Family: Inoviridae

Genus: Versovirus

Distinguishing features

Two isolates of the species Vibrio virus VfO3K6 are Vibrio phage VfO3K6 (sometimes designated as f237) and Vibrio phage VfO4K68, isolated from pandemic strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Their genomes are 6.9−8.8 kb (approx. 45% G+C). Phage DNA persists extra-chromosomally in infected bacterial cells. The proteome contains of 8−10 proteins. The virion of Vibrio phage VfO3K6 has dimensions of 2,500 × 8 nm, while Vibrio phage VfO4K68 is 1,300 × 6 nm (Nasu et al., 2000, Chang et al., 2002). Phages in the genus Versovirus are related to Vibrio phage Vf33 (genus Villovirus) of V. parahaemolyticus − 21% similar (query coverage × identity) in DNA sequence and 30% at the proteome level, with a low similarity of core genes (Figure 4. Inoviridae). 

Virion

See discussion under family description. 

Genome organisation and replication

See discussion under family description. 

Biology

Members of the genus infect Vibrio parahaemolyticus. 

Species demarcation criteria

There is only one species in the genus. Members of additional species will be >5% different in the DNA sequence of their genomes as assessed using the BLASTn algorithm.