Scutavirus is a genus of viruses in the order Herpesvirales, in the family Orthoherpesviridae, in the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Turtles and tortoises serve as natural hosts. Diseases associated with this genus include fibropapillomatosis.
Species The genus contains the following species, listed by scientific name and followed by the common name of the species:
Scutavirus chelonidalpha5, Chelonid herpesvirus 5 Scutavirus testudinidalpha3, Testudinid herpesvirus 3
Structure Viruses in Scutavirus 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.
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. Turtles and tortoises serve as the natural host.
References
External links
Viralzone: Scutavirus ICTV
