The family Flaviviridae comprises the genus Flavivirus, which contains 65 related species and two possible members. They are small, enveloped RNA viruses (diameter 45 nm) with peplomers comprising a single glycoprotein E. Other structural proteins are designated C (core) and M (membrane-like). The single strand of RNA is infectious and has a molecular weight of about 4 × 106 and an m7G ‘cap’ at the 5’ end but no poly(A) tract at the 3’ end; it functions as the sole messenger. The gene sequence commences 5’-C-M-E... The replication strategy and the mode of morphogenesis are distinct from those of the Togaviridae which are slightly larger and morphologically similar in some respects. Flaviviruses infect a wide range of vertebrates, and many are transmitted by arthropods.
The family Togaviridaecomprises four genera: Alphavirus (with 26 species), Rubivirus (one species), Pestivirus (three species), and Arterivirus (one species). The main characteristics of the member viruses are: (i) the virus particles are spherical, 50–70 nm in diameter, including an envelope with surface projections that incorporate two or three polypeptides, usually glycosylated; (ii) the nucleocapsid comprises a core protein and a single strand of positive-sense RNA, molecular weight about 4 x 106; where characterized, the RNA has an m7G ‘cap’ at the 5’ end and is polyadenylated at the 3’ end; (iii) maturation occurs by budding of spherical nucleocapsids 30–35 nm in diameter, with proven or presumed icosahedral symmetry, through cytoplasmic membranes. Where characterized, translation of structural proteins occurs on subgenomic messenger RNA(s); these appear to represent the 3’ end of the genome. Nearly all alphavirus species are transmitted by mosquitoes. Transmission also occurs transovarially (Alphavirus) or transplacentally (Rubivirus and Pestivirus). Members of a genus are serologically related, but are not related to members of other genera.
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