Topocuvirus

Topocuvirus is a genus of viruses in the order Mononegavirales and the family Rhabdoviridae. The name "Topocuvirus" is derived from the Spanish phrase "topocu," meaning "to find" or "to discover," referring to their discovery in various invertebrate hosts. Topocuviruses are characterized by their rod-shaped or bullet-shaped virions, a common morphology within the Rhabdoviridae family. The genome of a topocuvirus consists of a single strand of negative-sense RNA.

These viruses primarily infect arthropods, including insects and mites. They are often transmitted vertically, from parent to offspring, or horizontally through contact with infected individuals or contaminated environments. While some topocuviruses may cause no apparent disease in their hosts, others can lead to significant pathological effects, impacting insect populations and potentially acting as biological control agents. Research into topocuviruses is ongoing, focusing on their replication cycles, host-pathogen interactions, and their ecological roles within arthropod communities. The genus currently includes several species, with ongoing efforts to classify and characterize new isolates. Their study contributes to our understanding of viral diversity and evolution within invertebrate hosts.