Gaasiosivirus

Gaasiosivirus is a genus of viruses within the family *Poxviridae*, which includes a diverse group of large, complex DNA viruses. The genus was first proposed in 2018 to classify a novel poxvirus discovered in bats, specifically in *Rhinolophus sinicus* (greater horseshoe bats) in China. The name "Gaasiosivirus" is derived from the term "Gaasi," a reference to the Gaasi people of the Philippines, combined with the Latin suffix "-virus," though the exact etymological reasoning remains under discussion.

Gaasiosiviruses are characterized by their brick-shaped virions, typical of the *Chordopoxvirinae* subfamily, and possess a large, double-stranded DNA genome. They are closely related to other bat-associated poxviruses but exhibit unique genetic and structural features. The type species, *Gaasiosivirus bat*, is the only formally recognized member of the genus as of 2024.

These viruses are primarily associated with bats, which serve as natural reservoirs. Like many poxviruses, gaasiosiviruses replicate in the cytoplasm of host cells rather than the nucleus, a defining trait of the *Poxviridae* family. Their ecological and pathogenic significance remains largely unexplored, though studies suggest they may not cause overt disease in their natural hosts. Research into gaasiosiviruses is still in its early stages, with most findings based on genetic sequencing and limited experimental work.

The discovery of gaasiosiviruses highlights the diversity of viruses in bat populations and underscores the importance of continued surveillance in wildlife, particularly given bats' role as reservoirs for emerging zoonotic pathogens. Further research may provide insights into their evolutionary relationships, potential host range, and any implications for human or animal health.