Nuclear polyhedrosis virus

Pronunciation
/noo-klee-ar poh-lih-HEH-droh-sis vahy-ruhs/
Category
Virus
Singular
Nuclear polyhedrosis virus
Plural
Nuclear polyhedrosis viruses

Definition

A viral disease of insects, primarily the larvae of certain Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera, characterized by the formation of polyhedral inclusion bodies (polyhedra) in the nuclei of infected cells.

Etymology

From Greek 'nucleus', meaning 'nucleus', and 'polyhedrosis', referring to the formation of polyhedral inclusion bodies.

Example

Nuclear polyhedrosis virus infection can cause significant mortality in insect populations.

Related Terms

Usage Notes

Nuclear polyhedrosis virus is a type of baculovirus and is often referred to by its abbreviated form, NPV.