Reoviridae

Reoviridae is a family of non-enveloped, icosahedral viruses with a double-layered capsid and a segmented double-stranded RNA genome. Members have genomes typically divided into 10 to 12 dsRNA segments, a arrangement that permits genetic reassortment. They replicate in the cytoplasm of the host cell and are generally stable outside a host, contributing to environmental transmission in some members. The family infects a broad range of hosts, including humans, other mammals, birds, fish, insects, and plants.

Taxonomy and notable genera within Reoviridae comprise several groups with diverse host ranges and diseases. Representative genera include Rotavirus, Orthoreovirus, Orbivirus, Coltivirus, Aquareovirus, Phytoreovirus, and Cypovirus. Rotaviruses are a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in young children and various animals. Orbiviruses, such as Bluetongue virus and Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, are typically transmitted by arthropod vectors and affect livestock. Coltiviruses include Colorado tick fever virus, transmitted by ticks. Aquareoviruses infect aquatic animals, particularly fish. Phytoreoviruses and Cypoviruses infect plants and insects, respectively, while Orthoreoviruses include mammalian reoviruses that have been used in research.

Diagnosis and prevention vary by virus and host but often involve serology, molecular detection, and vaccination where available. Vaccines exist for certain Rotavirus strains in humans and for some Orbiviruses in livestock. General control measures emphasize vaccination in animal populations, vector management, and sanitation to reduce transmission.