Erythroparvovirus

Erythroparvovirus is a genus of viruses in the family Parvoviridae, subfamily Parvovirinae. There are currently three species in this genus including the type species Human parvovirus B19. Diseases associated with this genus include: anemia, arthritis, and fetal hydrops.

Taxonomy

The genus Erythroparvovirus is part of the family Parvoviridae, which is further divided into two subfamilies: Parvovirinae and Densovirinae. The Erythroparvovirus genus includes three species: Human parvovirus B19, Simian parvovirus, and Chipmunk parvovirus.

Structure

Viruses in Erythroparvovirus are non-enveloped, with icosahedral and round geometries, and T=1 symmetry. The diameter is around 18-26 nm. Genomes are linear, around 5.6 kb in length.

Life Cycle

Viral replication is nuclear. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the virus to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the rolling-hairpin model. DNA-templated transcription, with some alternative splicing mechanism is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by nuclear pore export, and lysis. Humans and monkeys serve as the natural host.

Clinical Significance

The most well-known virus of the Erythroparvovirus genus is the Human parvovirus B19, which is the cause of Fifth disease, a common childhood ailment characterized by a "slapped cheek" rash. In adults, infection can lead to arthritis and other joint problems. In pregnant women, infection can lead to hydrops fetalis, a severe and often fatal condition in the fetus.

See Also

• Parvoviridae
• Parvovirinae
• Human parvovirus B19
• Fifth disease
• Hydrops fetalis