Unveiling the Virome of Wild Birds: Exploring CRESS-DNA Viral Dark Matter.

ABSTRACT: Amid global health concerns and the constant threat of zoonotic diseases, this study delves into the diversity of circular replicase-encoding single-stranded DNA (CRESS-DNA) viruses within Chinese wild bird populations. Employing viral metagenomics to tackle the challenge of "viral dark matter," the research collected and analyzed 3,404 cloacal swab specimens across 26 bird families. Metagenomic analysis uncovered a rich viral landscape, with 67.48% of reads classified as viral dark matter, spanning multiple taxonomic levels. Notably, certain viral families exhibited host-specific abundance patterns, with Galliformes displaying the highest diversity. Diversity analysis categorized samples into distinct groups, revealing significant differences in viral community structure, particularly not

SUBMITTER: Dai Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11463337 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature