''Avastrovirus'' is a genus of
viruses
A virus is a submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. Viruses infect all life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea. Viruses are found in almo ...
, in the family ''
Astroviridae
Astroviruses (''Astroviridae'') are a type of virus that was first discovered in 1975 using electron microscopes following an outbreak of diarrhea in humans. In addition to humans, astroviruses have now been isolated from numerous mammalian ani ...
''. Birds serve as natural hosts. There are three species in this genus. Diseases associated with this genus include: gastroenteritis, liver or kidney damages.
Taxonomy
The genus contains the following species:
* ''
Avastrovirus 1''
* ''
Avastrovirus 2''
* ''
Avastrovirus 3''
Structure
Viruses in ''Avastrovirus'' are non-enveloped, with icosahedral and spherical geometries, and T=3 symmetry. The diameter is around 35 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 6.8-7kb in length.
Life cycle
Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the positive stranded RNA virus replication model. Positive stranded
RNA
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a polymeric molecule that is essential for most biological functions, either by performing the function itself (non-coding RNA) or by forming a template for the production of proteins (messenger RNA). RNA and deoxyrib ...
virus transcription, using an unknown model of subgenomic RNA transcription is the method of transcription. Translation takes place by -1 ribosomal frameshifting. Birds serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are fecal-oral.
References
External links
Viralzone: AvastrovirusICTV
{{Taxonbar, from=Q18815093
Astroviridae
Virus genera