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ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Baculoviridae
Robert L Harrison1, Elisabeth A Herniou2, Johannes A Jehle3
11Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
Abstract:
The family Baculoviridae comprises large viruses with circular dsDNA genomes ranging from 80 to 180 kbp. The virions consist of enveloped, rod-shaped nucleocapsids and are embedded in distinctive occlusion bodies measuring 0.15-5 µm. The occlusion bodies consist of a matrix composed of a single viral protein expressed at high levels during infection. Members of this family infect exclusively larvae of the insect orders Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the Baculoviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/baculoviridae.
Insights
Baculoviridae are large viruses with DNA genomes that infect insect larvae. Their unique structure includes occlusion bodies made of viral proteins, aiding in infection and survival.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Insect Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Baculoviridae are large viruses with circular dsDNA genomes (80-180 kbp).
- Virions feature enveloped, rod-shaped nucleocapsids within occlusion bodies (0.15-5 µm).
- Occlusion bodies comprise a single viral protein matrix, highly expressed during infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) report on Baculoviridae taxonomy.
- To provide an accessible overview of the Baculoviridae family's characteristics and classification.
Main Methods:
- Review and summarization of the official ICTV report on Baculoviridae.
- Extraction of key taxonomic and structural information from the report.
Main Results:
- Baculoviridae exclusively infect larvae of Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera.
- Detailed description of virion structure, genome size, and occlusion body composition.
Conclusions:
- The Baculoviridae family is well-defined by its genomic, structural, and host-specific characteristics.
- The ICTV report provides the authoritative classification for this important group of insect viruses.
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