Lambdavirus (original) (raw)

Lambdavirus (synonyms Lambda-like viruses, Lambda-like phages, Lambda phage group, Lambda phage) is a genus of viruses in the order Caudovirales, in the family Siphoviridae. Bacteria serve as natural hosts, with transmission achieved through passive diffusion. There are five species in this genus. The genus also includes several unclassified viruses—including the corynephages β and ω, which infect Corynebacterium diphtheriae and carry the deadly diphtheria toxin.