A Purdy1, Tim J Harrison2, S Jameel3
1Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS-A33, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
The Journal of General Virology
|October 13, 2017
Summary
The Hepeviridae family encompasses viruses like hepatitis E virus, causing liver disease in humans and animals. This report summarizes their official taxonomy, classifying them into fish and mammal/bird infecting genera.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Taxonomy
- Public Health
Background:
- The Hepeviridae family comprises small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA viruses transmitted enterically.
- This family includes genera infecting fish (Piscihepevirus) and mammals/birds (Orthohepevirus).
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV), within Orthohepevirus, causes acute hepatitis in humans and animals, potentially becoming chronic in immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the official taxonomic classification of the Hepeviridae family.
- To detail the genera and species within Hepeviridae based on the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) report.
Main Methods:
- Review and summarization of the official ICTV report on Hepeviridae taxonomy.
- Analysis of viral characteristics, host range, and transmission routes for classification.
Main Results:
- The Hepeviridae family is formally classified into two genera: Piscihepevirus and Orthohepevirus.
- Orthohepevirus includes significant human and animal pathogens like the hepatitis E virus.
- Extrahepatic manifestations and avian hepatitis E virus-induced syndromes are noted.
Conclusions:
- The established taxonomy provides a framework for understanding Hepeviridae diversity and impact.
- Accurate classification is crucial for research, diagnostics, and control of Hepeviridae infections.
- This summary facilitates access to the official Hepeviridae taxonomy for the scientific community.
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