Sprivivirus

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: rgb(250,250,190)" | Sprivivirus
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(250,250,190)" | Virus classification

Sprivivirus is a genus of viruses in the family Rhabdoviridae. This genus is known to infect fish, particularly salmonids, and is associated with significant economic impacts in aquaculture due to the diseases it causes. The type species of this genus is the Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV).

Virology

Spriviviruses are enveloped, negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. The virions are typically bullet-shaped, a characteristic feature of the Rhabdoviridae family. The genome of spriviviruses is approximately 11-12 kb in length and encodes five proteins: the nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), glycoprotein (G), and the large polymerase protein (L).

Genome Organization

The genome is organized in a linear fashion with the following gene order: 3'-N-P-M-G-L-5'. Each gene is flanked by conserved transcription initiation and termination sequences, which are crucial for the transcription of viral mRNAs by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Replication Cycle

Spriviviruses enter host cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis. Once inside the host cell, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase transcribes the viral genome into mRNA, which is then translated into viral proteins. The replication of the viral genome occurs in the cytoplasm, where new virions are assembled and subsequently bud from the host cell membrane, acquiring their envelope in the process.

Pathogenesis

Spriviviruses primarily infect fish, causing diseases that can lead to high mortality rates in aquaculture settings. The most well-known disease caused by a sprivivirus is Spring viremia of carp, which affects carp and other cyprinid fish. Infected fish exhibit symptoms such as hemorrhaging, abdominal swelling, and lethargy.

Epidemiology

Sprivivirus infections have been reported in various parts of the world, particularly in regions with intensive aquaculture practices. The virus can be transmitted through water, direct contact with infected fish, and possibly through vectors such as birds.

Prevention and Control

Preventive measures include maintaining good water quality, implementing biosecurity protocols, and monitoring fish populations for signs of disease. Vaccination strategies are being explored, but as of now, there are no widely available vaccines for sprivivirus infections.

Research and Developments

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the molecular biology of spriviviruses, developing effective vaccines, and improving diagnostic methods for early detection of infections.

Also see

• Rhabdoviridae
• Spring viremia of carp
• Fish virology
• Aquaculture