Avihepadnavirus


Avihepadnavirus is a genus of viruses, in the family Hepadnaviridae. Birds serve as natural hosts. There are three species in this genus including the type species Duck hepatitis B virus. Diseases associated with this genus include: hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinomas, and cirrhosis.

Structure

Viruses in Avihepadnavirus are enveloped, with spherical geometries, and T=4 symmetry. The diameter is around 42 nm. Genomes are circular, around 3.2kb in length. The genome codes for 7 proteins.
GenusStructureSymmetryCapsidGenomic arrangementGenomic segmentation
AvihepadnavirusIcosahedralT=4Non-envelopedCircularMonopartite

Life cycle

Viral replication is nucleo-cytoplasmic. Replication follows the dsDNA replication model. Dna templated transcription, specifically dsdna transcription, with some alternative splicing mechanism is the method of transcription. Translation takes place by ribosomal shunting. The virus exits the host cell by budding, and nuclear pore export.
Birds serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are parental, sexual, and blood.
GenusHost detailsTissue tropismEntry detailsRelease detailsReplication siteAssembly siteTransmission
AvihepadnavirusBirdsHepatocytesCell receptor endocytosisBuddingNucleusCytoplasmVertical: parental; sex; blood