Varicellovirus

Varicellovirus is a genus of viruses in the order Herpesvirales, in the family Herpesviridae, in the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Humans and mammals serve as natural hosts. Diseases associated with this genus include: chickenpox and shingles in humans, and bovine mammillitis and pseudo-lumpy skin disease in animals.

Taxonomy

The following species are recognized:

• Bovine alphaherpesvirus 2
• Bovine alphaherpesvirus 5
• Canid alphaherpesvirus 1
• Equid alphaherpesvirus 3
• Equid alphaherpesvirus 4
• Equid alphaherpesvirus 8
• Equid alphaherpesvirus 9
• Felid alphaherpesvirus 1
• Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2
• Gallid alphaherpesvirus 3
• Human alphaherpesvirus 3
• Suid alphaherpesvirus 1

Structure

Varicelloviruses are enveloped, with icosahedral, spherical to pleomorphic, and round geometries, and T=16 symmetry. The diameter is around 150-200 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 125-235kb in length.

Life Cycle

Viral replication is nuclear, and is lysogenic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the viral gB, gC, gD and gH proteins to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the dsDNA bidirectional replication model. DNA-templated transcription, with some alternative splicing mechanism is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by nuclear egress, and budding. Humans and mammals serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are contact, aerosol, ingestion, contact with skin lesions, and fomites.

Clinical Significance

Varicellovirus is responsible for a variety of diseases in humans and animals. In humans, it can cause chickenpox and shingles. In animals, it can cause diseases such as bovine mammillitis and pseudo-lumpy skin disease.

See Also

• Herpesviridae
• Alphaherpesvirinae
• Chickenpox
• Shingles