Introduction to DNA Viruses

Viruses with Single-Stranded DNA Genomes

The groups of viruses with single-stranded DNA genomes are contained in only one family, the parvoviruses, with only a single human pathogen type. The Geminiviridae, Circoviridae, and many other families have circular single-stranded DNA, but infect only plants and, more rarely, animals.

Viruses with Double-Stranded DNA Genomes

Viruses with double-stranded DNA genomes are classified in six families: pa­pillomavirus, polyomavirus, adenovirus, herpesvirus, poxvirus, and Hepadnaviruses. Carcinogenic types have been found in all groups except the poxviruses .