Federal Office for Civil Protection, SPIEZ LABORATORY
Virus families and virus taxonomy
Viruses are classified according to the following characteristics:
- Nucleic acid (DNA or RNA)
- Genome organisation (mode of replication of the nucleic acid)
- Genome architecture (double- or single-stranded nucleic acid)
- Coated or uncoated
- Molecular weight in kb (kilo bases)
- Structure (shape of virus)
- Size in nm (nanometre)
- Family name
The following page contains an overview of viruses classified according to some of these criteria, as well as a summary list of viruses with bioweapon potential.