Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of DNA virus
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
DNA virus: A virus in which the genetic material is DNA rather than RNA. The DNA may be either double- or single-stranded.
Major groups of double-stranded DNA viruses (class I viruses) include the adenoviruses, the herpes viruses, and the poxviruses. Major groups of single-stranded DNA viruses (class II viruses) include the parvoviruses and coliphages.