Reoviridae is a
family of
viruses. They have a wide host range, including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and fungi. There are currently 87 species in this family, divided among 30 genera. Reoviruses can affect the
gastrointestinal system (such as
Rotavirus) and
respiratory tract. The name "Reo-" is derived from
respiratory enteric orphan viruses. The term "orphan virus" refers to the fact that some of these viruses have been observed not associated with any known disease. Even though viruses in the Reoviridae family have more recently been identified with various diseases, the original name is still used.