Ovaliviridae
Ovaliviridae is a family of archaeal viruses that has not been assigned to any higher taxonomic ranks. The family contains a single genus, Alphaovalivirus, which includes one species, Sulfolobus ellipsoid virus 1 (SEV1).
Taxonomy and Host
The genus Alphaovalivirus includes the species Sulfolobus ellipsoid virus 1, which was isolated from an acidic hot spring in Laguna Fumarólica, Costa Rica. The virus infects the archaeon Sulfolobus sp. A20 and thrives in extreme environmental conditions such as temperatures between 86−106°C and pH values ranging from 2.2−2.5.
Genome and Structure
The genome of Sulfolobus ellipsoid virus 1 is a linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) molecule, approximately 23,219 base pairs (bp) in length. It contains 172 base pairs of inverted terminal repeats. The virus's unique genome and environmental adaptability make it a key subject of interest in the study of archaeal viruses.
Significance
Given its distinct genetic makeup and the extreme conditions of its habitat, Sulfolobus ellipsoid virus 1 represents an important example of viruses that thrive in high-temperature and acidic environments, contributing to our understanding of virus-host interactions in such extreme ecosystems.