Phlebovirus


Phlebovirus is one of four genera of the family Phenuiviridae in the order Bunyavirales. The genus currently comprises 60 species. It derives its name from Phlebotominae, the vectors of member species Sandfly fever Naples phlebovirus, which is said to be ultimately from the Greek phlebos, meaning "vein". The proper word for "vein" in ancient Greek is however phleps.

Virology

Phleboviruses are viruses with a negative-sense RNA genome consisting of three segments. The small segment codes for the viral N protein and a non structural protein, NSs via an ambisense coding strategy. The medium-sized segment codes for a precursor of the viral glycoproteins and non-structural components. The product of the largest segment is the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Taxonomy

The following species are recognized:
, within the phlebovirus there are three genetic groups of tick-borne phleboviruses : the SFTS group, the Bhanja group, and the Uukuniemi group. A fourth group has been described.

Clinical significance

The following twelve viruses have been linked to disease in humans: Alenquer virus, Bhanja virus, Candiru virus, Chagres virus, Naples virus, Punta Toro virus, Rift Valley fever, Sicilian virus, Toscana virus, Uukuniemi virus, Heartland virus, and the Sandfly Turkey virus.
They cause symptoms ranging from short self-limiting fevers, such as pappataci fever, to encephalitis and fatal haemorrhagic fever.

Serogroups

There are several recognized serocomplexes

Bhanja serocomplex

The sandfly serocomplex is divided into two groups: Naples and Sicilian
;Sandfly fever Naples group
;Sandfly fever Sicilian group