Diversity of large DNA viruses of invertebrates.
In this review we provide an overview of the diversity of large DNA viruses known to be pathogenic for invertebrates. We present their taxonomical classification and describe the evolutionary relationships among various groups of invertebrate-infecting viruses. We also indicate the relationships of the invertebrate viruses to viruses infecting mammals or other vertebrates. The shared characteristics of the viruses within the various families are described, including the structure of the virus particle, genome properties, and gene expression strategies. Finally, we explain the transmission and mode of infection of the most important viruses in these families and indicate, which orders of invertebrates are susceptible to these pathogens.
Instituto de Ecología AC, Xalapa, Veracruz 91070, Mexico.
Trevor
T
Williams
Laboratoire de Pathologie Comparée, Faculté des Sciences, Université Montpellier, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France.
Max
M
Bergoin
Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: monique.vanoers@wur.nl.
Monique M
MM
van Oers
D000818:Animals; D004266:DNA Virus Infections / Q000635:transmission; D004267:DNA Viruses / Q000235:genetics*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016679:Genome, Viral; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000821:virology*
Ascovirus; Entomopoxvirus; Filamentous viruses of hymenopterans; Hytrosavirus; Iridovirus; Mollusk-infecting herpesviruses; Nudivirus