How Are Viruses Named?
Viruses are named using a standardized system overseen primarily by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). While the WHO names diseases, the naming of viruses themselves is a separate process. Historically, viruses were often named after their geographic location of discovery or the disease they cause. However, modern naming conventions are more systematic.
The ICTV is responsible for the formal taxonomic classification of viruses. This involves a hierarchical system, similar to how plants and animals are classified, using categories like order, family, subfamily, genus, and species. These taxonomic names are always italicized, with the first letter of the genus name capitalized. For example, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) shows this format.
Naming Conventions
- Formal Taxonomic Names: Follow the hierarchical structure defined by the ICTV, using italics and capitalization according to their rules. This is the official, formal name.
- Common Names: Shorter, more easily understood names are often used in everyday contexts, even though they might not perfectly reflect the full taxonomic classification. These can be abbreviated, potentially with uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers. The common name for HIV, for instance, is far easier to use than the full taxonomic designation.
- Geographic Origins (Historically): Previously, names frequently referenced the location where the virus was first identified. For example, Ebola virus (although this practice is now discouraged).
- Genetic Structure: The genetic makeup of a virus significantly informs its name, reflecting its unique characteristics and differentiating it from others.
The ICTV guidelines ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity in the scientific community. Abbreviations are allowed for convenience, but the formal, complete name remains essential for precise identification. Importantly, recent changes in species naming haven't affected virus naming conventions.
Examples:
- Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09: This name clearly denotes the type of influenza virus, the subtype (H1N1), and that it was a pandemic strain in 2009.
- SARS-CoV-2: This name, reflecting the taxonomic classification and highlighting that it's a coronavirus, caused the COVID-19 pandemic.
