Deltakoronavirukset

Deltakoronavirukset refers to a subgenus of coronaviruses. This group belongs to the family Coronaviridae and the order Nidovirales. Coronaviruses are known for their characteristic crown-like spikes on their surface, which give them their name. Deltacoronaviruses are distinct from the alpha-, beta-, and gammacoronaviruses, which are more commonly known due to their association with human and livestock diseases.

Members of the deltacoronavirus genus have been identified in a variety of animal hosts, including birds and marine mammals. For instance, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in poultry is a well-known deltacoronavirus. Other deltacoronaviruses have been detected in porpoises and whales. While some coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they can transmit from animals to humans, there is currently no strong evidence to suggest that deltacoronaviruses pose a significant direct threat to human health. Their primary impact is on the animal populations they infect, potentially causing economic losses in agriculture, particularly in poultry farming. Research into deltacoronaviruses continues to expand our understanding of viral diversity and host-pathogen interactions within this viral genus.