Crocodylidpoxvirus

Crocodylidpoxvirus is a genus of viruses in the family Poxviridae, subfamily Chordopoxvirinae. Crocodylidae (crocodiles) are the natural hosts. There is only one species in this genus: Crocodylidpox virus.

Taxonomy

The Crocodylidpoxvirus genus is part of the Poxviridae family, which is a family of viruses known for causing skin lesions in their hosts. The Poxviridae family is divided into two subfamilies: Chordopoxvirinae and Entomopoxvirinae. The Crocodylidpoxvirus genus falls under the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, which infects vertebrates.

Structure

Viruses in Crocodylidpoxvirus are enveloped, with brick-shaped geometries. The diameter is around 200-300 nm. Genomes are linear, around 170-200 kbp in length.

Life Cycle

Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the viral proteins to host glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which mediates endocytosis of the virus into the host cell. Replication follows the DNA strand displacement model. DNA-templated transcription, with some alternative splicing mechanism is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by budding, and tubule-guided viral movement. Crocodiles serve as the natural host.

Clinical

Crocodylidpoxvirus causes pox-like symptoms in crocodiles, including skin lesions and, in severe cases, death. The virus is not known to be zoonotic, meaning it does not typically infect humans.

Prevention and Control

There is currently no vaccine available for Crocodylidpoxvirus. Prevention and control measures include good hygiene practices and quarantine of infected animals.

See Also

• Poxviridae
• Chordopoxvirinae
• Crocodylidae

References

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