Polyomaviridae

Polyomaviridae is a family of viruses that infects a wide range of hosts, including humans, rodents, birds, and cattle. The family is named for the Greek words poly, meaning many, and oma, meaning tumors, due to the ability of some members of the family to cause tumors in their hosts.

Taxonomy

The family Polyomaviridae is divided into four genera: Alphapolyomavirus, Betapolyomavirus, Gammapolyomavirus, and Deltapolyomavirus. Each genus contains multiple species, many of which are known to infect humans.

Structure

Polyomaviruses are small, non-enveloped viruses with a circular, double-stranded DNA genome. The genome is enclosed in a capsid made of proteins.

Life cycle

The life cycle of polyomaviruses begins with the virus attaching to a host cell. The virus then enters the cell and uncoats, releasing its DNA genome into the cell's nucleus. The host cell's machinery is used to replicate the viral DNA and produce viral proteins. New virus particles are assembled in the nucleus and then released from the cell to infect other cells.

Pathogenesis

Some polyomaviruses are known to cause disease in their hosts. In humans, infection with certain polyomaviruses can lead to diseases such as Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and Merkel cell carcinoma.

Prevention and treatment

There are currently no specific antiviral treatments for polyomavirus infections. Prevention strategies include good hygiene practices and avoiding contact with infected individuals.

See also

• Virus
• Oncovirus
• DNA virus

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