Meta-transcriptomic sequencing reveals divergent RNA viruses in geckos.

ABSTRACT: Geckos are generally small, predominantly nocturnal reptiles, with several species commonly found close to human habitations. However, little is known about viral diversity in geckos. Using meta-transcriptomic sequencing we identified four novel RNA viruses - provisionally denoted Gecko astrovirus, Gecko parechovirus, Gecko reptillovirus, and Gecko hartmanivirus - in geckos sampled in October 2019 from Hainan Province, China. The presence of these viruses was confirmed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that these viruses were most closely related to those identified in various gecko species from China and Australia, such that they represent gecko-specific lineages, yet were also genetically distinct, with amino acid sequence identities to their closest relat

SUBMITTER: Liu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11919394 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature