## Classification of Poliovirus **Key Point:** Poliovirus belongs to the genus *Enterovirus* within the family Picornaviridae. ### Taxonomic Position Poliovirus is classified as follows: - **Family:** Picornaviridae (small RNA viruses) - **Genus:** Enterovirus - **Genome:** Single-stranded, positive-sense RNA (~7.5 kb) - **Capsid:** Non-enveloped, icosahedral structure ### Enterovirus Characteristics - Acid-stable (survives gastric pH) - Transmitted via fecal-oral route - Replicates in the gastrointestinal tract - Contains three serotypes: PV1, PV2, and PV3 ### Other Picornavirus Genera | Genus | Examples | Key Feature | | --- | --- | --- | | Enterovirus | Poliovirus, Coxsackievirus, Echovirus | Acid-stable, fecal-oral transmission | | Rhinovirus | Human rhinoviruses | Acid-labile, respiratory transmission | | Aphthovirus | Foot-and-mouth disease virus | Affects livestock | | Cardiovirus | Encephalomyocarditis virus | Rare in humans | **High-Yield:** The genus Enterovirus is defined by its ability to survive acidic conditions and replicate in the intestinal epithelium, distinguishing it from the acid-labile rhinoviruses.
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