Anelloviridae taxonomy update 2023

Arvind Varsani1,2, Simona Kraberger3, Tanja Opriessnig4,5

  • 1The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Center for Evolution and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85287-5001, USA. arvind.varsani@asu.edu.

Archives of Virology
|October 21, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Anelloviruses are a family of DNA viruses. Researchers have renamed 146 anellovirus species using binomial nomenclature, following international standards for virus classification.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Taxonomy
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The family Anelloviridae includes negative single-stranded circular DNA viruses.
  • Anelloviruses are classified into 30 genera.
  • Gyrovirus infects avian species, while other genera primarily infect mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To rename 146 anellovirus species according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) standards.
  • To implement binomial species names for Anelloviridae classification.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the "genus + freeform epithet" format for binomial nomenclature.
  • Applied ICTV guidelines for virus species naming.

Main Results:

  • Successfully renamed 146 anellovirus species.
  • Established binomial nomenclature for Anelloviridae classification.

Conclusions:

  • The renaming adheres to international taxonomic standards.
  • Binomial naming facilitates clearer communication and organization within Anelloviridae research.

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