Primate immunodeficiency virus classification and nomenclature: Review

Infect Genet Evol. 2016 Dec:46:150-158. doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.10.018. Epub 2016 Oct 24.

Abstract

The International Committee for the Taxonomy and Nomenclature of Viruses does not rule on virus classifications below the species level. The definition of species for viruses cannot be clearly defined for all types of viruses. The complex and interesting epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Viruses demands a detailed and informative nomenclature system, while at the same time it presents challenges such that many of the rules need to be flexibly applied or modified over time. This review outlines the nomenclature system for primate lentiviruses and provides an update on new findings since the last review was written in 2000.

Keywords: Classification; HIV; Immunodeficiency; Lentivirus; Nomenclature.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Lentivirus Infections / virology*
  • Lentiviruses, Primate / classification*
  • Phylogeny
  • Primates