- Reoviridae
- A family of double-stranded RNA viruses, some of which (Reovirus) previously were included with ECHO viruses, and others (Orbivirus), with arboviruses. Virions are 60–80 nm in diameter, usually naked, and ether-resistant; genomes contain double-stranded, segmented RNA (MW 10–16 × 106); capsids are of icosohedral symmetry with two layers of capsomeres. The family comprises nine genera : Orthoreovirus, Orbivirus, Rotavirus, Coltivirus, Aquareovirus, cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus group (Cypovirus), and three plant reovirus groups (Phytoreovirus, Fijivirus, and Oryzavirus). [Respiratory Enteric Orphan + viridae]
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Reo·vi·ri·dae .rē-ō-'vir-ə-.dē n pl a family of double-stranded RNA viruses that have a virion with icosahedral structural symmetry but may appear spherical, that have a capsid with one to three concentric protein layers, and that comprise many pathogens of plants and animals including the causative agents of bluetongue and Colorado tick fever see orbivirus, rotavirus* * *
Reo·vi·ri·dae (re″o-virґĭ-de) the reoviruses: a family of RNA viruses having a nonenveloped icosahedral virion 60–80 nm in diameter; virions have two protein shells, the particle with the outer shell removed being referred to as the core. The genome consists of 10 to 12 structural segments of linear double-stranded RNA (total MW 12–20 Ч 106, 10–27 kbp depending on the genus). Virions contain 10–12 structural proteins, including a transcriptase, and are resistant to heat but sensitive to lipid solvents. Replication and assembly occur in the cytoplasm. Transmission is by the fecal-oral route, by fomites, or by arthropod vectors. Vertebrate pathogens are included in the genera Orthoreovirus, Orbivirus, Rotavirus, Coltivirus, and Aquareovirus. Other genera contain arthropod and plant pathogens.
Medical dictionary. 2011.
