Hytrosaviridae

Hytrosaviridae is a family of insect viruses. The family contains two genera: Glossinavirus and Muscidifurax. The viruses in this family have a unique morphology, with elongated, non-enveloped, rod-shaped virions. They are characterized by causing salivary gland hypertrophy (SGH) syndrome in their hosts, which leads to reduced fertility or sterility.

Taxonomy

The family Hytrosaviridae is divided into two genera:

• Glossinavirus: This genus includes the species Glossina pallidipes salivary gland hypertrophy virus, which infects the tsetse fly Glossina pallidipes.

• Muscidifurax: This genus includes the species Muscidifurax uniraptor salivary gland hypertrophy virus, which infects the parasitic wasp Muscidifurax uniraptor.

Structure and Genome

Hytrosaviruses have a unique rod-shaped morphology, with non-enveloped virions measuring 0.3-0.4 μm in diameter and 1.5-2.0 μm in length. The genome of hytrosaviruses is a linear, double-stranded DNA molecule, approximately 120-190 kilobase pairs in length.

Pathology

Hytrosaviruses cause salivary gland hypertrophy (SGH) syndrome in their insect hosts. This condition is characterized by an enlargement of the salivary glands, leading to reduced fertility or sterility. The syndrome also causes a significant reduction in the lifespan of the infected insects.

Transmission and Epidemiology

Hytrosaviruses are transmitted horizontally through oral secretions, and vertically from an infected mother to her offspring. The viruses have a wide host range, infecting various species of flies and wasps.

Research and Applications

Research on Hytrosaviridae has potential applications in the biological control of insect pests. For example, the Glossina pallidipes salivary gland hypertrophy virus could be used to control populations of the tsetse fly, a vector of African trypanosomiasis.

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