Lymphocryptovirus

The genus Lymphocryptovirus forms a subgroup of the subfamily of gammaherpesviruses ( Gammaherpesvirinae ). This, in turn, belong to the family of herpes viruses ( Herpesviridae ). " Lympho " refers to the Lymphotropismus this virus group. κρύπτω (old Greek = hide ) refers to the ability to " latency " which is all herpesviruses together, ie these viruses can survive for a long time apparently inactive in the body, and then " revived " later.

The Lymphocryptoviren include:

  • Species Epstein -Barr virus ( EBV), human herpes virus 4 = (HHV -4)
  • Species Pongines herpesvirus 1 ( PoHV -1) ( Chimpanzee herpesvirus)
  • Species Pongines herpesvirus 2 ( PoHV -2) ( orangutan herpesvirus)
  • Species Pongines herpesvirus 3 ( PoHV -3) ( Gorilla herpesvirus)

Previously it was thought that Lymphocryptoviren were found only in Old World monkeys ( catarrhines ). Since the discovery of EBV- related gamma herpesviruses also in New World monkeys ( Plathyrrhini ) this view is outdated.

Herpesvirales Virus classification National Center for Biotechnology Information Epstein–Barr virus
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