Table 1.
Baltimore classification of viruses compared with the classification of viral polymerases based on their targeted genetic material.
| Genetic Material | Baltimore Classification | Polymerase Classes | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNA | ssDNA viruses | DNA dependent DNA polymerases | Human parvovirus B19 |
| dsDNA viruses | DNA dependent RNA polymerases | Bacteriophage φ29 | |
| RNA | (+) ssRNA viruses | RNA dependent RNA polymerases | HCV, PV, West Nile virus |
| (−) ssRNA viruses | Influenza | ||
| dsRNA | Bacteriophage φ6 | ||
| RNA/ | ssRNA-rt viruses | RNA dependent DNA polymerases | Retrovirus |
| DNA | dsDNA-rt viruses | Hepatitis B |