rhabdoviruses

Rhabdoviruses are a diverse group of enveloped, bullet-shaped viruses belonging to the family Rhabdoviridae within the order Mononegavirales. They possess single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genomes that are typically 11 to 16 kilobases in length and encode a conserved set of genes arranged in the order N–P–M–G–L, with additional accessory genes present in some genera. The virion contains a helical nucleocapsid surrounded by a lipid envelope bearing the glycoprotein (G) that mediates cell entry.

The genome is transcribed by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, producing monocistronic mRNAs for each gene. Replication occurs in the cytoplasm, generating full-length antigenomes that serve as templates for new genomes. Virus assembly occurs at cytoplasmic membranes, and budding yields enveloped virions that can disseminate within the host.

Rhabdoviruses infect a wide range of hosts, including vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. Notable examples in vertebrates include the Lyssavirus genus, which contains rabies virus, a fatal encephalitic disease in humans and other mammals, and the Vesiculovirus genus, which includes vesicular stomatitis virus. Plant rhabdoviruses, such as those in the Cytorhabdovirus and Nucleorhabdovirus genera, are transmitted primarily by arthropod vectors and can cause diseases in crops. Transmission routes vary by virus and host, ranging from bites and saliva contact in mammals to insect-mediated spread in plants.

Diagnosis relies on molecular assays, antigen detection, and virus isolation. Prevention and control include vaccination (most notably for rabies) and biosecurity measures, while some rhabdoviruses, such as vesicular stomatitis virus, are used as model systems in research and have been explored as oncolytic vectors.