Iridovirus

Iridovirus is a genus of viruses, in the family Iridoviridae. Insects serve as natural hosts. There are currently only two species in this genus including the type species Invertebrate iridescent virus 6. Diseases associated with this genus include: in mosquitoes, IIV-6 usually causes covert (inapparent) infection that reduces fitness. Group: dsDNA Former species Invertebrate iridescent virus 1 (IIV-1) has been removed from Iridovirus. Its current status is a tentative member of Chloriridovirus. Viruses in Iridovirus are enveloped, with icosahedral and Polyhedral geometries, and T=147 symmetry. The diameter is around 185 nm. Genomes are linear, around 213kb in length. The genome codes for 211 proteins. Viral replication is nucleo-cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the viral proteins to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the DNA strand displacement model. DNA-templated transcription is the method of transcription. Insects serve as the natural host.