ARS | Publication request: Eight new species in the genus Alphabaculovirus

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 22, 2012
Publication Date: May 28, 2012
Repository URL: http://talk.ictvonline.org/files/proposals/taxonomy_proposals_invertebrate1/m/inv01/4202.aspx
Citation: Harrison, R.L., Herniou, E.A., Theilmann, D.A., Blissard, G.W., Becnel, J.J., Arif, B., Vlak, J.M., Jehle, J.A., Burand, J.P. 2012. Eight new species in the genus Alphabaculovirus. Meeting Abstract. ICTV Files and Disussion (Website).

Technical Abstract: This taxonomic proposal recommends the addition of eight new species to the genus Alphabaculovirus of the family Baculoviridae. Placement of these new species within genus Alphabaculovirus is based on the following criteria: host species of the insect order Lepidoptera; circular double-stranded DNA genome ranging in size from 110 – 170 kbp with a gene content characteristic of other alphabaculoviruses; relationships to other baculoviruses as inferred by molecular phylogeny; occlusion bodies formed within the nucleus with a characteristic size and shape; and rod-shaped virions consisting of nucleocapsids enveloped singly or in bunches. The demarcation of these new viruses as separate species within Alphabaculovirus is based primarily on pairwise nucleotide distances of selected baculovirus core genes. Predicted amino acid distances separating these viruses from other alphabaculoviruses further support their status as separate species, as do other distinguishing features outlined in the published literature on these viruses.