Recent Advances in the Characterization of Animal Rhabdoviruses
Aneta Gubala
from: Rhabdoviruses: Molecular Taxonomy, Evolution, Genomics, Ecology, Host-Vector Interactions, Cytopathology and Control (Edited by: Ralf G. Dietzgen and Ivan V. Kuzmin). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2012)
Abstract
Recent molecular characterization studies of taxonomically unassigned animal rhabdoviruses have uncovered a large and genetically diverse group within the family Rhabdoviridae, informally referred to as the 'dimarhabdovirus supergroup'. These viruses contain intricate genome structures, novel open reading frames (ORFs) in addition to the typical five (N-P-M-G-L) rhabdovirus genes and other interesting features previously not described in other representatives of the family. Consequently, the family awaits the classification of two new genera, Tibrovirus and Sigmavirus. The Hart Park, Tupaia - Oak Vale and Sinistar groups of viruses, and several independent representative viruses, await additional characterization to establish their positions within the family. Whilst an array of new and valuable information has been generated, more than 70 animal rhabdoviruses remain fundamentally uncharacterized. These viruses unquestionably conceal a great abundance of new information that will further sculpt our understanding of this important family read more ...
