Nairoviruses refer to a family of RNA viruses that belong to the Bunyaviridae family. These viruses are classified within the Nairovirus genus, which has been named after Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, where the first identified virus in this genus, Nairobi sheep disease virus, was discovered.
Nairoviruses are primarily known for causing diseases in mammals, including humans, livestock, and wild animals. These viruses are transmitted through the bites of infected ticks, thereby making them arboviruses. They have a tripartite genome, meaning their genetic material is divided into three separate RNA segments, which are designated as large (L), medium (M), and small (S).
The diseases caused by nairoviruses can vary in severity, ranging from flu-like symptoms to severe hemorrhagic fever. Some notable examples of nairoviruses include Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Dugbe virus (DUGV), and Kupe virus (KPJV). CCHFV, in particular, is an important pathogen as it can cause life-threatening infections in humans.
The primary reservoirs for nairoviruses are ticks, which act as both a host and vector for the transmission of these viruses. They can also infect and replicate in a variety of vertebrate hosts, including rodents, birds, and larger mammals, contributing to their maintenance and spread within different ecosystems.
In conclusion, nairoviruses are a family of RNA viruses that cause diseases in mammals, including humans, through tick-borne transmission. Their tripartite genome and ability to infect a range of hosts make them significant pathogens within the Bunyaviridae family.
