ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Marnaviridae 2021

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Marine Biology
• Microbial Ecology

Background:

• The Marnaviridae family consists of small, non-enveloped viruses with positive-sense RNA genomes.
• These viruses infect marine single-celled eukaryotes, known as protists, from various lineages.
• Some Marnaviridae members have been identified through metagenomic studies of ocean virioplankton.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) report on the family Marnaviridae.
• To provide an overview of the classification and characteristics of Marnaviridae viruses.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of the official ICTV report on Marnaviridae.
• Analysis of existing metagenomic data from marine and freshwater environments.

Main Results:

• The report details the taxonomic classification and genomic features of the Marnaviridae family.
• It includes information on known and unclassified Marnaviridae-like viruses identified in diverse aquatic environments.

Conclusions:

• The Marnaviridae family represents a significant group of marine viruses with implications for microbial ecology.
• Ongoing research and metagenomic studies continue to expand our understanding of this viral family's diversity and host range.