Liuso

Liuso, also known as liuso virus, is a genus of viruses in the order Mononegavirales and the family Rhabdoviridae. Members of this genus are enveloped viruses with a helical nucleocapsid. The genome of liuso viruses consists of a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA molecule. These viruses are known to infect a variety of arthropod species, including insects and ticks. They are often transmitted vertically, from parent to offspring, or horizontally through feeding on infected hosts.

The name "liuso" originates from the Chinese term for "to lose one's soul," reflecting the often severe and debilitating effects these viruses can have on their insect hosts. Symptoms in infected arthropods can include behavioral changes, reduced mobility, and ultimately, death. Liuso viruses are of scientific interest due to their potential impact on insect populations, which can have ecological and agricultural implications. Research into liuso viruses focuses on understanding their replication cycle, transmission pathways, and interactions with their host organisms. Current knowledge suggests they do not pose a direct threat to humans or vertebrates.