Phlebovirus

Phlebovirus is one of five genera of the family Bunyaviridae. The Phlebovirus genus currently comprises over 70 antigenically distinct serotypes, only a few of which have been studied. 68 of the known serotypes are divided into two groups: the Phlebotomus fever viruses (the sandfly group, transmitted by Phlebotominae sandflies) comprises 55 members and the Uukuniemi group (transmitted by ticks) comprises the remaining 13 members.

Virology

Phleboviruses are class V viruses with a segmented negative-strand RNA genome. The genome comprises 3 segments, one of which uses an ambisense coding strategy. The small segment (S) codes for the viral N protein and a non structural protein, NSs. The medium-sized segment (M) codes for a precursor of the viral glycoproteins and non-structural components. The product of the largest segment (L) is the viral RNA polymerase.

Taxonomy

According to the ICTV, the genus Phlebovirus consists of nine species: Bujaru virus, Candiru virus, Chilibre virus, Frijoles virus, Punta Toro virus, Rift valley fever virus (the type species), Salehad virus, Sandfly fever Naples virus and Uukuniemi virus.