Cytomegalovirus

Classification: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of Betaherpesvirinae in the subfamily Herpesviridae. (emedicine)

Higher order taxa:

Domain; Phylum; Class; Order; family [Others may be used. Use Tree of Life link to find] Species

Genus speciesImage:

Description and significance: Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.

Genome structure: Multiple genetically distinct strains of CMV exist. Differences in genotypes may be associated with differences in virulence. Infection with more than one strain of CMV is possible and has been observed in organ transplant patients. Dual infection is a possible explanation for the cases of congenital CMV in children of CMV seropositive mothers.(emedicine) CMV is a double-stranded linear DNA virus with 162 hexagonal protein capsomeres surrounded by a lipid membrane. CMV has the largest genome of the herpes viruses, ranging from 230-240 kilobase pairs. Of the betaherpesviruses, CMV is the only class E genome, making it similar to herpes simplex 1. Human CMV is composed of unique and inverted repeats that include the existence of 4 genome isomers caused by inversion of L-S genome components (class E). Replication may be divided into immediate early, delayed early, and late gene expression based on time of synthesis after infection. The DNA is replicated by rolling circles. In vitro, CMV replicates in human fibroblasts.(emedicine) Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

Cell structure and metabolism: Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology: Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology: It is an enveloped DNA virus. Clinically significant CMV disease frequently develops in patients immunocompromised by HIV, solid-organ transplantation, and bone-marrow transplantation. Additionally, congenital transmission from a mother with acute infection during pregnancy is a significant cause of neurological abnormalities and deafness in newborns. Symptomatic disease in immunocompromised individuals can affect almost every organ of the body, resulting in fever of unknown origin, pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis, myelitis, colitis, uveitis, retinitis, and neuropathy. As with other herpesviruses, CMV establishes a latent infection in the host. CMV may reactivate during a period of immunosuppression secondary to drugs or intercurrent infection (eg, HIV). (emedicine)

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology: Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research: Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References:

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500. Retrieved from "http://en.citizendium.org/wiki/Biggius_microbia"

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