Resources: Poxviridae

Sequence alignments and tree files:

Figure 4.Poxviridae

Tree file (Newick format)

References: Poxviridae

Afonso, C. L., G. Delhon, E. R. Tulman, Z. Lu, A. Zsak, V. M. Becerra, L. Zsak, G. F. Kutish and D. L. Rock (2005). Genome of deerpox virus. J Virol 79: 966-77. [PubMed]

Citation: Poxviridae

A summary of this ICTV Report chapter has been published as an ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile article in the Journal of General Virology, and should be cited when referencing this online chapter as follows:

Authors: Poxviridae

Colin McInnes*
Chair, Poxviridae Study Group
Moredun Research Institute
Edinburgh
UK
E-mail: colin.mcinnes@moredun.ac.uk

Inger Damon
Poxvirus and Rabies Branch
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta
Georgia 30333
USA
E-mail: iad7@cdc.gov

Subfamily: Entomopoxvirinae

Unassigned species

Subfamily: Entomopoxvirinae

Genus: Gammaentomopoxvirus

Distinguishing features

The genus Gammaentomopoxviruses includes six species whose members infect Diptera. Mature viruses are occluded within ellipsoidal and spindle-shaped inclusion bodies. Disease signs include the accumulation of white patches under the cuticle and liquefaction of fourth-instar larvae.

Virion

Virions are brick-shaped, about 320×230×110 nm in size, with two lateral bodies and a biconcave core

Subfamily: Entomopoxvirinae

Genus: Deltaentomopoxvirus

Distinguishing features

The genus Deltaentomopxvirus includes a single species, Melanoplus sanguinipes entomopoxvirus, that includes Melanoplus sanguinipes entomopoxvirus 'O' (MSEV), which infects the North American migratory grasshopper and other related orthopteran hosts. Infection is through the midgut, with the fat body being the major target organ for virus replication. Disease develops slowly, is highly debilitating and results in high mortality.

Subfamily: Entomopoxvirinae

Genus: Betaentomopoxvirus

Distinguishing features

The genus includes poxviruses that infect insects of the order Lepidoptera. The genus includes 16 species. Mature virions are occluded within spheroids after cell disintegration and are thought to be important for dissemination. Disease signs include; re-organisation of the host cell cytoskeleton, arrested moulting of the larvae, larval paralysis, loss of coordination and lethargy.

Subfamily: Entomopoxvirinae

Genus: Alphaentomopoxvirus

Distinguishing features

The genus includes poxviruses that infect insects from the order Coleoptera and have been detected worldwide. The genus includes 7 virus species. Disease is characterised by whitening and flaccidity of larval stages.

Virion

Virions are ovoid, about 400–450 × 220–250 nm in size, with one lateral body and a unilateral concave core. Surface globular units give the virion a mulberry-like appearance and are 22 nm in diameter .

Family: Poxviridae

Subfamily: Entomopoxvirinae