The diversity of single stranded DNA viruses

Single stranded DNA viruses are among the smallest viruses on Earth, both in terms of the size of their particles and their genome. However, they can cause very important and dramatic diseases to plants, animals and humans. Because of their small particle and genome size, they have been largely unnoticed for a long time, and until recently the etiology of known diseases caused by ssDNA viruses could not be firmly established. However, with the modern technologies of diagnostics and sequencing, we now have a wealth of information showing both similarities and variability in the world of the small ssDNA viruses. This review/compilation paper attempts to show the biodiversity and the unique features of ssDNA viruses relative to their particle structure, their genome, their host, their replication and their molecular diversity. In addition, an overview of these viruses will be provided and an analysis of their possible evolution in the recent or distant past.