Orthohepevirinae is a subfamily of viruses assigned to the family Hepeviridae. Viruses in the subfamily, called orthohepeviruses, have virions that are characterized by round, non-enveloped and isometric capsids with a diameter of 27–34 nm. The hepatitis E virus belongs to this subfamily as the species Paslahepevirus balayani. At least three variants of avian hepatitis E virus have been isolated from birds.

Evolution

One study has suggested that hepeviruses may have originated in birds and then spread to bats and other mammalian species. The first isolation from birds was in 2001.

The subfamily shares the name (Orthohepe-) of the former genus Orthohepevirus. This genus was abolished and orthohepeviruses were promoted to the rank of subfamily in 2022 with the establishment of the subfamily that year.

References

  • ICTV Online (10th) Report Hepeviridae
  • Viralzone: Hepevirus