Showing papers on "Virus classification published in 1985"

The genetic basis for describing viruses as species.

Abstract: The basis for the taxonomic definition of viruses or other species eventually has to be genetic. Since the beginning of the taxonomical considerations of organisms, the criterion that individuals can

The Viruses and Their Taxonomy

Abstract: In the past decade and a half the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) has evolved a virus taxonomy which is accepted and used by the majority of virologists (Wildy, 1971; Fenner, 1976; Matthews, 1979, 1982). This is in sharp contrast to the previous efforts of numerous individual workers who endeavored to establish suitable methods of nomenclature and classification (reviewed by Francki, 1981, and Matthews, 1983) and most of which now appear rather naive and unacceptable by contemporary notions. Currently, the majority of viruses infecting vertebrates are classified into families and genera on the recommendation of the Vertebrate Virus Subcommittee of the ICTV. This approach has been followed for the classification of bacterial and invertebrate viruses by the respective ICTV subcommittees. Contrary to this, the Plant Virus Subcommittee (PVS) has divided viruses into loosely defined groups with the exception of those which show affinities to viruses of vertebrates and arthropods; they are included in the families Reoviridae and Rhabdovir-idae. In the case of the Reoviridae, members infecting plants have been subdivided into two genera, Phytoreovirus and Fijivirus (Matthews, 1982). Thus, at present, plant viruses are divided among two families and 24 groups (Matthews, 1982).

Species Classification Problems in Virus Taxonomy

Abstract: Although the species is the fundamental unit of taxonomy, virologists only recently have begun to classify virus species in a systematic way under the leadership of the International Committee on Taxo

Taxonomy and nomenclature of viruses.

Abstract: In his article The species concept in plant virology Milne1 describes the CMI/AAB Descriptions of Plant Viruses2 as providing the 'creeping barrage' (for the 'anti-species' views of many plant virologists and others) in the seemingly unending trench warfare over virus taxonomy and nomenclature. As an editor since 1970 (with BD Harrison) of this continuing series, I am moved to fire a few additional shots in support of Milne's thesis.

Alternatives to the species concept for virus taxonomy.

Abstract: The species concept seems to be inescapably based on the occurrence, in a population, of regular genetic interchange which leads to the formation of common gene pools and on the presence of barriers t

Fundamentals of medical virology

Abstract: This book contains 34 chapters. Some of the chapters titles are: Genetics of Viruses; Papovaviruses; Reoviruses; Togaviruses; Growth and Assay of Viruses; Pathways and Classes of Virus Replication; Characteristics and Classification of Viruses; and Bunyaviruses.

Variability of Antigen Epitopes of Monotypic Viruses

Abstract: The definition of a virus species has been extensively debated. The pragmatic conclusion has been reached that at our present state of knowledge a species should be synonymous with a serotype of a virus. The serotype of a virus is defined by use of polyclonal convalescent or hyperimmune sera in neutralization assays. Since the process of neutralization involves only certain virion surface structures (usually in minority), the type identification (speciation) is determined by only a small fraction of the total genome. The consequences of this are obvious and well known. These are the facts that the same serotype can be carried by viruses (a) with varying pathogenetic capacity and (b) with varying virulence. Variations in virulence is exploited in the design of live virus vaccines, in which case an attenuated strain of virus is used to provide immune protection against the antigenically identical (or closely related) virulent strain of virus.