phenuiviruses

Phenuiviruses are viruses that belong to the family Phenuiviridae in the order Bunyavirales. They are enveloped, single-stranded negative-sense RNA viruses with segmented genomes, typically organized into three segments (L, M, S). The S segment is often ambisense and encodes a nucleocapsid protein and a nonstructural protein. The L segment encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and the M segment encodes the glycoproteins that form the viral envelope.

They replicate in the cytoplasm of infected cells and assemble at internal membranes before budding into the Golgi apparatus and exiting the cell. They are primarily transmitted by arthropod vectors, including mosquitoes and sandflies; certain members have associations with ticks or with contact between infected animals and humans. The viruses can infect a range of vertebrate hosts and cause diseases ranging from mild febrile illness to severe hemorrhagic fever or encephalitis in humans and animals.

Notable human pathogens within this group include Rift Valley fever virus (a member of the Phlebovirus genus) and Sandfly fever viruses, as well as members of the Bandavirus genus such as the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus and the Heartland virus. Clinical presentations vary by virus and may include fever, malaise, myalgia, hemorrhagic manifestations, and in some cases neurological involvement. Diagnosis relies on molecular tests (RT-PCR) and serology; management is mainly supportive, though vaccines exist for some veterinary uses and vector-control measures reduce transmission. Prevention focuses on reducing exposure to vectors and animal reservoirs.

Taxonomy: Phenuiviridae comprises several genera, including Phlebovirus and Bandavirus, with many species transmitted by arthropod vectors.