Ampullaviridae

Ampullaviridae is a family of viruses that infect archaeal hosts. The family name is derived from the Latin ampulla, meaning flask, which refers to the unique flask-shaped morphology of the virions. The family currently consists of a single genus, Acidianus bottle-shaped virus, with one species.

Taxonomy

The family Ampullaviridae is classified within the realm Varidnaviria, kingdom Bamfordvirae, and phylum Pleolipoviricota. The family contains a single genus, Acidianus bottle-shaped virus, which in turn contains a single species, Acidianus bottle-shaped virus 1.

Structure

Viruses in Ampullaviridae are enveloped, with bottle-shaped geometries. The diameter is around 42-45 nm, with a length of 80-95 nm. Genomes are linear, around 23.1 kb in length.

Life Cycle

Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by adsorption into the host cell. DNA-templated transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by budding, and tubule-guided viral movement. Archaea serve as the natural host.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of Ampullaviridae is not well understood due to the extremophilic nature of its archaeal hosts. However, it is known that the virus can cause lysis of the host cell.

See Also

• Virus classification
• Archaea
• Acidianus