Vesivirus is a genus of viruses, in the family Caliciviridae . [1] Swine, sea mammals, and felines serve as natural hosts. There are two species in this genus. [1] Diseases associated with this genus include: respiratory disease, Feline calicivirus (FCV); conjunctivitis, and respiratory disease. [1] [2]
The genus contains the following two species: [1]
Other, unofficial Vesi-like viruses include canine calicivirus, San Miguel sealion virus, vesivirus Cro1 and walrus calicivirus. [3]
Virions consist of a capsid. Virus capsid is non-enveloped, and are round with icosahedral symmetry and triangulation number T=3. The isometric capsid has a diameter of 35–39 nm. Empty virions have diameter of 23 nm, with triangulation number T=1. [2] The capsid surface structure reveals a regular pattern with distinctive features, including 32 cup-shaped depressions. The capsomer arrangement is clearly visible.
| Genus | Structure | Symmetry | Capsid | Genomic arrangement | Genomic segmentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vesivirus | Icosahedral | T=1, T=3 | Non-enveloped | Linear | Monopartite |
Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the positive stranded RNA virus replication model. Positive stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. Translation takes place by RNA termination-reinitiation. Swine, sea mammals, and felines serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are air borne particles. [2]
| Genus | Host details | Tissue tropism | Entry details | Release details | Replication site | Assembly site | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vesivirus | Felines | Upper respiratory | Cell receptor endocytosis | Lysis | Cytoplasm | Cytoplasm | Aerosol |
The molecular mass (Mr) of virions is 15 x 106. Virions have a buoyant density in Caesium chloride (CsCl) of 1.33–1.41 g/cm3. The density gradient of virions in Potassium Tartrate-Glycerol is 1.29 g/cm3. The sedimentation coefficient is 170–187 svedberg (s20,w), of the other(s) peak at 160–170 svedberg (s20,w). Under in vitro conditions virions are inactivated in acid environment of pH 3–5. Virions are not stable at raised temperature in presence of high concentration of Mg ++. Virions are sensitive to treatment with trypsin (in some strains, not sensitive to treatment with mild detergents, or ether, or chloroform. The infectivity is enhanced after treatment with trypsin (in some strains).
The genome is not segmented and contains a single molecule of linear positive-sense, single-stranded RNA. Minor species of non-genomic nucleic acid are some times also found in virions. The complete genome is 7700 nucleotides long. The genome has a guanine + cytosine content of 45–49%. The 5' end of the genome has a genome-linked protein (VPg). The 3' terminus has a poly (A) tract. Each virion contains a full length copy, or defective interfering copies.
The viral genome encodes viral structural protein. Virions consist of 1 viral structural protein (major species), or 2 Viral structural proteins (detected in Norwalk virus, amyelosis chronic stunt virus and porcine enteric calicivirus located in the capsid.
Viral structural protein: Capsid protein has a molar mass of 58000–60000 Da; is the coat protein. Capsid protein has a molecular mass of minor 'soluble' 28–30 kDa.
Serological relationships between different members are found (among Feline calicivirus). Cross-reactivity is found. Cross-reactivity between species of the same serotype, but not with species of another serotype and some species of the same serotype, but not with all. Although the degree of antigenic specificity varies with the degree of relatedness, the antigenicity is distinct from canine caliciviruses, Norwalk virus serogroups of the same genus.
Vesivirus infects both humans and animals. [4] Vesivirus is highly infectious and transmission easily occurs because the blisters and skin contain large quantities of vesivirus. Premises that are heavily contaminated with vesivirus can be a source of infection for several months. [5]
As part of the family Calciviridae, vesivirus is rated as a Category B Biodefense pathogen by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. [6] Category B pathogens are the second highest priority organisms/biological agents, because they are moderately easy to disseminate, result in moderate morbidity rates and low mortality rates, and require specific enhancements for diagnostic capacity and enhanced disease surveillance. [6]
The clinical features of vesivirus infection include intensely itching vesicles with clear fluid-containing blisters that erode into shallow ulcers. The vesiculating blisters have been observed on hands (humans), flippers (sea-lions), hooves (livestock), and the throat and neck (primates). Additional symptoms of vesivirus infection can include hepatitis (human), abortions (livestock), pneumonia (livestock and marine mammals), diarrhea (livestock), gingivitis (primates), myocarditis (livestock and sea mammals), and encephalitis (primates, livestock and sea mammals). [5]
Vesivirus infectivity and cytopathology can vary with the strain, species, and the cell type that is infected. [5] Some animals may only be infected for a short time, but other animals such as chimpanzees may have persistent recurring infections. [7]
In 2002, a new strain of vesivirus (termed 2117) was isolated as a cell culture contamination of Chinese hamster ovary cells at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma KG. [8] Vesivirus-2117 is not well studied. However, Vesivirus 2117 has a large host range and poses a significant threat to human and animal species as an emerging pathogen. [9]
In June 2009, Genzyme's Allston, Massachusetts plant was shut down for production of Cerezyme, Fabrazyme, Thyrogen and Myozyme after an infection of Chinese hamster ovary cells with Vesivirus 2117. A similar contamination had occurred in 2008 at the Geel, Belgium facilities and previously at the Allston plant in 2008. [10] Company officials stated that vesivirus can taint these drugs. [11]
The viral genetic sequences of the Vesivirus 2117 strains, Allston 2008/US (GQ475302), [12] Geel 2008 Belgium (GQ475303), [13] and Allston 2009/US [14] were published in GenBank.
Influenza A virus (IAV) is the only species of the genus Alphainfluenzavirus of the virus family Orthomyxoviridae. It is a pathogen with strains that infect birds and some mammals, as well as causing seasonal flu in humans. Mammals in which different strains of IAV circulate with sustained transmission are bats, pigs, horses and dogs; other mammals can occasionally become infected.
Sedoreoviridae is a family of double-stranded RNA viruses. Member viruses have a wide host range, including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, protists and fungi. They lack lipid envelopes and package their segmented genome within multi-layered capsids. Lack of a lipid envelope has allowed three-dimensional structures of these large complex viruses to be obtained, revealing a structural and likely evolutionary relationship to the cystovirus family of bacteriophage. There are currently 97 species in this family, divided among 15 genera in two subfamilies. Reoviruses can affect the gastrointestinal system and respiratory tract. The name "reo-" is an acronym for "respiratory enteric orphan" viruses. The term "orphan virus" refers to the fact that some of these viruses have been observed not associated with any known disease. Even though viruses in the family Reoviridae have more recently been identified with various diseases, the original name is still used.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a virus in the genus Aphthovirus that causes foot-and-mouth disease. As a member of the family Picornaviridae, FMDV is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Like other members of the Picornavirus family, FMDV is small and unenveloped, with an icosahedral capsid.
The Caliciviridae are a family of "small round structured" viruses, members of Class IV of the Baltimore scheme. Caliciviridae bear resemblance to enlarged picornavirus and was formerly a separate genus within the picornaviridae. They are positive-sense, single-stranded RNA which is not segmented. Thirteen species are placed in this family, divided among eleven genera. Diseases associated with this family include feline calicivirus, rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus, and Norwalk group of viruses (gastroenteritis). Caliciviruses naturally infect vertebrates, and have been found in a number of organisms such as humans, cattle, pigs, cats, chickens, reptiles, dolphins and amphibians. The caliciviruses have a simple construction and are not enveloped. The capsid appears hexagonal/spherical and has icosahedral symmetry with a diameter of 35–39 nm.
Gammaretrovirus is a genus in the Retroviridae family. Example species are the murine leukemia virus and the feline leukemia virus. They cause various sarcomas, leukemias and immune deficiencies in mammals, reptiles and birds.
Orbivirus is a genus of double-stranded RNA viruses in the family Reoviridae and subfamily Sedoreovirinae. Unlike other reoviruses, orbiviruses are arboviruses. They can infect and replicate within a wide range of arthropod and vertebrate hosts. Orbiviruses are named after their characteristic doughnut-shaped capsomers.
Orthoreovirus is a genus of viruses, in the family Reoviridae, in the subfamily Spinareovirinae. Vertebrates serve as natural hosts. There are ten species in this genus. Diseases associated with this genus include mild upper respiratory tract disease, gastroenteritis, and biliary atresia. Mammalian orthoreovirus 3 induces cell death preferentially in transformed cells and therefore displays inherent oncolytic properties.
Astroviruses (Astroviridae) are a type of virus that was first discovered in 1975 using electron microscopes following an outbreak of diarrhea in humans. In addition to humans, astroviruses have now been isolated from numerous mammalian animal species and from avian species such as ducks, chickens, and turkey poults. Astroviruses are 28–35 nm diameter, icosahedral viruses that have a characteristic five- or six-pointed star-like surface structure when viewed by electron microscopy. Along with the Picornaviridae and the Caliciviridae, the Astroviridae comprise a third family of nonenveloped viruses whose genome is composed of plus-sense, single-stranded RNA. Astrovirus has a non-segmented, single stranded, positive sense RNA genome within a non-enveloped icosahedral capsid. Human astroviruses have been shown in numerous studies to be an important cause of gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. In animals, Astroviruses also cause infection of the gastrointestinal tract but may also result in encephalitis, hepatitis (avian) and nephritis (avian).
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Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a virus of the family Caliciviridae that causes disease in cats. It is one of the two important viral causes of respiratory infection in cats, the other being Felid alphaherpesvirus 1. FCV can be isolated from about 50% of cats with upper respiratory infections. Cheetahs are the other species of the family Felidae known to become infected naturally.
Sapovirus is a genetically diverse genus of single-stranded positive-sense RNA, non-enveloped viruses within the family Caliciviridae. Together with norovirus, sapoviruses are the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in humans and animals. It is a monotypic taxon containing only one species, the Sapporo virus.
Erbovirus is a genus of viruses in the order Picornavirales, in the family Picornaviridae. Horses serve as natural hosts. There is only one species in this genus: Erbovirus A. Diseases associated with this genus include: upper respiratory tract disease with viremia and fecal shedding. Viruses belonging to the genus Erbovirus have been isolated in horses with acute upper febrile respiratory disease. The structure of the Erbovirus virion is icosahedral, having a diameter of 27–30 nm.
Lagovirus is a genus of viruses, in the family Caliciviridae. Lagomorphs serve as natural hosts. There are two species in this genus. Diseases associated with this genus include: necrotizing hepatitis leading to fatal hemorrhages.
Mastadenovirus is a genus of viruses in the family Adenoviridae. Humans and other mammals serve as natural hosts. There are 51 species in this genus. The genus as a whole includes many very common causes of human infection, estimated to be responsible for 2 to 5% of all respiratory infections, as well as gastrointestinal and eye infections. Symptoms are usually mild.
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, often abbreviated to EHDV, is a species of the genus Orbivirus, a member of the family Reoviridae. It is the causative agent of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, an acute, infectious, and often fatal disease of wild ruminants. In North America, the most severely affected ruminant is the white-tailed deer, although it may also infect mule deer, black-tailed deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope. It is often mistakenly referred to as “bluetongue virus” (BTV), another Orbivirus that like EHDV causes the host to develop a characteristic blue tongue due to systemic hemorrhaging and lack of oxygen in the blood. Despite showing clinical similarities, these two viruses are genetically distinct.
This glossary of virology is a list of definitions of terms and concepts used in virology, the study of viruses, particularly in the description of viruses and their actions. Related fields include microbiology, molecular biology, and genetics.
Triatoma virus (TrV) is a virus belonging to the insect virus family Dicistroviridae. Within this family, there are currently 3 genera and 15 species of virus. Triatoma virus belongs to the genus Cripavirus. It is non-enveloped and its genetic material is positive-sense, single-stranded RNA. The natural hosts of triatoma virus are invertebrates. TrV is a known pathogen to Triatoma infestans, the major vector of Chagas disease in Argentina which makes triatoma virus a major candidate for biological vector control as opposed to chemical insecticides. Triatoma virus was first discovered in 1984 when a survey of pathogens of triatomes was conducted in the hopes of finding potential biological control methods for T. infestans.
Red deerpox virus (RDPV) is a species of virus in the genus Parapoxvirus. It has been reported in deer in New Zealand, and in wild ruminants in Italy.
Avian metaavulavirus 2, formerly Avian paramyxovirus 2, is a species of virus belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae and genus Metaavulavirus. The virus is a negative strand RNA virus containing a monopartite genome. Avian metaavulavirus 2 is one of nine species belonging to the genus Metaavulavirus. The most common serotype of Avulavirinae is serotype 1, the cause of Newcastle disease (ND). Avian metaavulavirus 2 has been known to cause disease, specifically mild respiratory infections in domestic poultry, including turkeys and chickens, and has many economic effects on egg production and poultry industries. The virus was first isolated from a strain in Yucaipa, California in 1956. Since then, other isolates of the virus have been isolated worldwide.
Mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) is a double-stranded RNA virus. It is a part of the family Reoviridae, as well as the subfamily Spinareovirinae. As seen in the name, the Mammalian Ortheoreovirus infects numerous mammalian species and vertebrates which serve as natural hosts. Some diseases that occur as a result of this virus or are associated with this virus include mild upper respiratory illness, and gastrointestinal illness. Examples of these are: upper respiratory tract syndromes, gastroenteritis, biliary atresia, obstructive hydrocephalus, jaundice, alopecia, conjunctivitis, and ‘oily hair’ associated with steatorrhea.
