Novel polyomavirus in the endangered garden dormouse Eliomys quercinus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) has experienced a significant population decline across Europe in recent decades. While habitat loss and climate change are often cited as primary factors, pathogen exposure, either to novel or to previously known, may play a role in such a decline. This study aimed to investigate the presence of polyomaviruses in garden dormice, given that these viruses are highly prevalent and can cause disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Methods

The carcasses of garden dormice (n = 89) were collected throughout Germany. Kidney samples were tested for the presence of polyomavirus DNA using nested degenerate and specific diagnostic PCRs. Seroprevalence was assessed from chest cavity fluid samples through an enzyme-linked

SUBMITTER: Vasiliunaite E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11603729 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature