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Dependovirus (synonym: Adeno-associated virus group) is a genus of the Parvoviridae viruses, which are Group II viruses according to the Baltimore classification. The Dependovirus is part of the sub family of the Parvoviridae family known as the Parvovirinae. Dependovirus is also known as Adeno-associated virus because Dependovirus cannot replicate and form viral capsids in its host cell without the cell being coinfected by a helper virus such as an adenovirus, a herpesvirus, or a vaccinia virus. The Dependovirus does not have to be specific to its host, while the helper virus must be host specific in order for the Dependovirus to replicate. For example, a species of cattle infected with a Bovine adeno-associated virus or a Canine adeno-associated virus needs a Bovine adenovirus or Bovine herpesvirus, or some other helper virus specific to cattle, to provide the missing amino acid sequences for replication and capsid formation in the Adeno-associated virus. If the host cell is infected with a specific or non-specific Adeno-associated virus and coinfected with a helper virus that is not host cell specific, such as cattle infected with a Human herpesvirus, the Dependovirus lies dormant.
