ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Togaviridae

The Togaviridaeis a family of small, enveloped viruses with single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genomes of 10–12 kb. Within the family, the genus Alphavirusincludes a large number of diverse species, while the genus Rubivirus includes the single species Rubella virus. Most alphaviruses are mosquito-borne and are pathogenic in their vertebrate hosts. Many are important human and veterinary pathogens (e.g. chikungunyavirus and eastern equine encephalitis virus). Rubella virusis transmitted by respiratory routes among humans. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the taxonomy of the Togaviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/ togaviridae.