ranaviral

Ranaviral is a genus of viruses belonging to the family Iridoviridae. These viruses are known to infect amphibians, particularly frogs and other salientians. They are characterized by their large, double-stranded DNA genome and icosahedral capsid. Ranaviruses are a significant cause of mortality in amphibian populations worldwide, leading to various clinical signs including lethargy, hemorrhaging, and epidermal lesions. Outbreaks can result in widespread population declines, posing a threat to amphibian biodiversity. The transmission of ranaviruses is thought to occur through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated water, or environmental surfaces. Diagnosis typically involves molecular methods such as PCR, as well as histological examination of infected tissues. Research into ranaviral diseases focuses on understanding their epidemiology, pathogenesis, and developing strategies for disease management and prevention, although no specific antiviral treatments are currently available. Conservation efforts for affected amphibian species often consider the impact of ranavirus infections.