A Practical Guide to the Taxonomy, Classification, and Characterization of Clinically Important Viruses

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Viruses are a complex group of microorganisms with incredibly diverse origins that sometimes challenge our definitions of what constitutes a life form. They interact with humans, animals, and insect or arthropod vectors in two‐way processes that directly affect human pathophysiology while also being influenced by evolutionary pressures that shape viral characteristics. As we fine‐tune viral taxonomy, we improve our ability to identify, diagnose, undertake surveillance, and develop public health approaches to clinically important viruses. Taxonomy allows for efficient knowledge translation when discussing changes in viral evolution or newly emergent viruses. New developments in taxonomy allow researchers and clinicians to understand where viruses such as the newly emerging tick‐borne pathogen severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus. Taxonomy allows us to process vast amounts of rapidly changing information in a logical and systematic manner. Improvements in the approaches scientists use to characterize and classify viruses imply that the current system of viral taxonomy is now bound for constant and rapid change. Changing definitions about what constitutes a viral species and the approaches to distinguishing between viruses at the species and subspecies level already have an impact on how viruses are characterized and classified. New genetic and metagenomic approaches to describe viral characteristics also drive a taxonomic system now in constant flux. A subgroup of unified taxonomic approaches and updated disease classification systems further support the linkage of specific viruses to human clinical outcomes and make taxonomy a vibrant and practical exercise.</jats:p>