piilovirus

Piilovirus is a genus of negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses in the order Mononegavirales and the family Rhabdoviridae. These viruses are known for their characteristic bullet shape, a hallmark of many rhabdoviruses. The name "piilovirus" is derived from the Finnish word "piilo," meaning "hidden," reflecting the often cryptic nature of infections caused by these viruses.

Piiloviruses are primarily insect viruses, with their natural hosts being various arthropod species. They are transmitted through specific insect vectors, and their replication cycle occurs within these hosts. While they are predominantly found in insects, some piiloviruses have been investigated for their potential to infect other organisms, including plants and even vertebrates, although such cross-species transmission is generally considered rare.

The genome of a piilovirus consists of a single molecule of RNA, which encodes several structural and non-structural proteins. These proteins are essential for viral replication, assembly, and the establishment of infection within the host cell. Research into piiloviruses has provided insights into the broader field of rhabdovirus biology and the evolution of RNA viruses. Their study contributes to understanding insect virology and the ecological roles these viruses play in insect populations.