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[Microbiology](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/) · [Viruses](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/#d-virus)

# Other DNA viruses

- Viruses

DNA viruses that are not herpesviruses: hepadna-, papilloma-, polyoma-, parvo-, adeno- and poxviruses.

Updated 2026-11-01

## What they are

This group gathers very different DNA virus families: hepatitis B virus (a hepadnavirus), HPV, JC polyomavirus, parvovirus B19, adenoviruses and the poxviruses (mpox, molluscum contagiosum and smallpox). They share rules that exams love: nearly all copy their DNA in the nucleus, and the exceptions are the classic questions.

## What they share

- Nearly all are double-stranded; parvovirus B19 is the main single-stranded DNA virus that causes human disease
- Nearly all replicate in the nucleus; poxviruses replicate in the cytoplasm with their own polymerase
- Naked (no envelope): HPV, polyomaviruses, parvovirus and adenovirus (resistant to disinfectants)
- Enveloped: hepadnaviruses and poxviruses
- HBV uses a reverse transcriptase although it is a DNA virus

## Key points

- Parvovirus B19 is the smallest and the main single-stranded DNA virus that causes human disease; poxviruses are the largest and the only ones that replicate in the cytoplasm.
- HBV has a circular, partially double-stranded DNA and replicates through an RNA intermediate with reverse transcriptase.
- Naked viruses (adenovirus, HPV, parvovirus) survive alcohol and drying: cleaning surfaces and equipment is key.
- Mpox differs from smallpox by prominent lymphadenopathy; smallpox is eradicated and its lesions all evolve at the same time.
- Oncogenic viruses worth knowing: HPV (cervix, anus, oropharynx), HBV and HCV (hepatocellular carcinoma), EBV (Burkitt, nasopharynx, Hodgkin), HHV-8 (Kaposi sarcoma) and HTLV-1 (adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma).

## Microorganisms in this group

- [**Hepatitis B virus** A virus that infects the liver; it may clear or become chronic and lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. A vaccine is given from birth. Exam priority: high](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/hepatitis-b-virus/)
- [**Human papillomavirus** A very common sexually spread virus; some types cause warts and others, when they persist, cause cervical cancer. Exam priority: high](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/human-papillomavirus/)
- [**JC polyomavirus** A virus most people carry without symptoms; in the immunocompromised it destroys brain myelin (PML). Exam priority: medium](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/jc-polyomavirus/)
- [**Parvovirus B19** A tiny virus that causes fifth disease (red cheeks) in children and can cause severe anemia and harm a fetus. Exam priority: medium](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/parvovirus-b19/)
- [**Adenovirus** A non-enveloped virus behind colds, sore throat, conjunctivitis and diarrhea; it resists many disinfectants and causes outbreaks. Exam priority: medium](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/adenovirus/)
- [**Mpox virus** A poxvirus that causes skin and mucosal lesions with swollen lymph nodes; it caused worldwide outbreaks in 2022 and 2024. Exam priority: medium](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/mpox-virus/)
- [**Molluscum contagiosum virus** A poxvirus that causes small pearly bumps with a central dimple, mostly in children; it usually clears on its own. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/molluscum-contagiosum-virus/)
- [**Variola virus** The poxvirus of smallpox, a disease eradicated in 1980 thanks to vaccination; it now exists only in authorized laboratories. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/variola-virus/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which is the only DNA virus family that replicates in the cytoplasm?

The poxviruses (smallpox, mpox, molluscum contagiosum), which carry their own DNA-dependent DNA polymerase.

## Which DNA virus has a single-stranded genome?

Parvovirus B19, which is also the smallest DNA virus and has no envelope.

## Which DNA virus uses reverse transcriptase?

Hepatitis B virus: it copies its DNA from a pregenomic RNA inside the capsid.

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Educational content on microorganisms; not a treatment guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Hepatitis B](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b) (WHO, 2025); [Human papillomavirus and cancer](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer) (WHO, 2024); [Clinical Overview of Adenovirus](https://www.cdc.gov/adenovirus/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html) (CDC, 2024); [Mpox](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mpox) (WHO, 2025).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/groups/other-dna-viruses/