Koala Retrovirus

A Viral Biorealm page on the family Koala Retrovirus

Phascolarctos cinereus, the primary host of the Koala retrovirus. [1].

Koala Retrovirus, otherwise known as Koala Immunodeficiency Virus, is a retrovirus that infects Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus), primarily in populations located in mainland Australia. Koala retrovirus is believed to be a primarily endogenous virus present in a large proportion of Australian koala populations. Studies have suggested that the virus is responsible for the very high incidence of chlamydosis, leukemia, and lymphoma seen in koalas [1]. The primary method of viral proliferation is vertical transfer via an endogenous form of the virus, while evidence exists that the virus is transmitted horizontally only through close contact between individuals [2].

Virus Classification

The koala immunodeficiency virus is a retrovirus falling into the group VI division of the Baltimore Classification system. Koala retrovirus virions contain positive-sense single stranded RNA, and have a DNA intermediate in their replication cycle (+ ssRNA-RT). Koala retrovirus belongs to the family Retroviridae, and the genus Gammaretrovirus. Particular species of the virus are yet to be identified. However, studies have indicated that that the virus showed a high degree of homology (78% nucleotide similarity) with the Gibbon Ape Leukemia Virus(GALV), as well as other simian type-C retroviruses[1].

References

Example: Weir, Jerry P. " Genomic Organization and Evolution of the Human Herpesviruses." Virus Genes 16.1 (1998): 85-93.

Page authored for BIOL 375 Virology, September 2010