Bicaudaviridae

Bicaudaviridae is a family of hyperthermophilic archaeal viruses. Members of the genus Acidianus serve as natural hosts. There is currently only one genus (Bicaudavirus) and one species in this family: the type species Acidianus two-tailed virus. However, Sulfolobus tengchongensis spindle-shaped viruses 1 and 2 (STSV1 and STSV2) are regarded to belong to this family also. Group: dsDNA Viruses in Bicaudaviridae are enveloped, with lemon-shaped geometries. Genomes are circular, around 62kb in length. The genome has 72 open reading frames. Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the viral proteins to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Dna templated transcription is the method of transcription. Genus Acidianus serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are passive diffusion. This family was first described by the team led by D. Prangishvili in 2005. The name is derived from the Latin word 'bi' and 'cauda' meaning 'two-tail'.