Subfamily Entomopoxvirinae

Taxonomic Structure of the Subfamily

Subfamily	Entomopoxvirinae
Genus	Entomopoxvirus A
Genus	Entomopoxvirus B
Genus	Entomopoxvirus C

Distinguishing Features

The viruses infect insects. The viruses include different morphologic forms, e.g., brick-shaped, or ovoid. They are about 70-250 350  nm in size and chemically similar to other family members. Virions contain at least 4 enzymes equivalent to those found in vaccinia virus. Virions of several morphological types have globular surface units that give a mulberry-like appearance; some have one lateral body, others have two. The DNA G+C content is about 20%. A common co-linear signature of core genes, different than that for the Chordopoxvirinae, is beginning to emerge, characteristic of the subfamily. No serologic relationships have been demonstrated between entomopoxviruses and chordopoxviruses. Entomopoxviruses replicate in the cytoplasm of insect cells (hemocytes and adipose tissue cells). Mature virions are usually occluded in spheroids comprised of a major crystalline occlusion body protein (termed “spheroidin”). The subdivision into genera is based on virion morphology, host range, and the genome sizes of a few isolates. The genetic basis for these different traits is unknown.