Reovirus

reovirus

Any of a small group of animal and plant viruses that appear spheroidal and contain a core of RNA. Among the best-known genera are Orthoreovirus, Orbivirus, Rotavirus, and Phytoreovirus. The first three infect animals; the last can destroy rice, corn, and other crops.

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reovirus [′rē·ō‚vī·rəs]

(virology)

A group of ribonucleic acid-containing animal viruses, including agents of encephalitis and phlebotomus fever.

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Reovirus 

a group of RNA viruses isolated from man, mammals, and birds. The virus particle is 60-90 nanometers in diameter. The outer membrane (capsid), which protects the inner capsid with double-stranded ribonucleic acid, consists of protein subunits (capsomers).

Reoviruses contain the enzyme RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. They multiply in cytoplasm. Since the pathogenicity of reoviruses for man and animals has not been consistently demonstrated, the viruses are viewed as potentially pathogenic. The reoviruses also include the viruses of rice dwarf, of wound plant tumors, and of cytoplasmic polyhedral disease of insects.