Consensus statement: Virus taxonomy in the age of metagenomics

Peter Simmonds, Mike J. Adams, Mária Benk, Mya Breitbart, J. Rodney Brister, Eric B. Carstens, Andrew J. Davison, Eric Delwart, Alexander E. Gorbalenya, Balázs Harrach, Roger Hull, Andrew M.Q. King, Eugene V. Koonin, Mart Krupovic, Jens H. Kuhn, Elliot J. Lefkowitz, Max L. Nibert, Richard Orton, Marilyn J. Roossinck, Sead SabanadzovicMatthew B. Sullivan, Curtis A. Suttle, Robert B. Tesh, René A. Van Der Vlugt, Arvind Varsani, F. Murilo Zerbini

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

508 Scopus citations

Abstract

The number and diversity of viral sequences that are identified in metagenomic data far exceeds that of experimentally characterized virus isolates. In a recent workshop, a panel of experts discussed the proposal that, with appropriate quality control, viruses that are known only from metagenomic data can, and should be, incorporated into the official classification scheme of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Although a taxonomy that is based on metagenomic sequence data alone represents a substantial departure from the traditional reliance on phenotypic properties, the development of a robust framework for sequence-based virus taxonomy is indispensable for the comprehensive characterization of the global virome. In this Consensus Statement article, we consider the rationale for why metagenomic sequence data should, and how it can, be incorporated into the ICTV taxonomy, and present proposals that have been endorsed by the Executive Committee of the ICTV.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)161-168
Number of pages8
JournalNature Reviews Microbiology
Volume15
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 13 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

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