Bunyaviridae

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Arthropod-borne Diseases

Background:

• The Bunyaviridae family encompasses over 200 viruses infecting vertebrates and invertebrates.
• Four genera are defined: Bunyavirus, Nairovirus, Phlebovirus, and Uukuvirus.
• Bunyaviruses are characterized by their spherical morphology, RNA genome, and replication cycle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the defining characteristics of the Bunyaviridae family.
• To detail the structural and genomic features of bunyaviruses.
• To describe the replication and transmission mechanisms of bunyaviruses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of Bunyaviridae family characteristics.
• Analysis of virion structure, including size, envelope, and polypeptides.
• Examination of genomic composition (three RNA segments) and replication strategy (negative-stranded RNA).

Main Results:

• Bunyaviruses possess spherical particles (80-110 nm) with a lipid envelope and surface glycoproteins (G1, G2).
• The genome consists of three single-stranded RNA segments (L, M, S) forming helical nucleocapsids.
• Viruses contain RNA-directed RNA polymerase, enabling mRNA synthesis, and exhibit genome segment reassortment.
• Replication occurs in Golgi vesicles, with arthropod transmission (transovarial, venereal, transstadial) observed in some members.

Conclusions:

• Bunyaviridae viruses are complex negative-stranded RNA viruses with segmented genomes.
• Their structural features and replication strategies facilitate infection in diverse hosts.
• Understanding bunyavirus biology is crucial for managing diseases transmitted by arthropods.