Consensus proposals for classification of the family Hepeviridae

The family Hepeviridae consists of positive-stranded RNA viruses that infect a wide range of mammalian species, as well as chickens and trout. A subset of these viruses infects humans and can cause a self-limiting acute hepatitis that may become chronic in immunosuppressed individuals. Current published descriptions of the taxonomical divisions within the family Hepeviridae are contradictory in relation to the assignment of species and genotypes. Through analysis of existing sequence information, we propose a taxonomic scheme in which the family is divided into the genera Orthohepevirus (all mammalian and avian hepatitis E virus (HEV) isolates) and Piscihepevirus (cutthroat trout virus). Species within the…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• WT
  Wellcome Trust
• UO
  University of Edinburgh
• CF
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• AF
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry