Spiromicrovirus

Spiromicrovirus is a genus of viruses in the order Picornavirales, in the family Picornaviridae. The genus contains a single species, Spiromicrovirus hirudinis. The viruses in this genus infect leeches.

Structure

Spiromicroviruses are non-enveloped, with icosahedral and spherical geometries, and T=pseudo3 symmetry. The diameter is around 30 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 7.4kb in length.

Life Cycle

Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the virus to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the positive stranded RNA virus replication model. Positive stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by lysis, and viroporins. Leeches serve as the natural host.

Clinical

The clinical relevance of Spiromicrovirus is currently unknown. Further research is needed to determine if this virus has any impact on human health or if it can be utilized in any beneficial ways.

See Also

• Picornaviridae
• Picornavirales
• Virus
• Leech

References

• Viral Zone
• Virus Taxonomy: 2020 Release