Virome diversity and potential sharing of wild mammals in a biodiversity hotspot, Yunnan, China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Small mammals, including rodents, shrews and moonrats are widespread and serve as natural reservoirs for many viral pathogens. However, the composition and distribution of wild animal viromes remain poorly understood. At least 10,000 virus species have the ability to infect humans, but the vast majority are circulating silently in wild mammals. Understanding the virome profiles of these wild animals is crucial for outbreak preparedness, particularly in regions with high mammalian diversity.

Methods

In this study, we enriched and extracted viral RNA from fecal samples of 459 wild mammals, representing 16 species, in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture of China, a recognized biodiversity hotspot in China. We then performed next-generation sequencing and comp

SUBMITTER: Guo Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11921572 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature