Vesiculoviruses

Vesiculoviruses are a genus of viruses in the family Rhabdoviridae, order Mononegavirales. They are enveloped, bullet-shaped virions with a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome of about 11 kilobases. The genome encodes five structural proteins: N, P, M, G, and L, with additional nonstructural proteins produced from overlapping reading frames in the P gene in some species (for example, the C protein). Replication occurs in the cytoplasm, and entry is mediated by the G glycoprotein.

Notable members include Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus (VSIV), Vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV), and Chandipura virus, among others. Vesiculoviruses have been isolated from livestock, wildlife, and insects, and are primarily associated with vesicular diseases in cattle, horses, and pigs. The viruses can cause outbreaks in regions where susceptible animals are exposed to vectors or contaminated materials.

Disease and transmission: In livestock, vesicular stomatitis causes fever, excessive salivation, and vesicles on the mouth, tongue, teats, and hooves, sometimes with lameness and weight loss. The illness is usually not fatal but can lead to economic losses due to production decline and movement restrictions. Humans may experience mild to moderate illness after contact with infected tissue or fluids. Transmission occurs via arthropod vectors, notably biting flies and other insects, and by direct contact with infected animals or materials.

Diagnosis and prevention: Diagnosis relies on viral isolation, RT-PCR, and serology. Control measures include movement restrictions and vector control; vaccination is available for livestock in some outbreak regions. In research, vesiculoviruses are used as models for rhabdovirus biology and as vectors for gene delivery and oncolytic applications, leveraging the G glycoprotein and replication competence.