Trichomonasvirus

Trichomonasvirus is a genus of viruses that infects protozoan hosts, specifically the Trichomonas species. These viruses are part of the family Totiviridae, which are characterized by their double-stranded RNA genomes and non-enveloped icosahedral capsids.

Structure

Trichomonasvirus particles are non-enveloped and have an icosahedral symmetry. The capsid is composed of 120 copies of a single capsid protein, forming a T=2 lattice. The diameter of the virion is approximately 40 nm. The genome of Trichomonasvirus is a single molecule of double-stranded RNA, approximately 4.6 kilobases in length.

Genome and Replication

The genome of Trichomonasvirus encodes two primary open reading frames (ORFs). The first ORF encodes the capsid protein, while the second ORF encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is essential for viral replication. The replication of Trichomonasvirus occurs in the cytoplasm of the host cell, where the viral RdRp synthesizes new RNA genomes and mRNA for protein synthesis.

Host and Transmission

Trichomonasvirus specifically infects protozoan hosts of the genus Trichomonas, such as Trichomonas vaginalis, a common human parasite. The virus is transmitted vertically from parent to offspring during cell division, as well as horizontally between cells during co-infection events.

Pathogenicity

While Trichomonasvirus itself is not known to cause disease in humans, its presence can influence the pathogenicity of its host, Trichomonas vaginalis. Infected protozoa may exhibit altered virulence factors, potentially affecting the severity of trichomoniasis in humans.

Research and Implications

Research on Trichomonasvirus provides insights into virus-host interactions and the evolution of viral genomes. Understanding the role of Trichomonasvirus in modulating the pathogenicity of Trichomonas vaginalis could have implications for the treatment and management of trichomoniasis.

Related Pages

• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Totiviridae
• Double-stranded RNA virus