Hantaviridae: Current Classification and Future Perspectives

Abstract

In recent years, negative-sense RNA virus classification and taxon nomenclature have undergone considerable transformation. In 2016, the new order Bunyavirales was established, elevating the previous genus Hantavirus to family rank, thereby creating Hantaviridae. Here we summarize affirmed taxonomic modifications of this family from 2016 to 2019. Changes involve the admission of >30 new hantavirid species and the establishment of subfamilies and novel genera based on DivErsity pArtitioning by hieRarchical Clustering (DEmARC) analysis of genomic sequencing data. We outline an objective framework that can be used in future classification schemes when more hantavirids sequences will be available. Finally, we summarize current taxonomic proposals and problems in hantavirid taxonomy that will have to be addressed shortly.

Keywords: Bunyavirales; DEmARC; Hantaviridae; classification; hantavirid; hantavirus; nomenclature; orthohantavirus; taxonomy.

Figure 1

DEmARC analysis of the family Hantaviridae. Bayesian phylogenetic inference of hantavirid species is shown on the left. Hantavirids are classified into subfamilies, genera, and species based on DEmARC analysis (right). A frequency distribution (y-axis) of the PED values (x-axis) was plotted by species (orange), genus (blue), and subfamily (purple) demarcation. Boxplots and whiskers plot rank-specific PED distributions.

Figure 2

Bayesian inference of the L segment of Bunyavirales. A maximum clade credibility tree of the complete amino acid sequence of the protein encoded by the L segment of viruses belonging to Bunyavirales.

Figure 3

Bayesian inference of concatenated S and M segment-encoded protein amino acid sequences of Hantaviridae. A maximum clade credibility tree of the complete amino acid sequence of the hantavirid S and M segment-encoded proteins divides the family into four subfamilies.