



Linear, ssDNA genome (-) of about 4.8kb in size. Equal amount of positive and negative strands are encapsidated, although the percentage of particles encapsidating the positive strand can be lower depending on the host cell. ORFs for both the structural and non-structural proteins are located on the same DNA strand.
The genome is replicated through rolling-hairpin mechanism.


Host proteins transcribe the genomes into mRNAs. Alternative mRNAs splicing allows expression of six different mRNAs.



  3. Microtubular transport of the virion toward the nucleus.
  4. The viral ssDNA genome penetrates into the nucleus.
  5. The ssDNA is converted into dsDNA by cellular proteins.
  9. These newly synthesized ssDNA can either

Host-virus interaction

Apoptosis modulation

AMDV induces apoptosis and caspases activation, which facilitate its replication by specifically cleaving viral NS-1 and capsid proteins. The cleavage products are crucial for the replication of the AMDV genome .

Cytopathic effect of BPV are probably mediated by necrosis rather than apoptosis.

Cell-cycle modulation

AMDV induces G2/M checkpoint arrest.