Nudiviridae

Nudiviridae is a family of viruses that infect insects and crustaceans. The family is named from the Latin nudus (naked) and virus (poison), referring to the lack of an envelope in the virions. The family includes the genera Alphanudivirus, Betanudivirus, and Gammabaculovirus.

Taxonomy

The family Nudiviridae is divided into three genera:

• Alphanudivirus: This genus includes species such as the Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus, which infects the coconut rhinoceros beetle.
• Betanudivirus: This genus includes species such as the Drosophila innubila nudivirus, which infects the fruit fly.
• Gammabaculovirus: This genus includes species such as the Helicoverpa zea nudivirus 2, which infects the corn earworm.

Structure and Genome

Nudiviruses have a circular double-stranded DNA genome, which is packaged in a rod-shaped capsid. The genome size varies between 97 and 232 kilobase pairs, depending on the species. The genome encodes for between 98 and 160 proteins, including structural proteins, enzymes involved in DNA replication and transcription, and proteins involved in host-virus interactions.

Replication Cycle

The replication cycle of nudiviruses involves several stages. The virus first attaches to the host cell using specific receptors on the cell surface. The virus then enters the cell, where it uncoats and releases its DNA genome. The viral DNA is then replicated and transcribed by the host's cellular machinery. The newly synthesized viral proteins and DNA are assembled into new virions, which are released from the cell to infect other cells.

Pathogenicity and Control

Nudiviruses can cause significant disease in their insect and crustacean hosts, leading to high mortality rates. They are of particular concern in aquaculture, where they can cause significant losses. Control measures include the use of vaccines, antiviral drugs, and biopesticides.

See Also

• Baculoviridae
• Virus classification
• Viral replication