Genus Chloriridovirus

Type Species	Invertebrate iridescent virus 3	(IIV-3)

Virion Properties

Particle diameter is approximately 180  nm in ultrathin section. The trimers and pentamers of Invertebrate iridescent virus 3 (IIV-3) are larger than the corresponding structures of members of the genus Iridovirus, with probably 14 capsomers to each edge of the trimer. Particle size has historically been used to define viruses that pertain to this genus, but the validity of this characteristic is uncertain.

Physicochemical and Physical Properties

Virions have an Mr of approximately 2.49-2.75 10⁶, a buoyant density of approximately 1.354  g/cm³ in CsCl and a sedimentation coefficient S_20w of 4440-4460S. Infectivity is believed not to be sensitive to ether.

Nucleic Acid

There are conflicting reports of genome size from 135 to 383  kbp. The GC content is 53.9%.

Proteins

Chloriridoviruses appear to be structurally simpler than other members of the family. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has revealed just 9 polypeptides (Mr 15-97.5 10³) in IIV-3. A major protein of Mr = 55 10³ is probably the MCP.

Lipids

The lipid content of IIV-3 is approximately 4%.

Carbohydrates

None reported.

Antigenic Properties

IIV-3 is serologically distinct from members of other genera.

Biological Properties

IIV-3 is the only virus characterized from this genus, although more than 20 host species were reported with patent infections world-wide. Chloriridovirus-like infections have only been reported from Diptera with aquatic larval stages, mainly mosquitoes. There is evidence for transovarial transmission in mosquitoes infected by IIV-3. Horizontal transmission is achieved by cannibalism or predation of infected mosquitoes of other species. Patently infected larvae and purified pellets of virus iridesce usually with a yellow-green colour, although orange and red infections are known. IIV-3 appears to have a narrow host range compared to most members of the genus Iridovirus.

List of Species Demarcation Criteria in the Genus

Not applicable.

List of Species in the Genus

Official virus species names are in italics. Tentative virus species names, alternative names ( ), strains or serotypes are not italicized. Virus name and assigned abbreviation ( ) are:

Species in the Genus

Invertebrate iridescent virus 3	(IIV-3)
(Aedes taeniorhynchus iridescent virus)
(Mosquito iridescent virus)

Tentative Species in the Genus

None reported.