Isoavirus

Isoavirus is a genus of viruses within the order Picornavirales. These viruses are known to infect various species of fish, and their name derives from the Greek word "isos," meaning equal, possibly referring to the morphology or replication cycle of these viruses. Isoaviruses are small, non-enveloped viruses with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. They belong to the family Iflaviridae, which also includes other insect and fish viruses.

The genome of isoaviruses encodes a single large polyprotein that is subsequently cleaved into several functional proteins, including structural capsid proteins and non-structural enzymes essential for viral replication. Symptoms of infection in fish can vary depending on the specific isoavirus species and the host, but may include neurological signs, reduced growth, and mortality. Diagnosis typically involves molecular methods such as RT-PCR or sequencing of viral RNA.

Isoaviruses are of interest in aquaculture due to their potential to cause disease outbreaks in farmed fish populations. Research focuses on understanding their transmission, pathogenesis, and developing control strategies. While isoaviruses can cause disease, they are not generally considered a significant threat to human health. Their study contributes to the broader understanding of viral evolution and host-pathogen interactions in aquatic ecosystems.