Consensus statement: Virus taxonomy in the age of metagenomics.

Simmonds P1, Adams MJ, Benkő M2, Breitbart M3, Brister JR4, Carstens EB5, Davison AJ6, Delwart E7,8, Gorbalenya AE9,10, Harrach B2, Hull R11, King AM12, Koonin EV4, Krupovic M13, Kuhn JH14, Lefkowitz EJ15, Nibert ML16, Orton R6, Roossinck MJ17, Sabanadzovic S18, Sullivan MB19, Suttle CA20,21, Tesh RB22, van der Vlugt RA23, Varsani A24, Zerbini FM25.

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Abstract

The number and diversity of viral sequences that are identified in metagenomic data far exceeds that of experimentally characterized virus isolates. In a recent workshop, a panel of experts discussed the proposal that, with appropriate quality control, viruses that are known only from metagenomic data can, and should be, incorporated into the official classification scheme of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Although a taxonomy that is based on metagenomic sequence data alone represents a substantial departure from the traditional reliance on phenotypic properties, the development of a robust framework for sequence-based virus taxonomy is indispensable for the comprehensive characterization of the global virome. In this Consensus Statement article, we consider the rationale for why metagenomic sequence data should, and how it can, be incorporated into the ICTV taxonomy, and present proposals that have been endorsed by the Executive Committee of the ICTV.