Bunyaviruses and Bunyaviridae.

A new family is described, the Bunyaviridae, which contains a single genus, Bunyavirus. The main characteristics of the family are as follows: single-stranded RNA, total molecular weight about 7 X 10(6) daltons, probably in three segments. Virions spherical, enveloped particles 90-100 nm in diameter. Envelope contains at least one virus-specified glycopeptide. Develop in the cytoplasm, mature by budding into smooth-surfaced vesicles in the Golgi region or nearby. Internal ribonucleoprotein composed of long strands 2-2.5 nm broad. There are at least 150 members, 87 serologically related bunyaviruses and other probable bunyaviruses.