Ureavirus

Ureavirus is a genus of viruses in the order Nidovirales, suborder Absonacetal, family Coronaviridae. It is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Ureaviruses infect invertebrates, primarily insects. The name "ureavirus" is derived from the urea cycle, as these viruses are known to interact with this metabolic pathway in their hosts.

The genome of ureaviruses is characterized by a large RNA molecule that encodes a variety of proteins, including replicase enzymes and structural proteins. The replication strategy of ureaviruses is similar to that of other nidoviruses, involving the synthesis of subgenomic RNAs. Research into ureaviruses is ongoing, with a focus on understanding their life cycle, host interactions, and potential impact on insect populations. While not known to infect humans, their study contributes to the broader understanding of viral evolution and diversity within the Nidovirales order.