 The diameter is around 150-200 nm.Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 180kb in length.The main stages in the lifecycle of Gamma herpes virus are namely
• Virus attachment and entry
• Viral DNA injection through nuclear pore complex (NPC) into nucleus
• Assembly of nucleocapsids and encapsidation of viral genome
• Primary envelopment, invaginations of nuclear membrane(s) and nuclear egress
• Tegumentation and secondary envelopment in the cytoplasm
• Egress and extracellular virions release


The lytic cycle of the gammaherpesviruses is initiated only on rare occasions (Oehmig et al., 2004).