Chlorovirus
Chlorovirus, also known as Chlorella virus, is a genus of giant double-stranded DNA viruses, in the family Phycodnaviridae. This genus is found globally in freshwater environments where freshwater microscopic algae serve as natural hosts. There are 19 species in this genus.
| Chlorovirus | |
|---|---|
| Virus classification | |
| (unranked): | Virus |
| Realm: | Varidnaviria |
| Kingdom: | Bamfordvirae |
| Phylum: | Nucleocytoviricota |
| Class: | Megaviricetes |
| Order: | Algavirales |
| Family: | Phycodnaviridae |
| Genus: | Chlorovirus |
Chlorovirus was discovered in 1981 by Russel H. Meints, James L. Van Etten, Daniel Kuczmarski, Kit Lee, and Barbara Ang while attempting to culture Chlorella-like algae. During the attempted process viral particles were discovered in the cells 2 to 6 hours after being initially isolated, followed by lysis after 12 to 20 hours. This virus was initially called HVCV (Hydra viridis Chlorella virus) since it was first found to infect Chlorella-like algae.
Though relatively new to virologists and thus not extensively studied, one species, Chlorovirus ATCV-1, commonly found in lakes, has been recently found to infect humans. New studies focusing on effects of infection in mouse model are currently emerging as well.