Bunyaviruses

Abstract

The family Bunyaviridae, the most numerous family of RNA viruses, was established in 1975. In these days, it is integrated by more than 350 worldwide viral species, grouped into five genera: Orthobunyavirus; Hantavirus; Nairovirus; Phlebovirus, which infect vertebrates; and Tospovirus which are viruses that infect plants. From these four genera that infect vertebrates, only Hantavirus is not considered an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus). Orthobunyavirus is the largest one, including 48 viral species, which in turn have different variants and strains. This family includes important viral pathogens, which cause diseases of veterinary and human concern such as Rift Valley fever (Phlebovirus), Akabane (Orthobunyavirus) and Nairobi sheep disease (Nairovirus), Oropouche (Orthobunyavirus), and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (Nairovirus). Many bunyaviruses are considered emergent, since they have increased their influence in new populations and geographic areas around the world. Examples of this are the viruses Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and Rift Valley fever that emerged in parts of Europe due to the migration of their vectors possibly under the influence of climate change. The study of these emerging viruses is of great importance, whereas they have no preventive treatments and/or therapy, and it is necessary to know deeply its behavior in order to implement efficient control measures. This chapter deals aspects of molecular and cellular biology, cycle of transmission, ecological and epidemiological aspects, pathogenesis, clinical aspects, and diagnosis of the major bunyavirus species of medical and veterinary concern in different regions of the world.