Virome diversity and zoonotic risks of rodents along ecological gradients in the Northern Tianshan Mountains, China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rodents are primary reservoirs for zoonotic viruses, posing significant public health threats. However, our understanding of how habitat heterogeneity influences viral community composition and the spillover potential remains inadequate.

Results

Here, a comprehensive meta-transcriptomic analysis of rodent-associated viruses was conducted across four distinct ecological habitats in the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains, China. Multiple novel viral sequences belonging to families with known zoonotic potential were identified, including Nairo-, Arena-, Flavi-, Picorna-, and Paramyxoviridae. Phylogenetic analyses revealed significant genomic diversity and potential for cross-species transmission, particularly in viruses exhibiting broad tissue tropism. Nota

SUBMITTER: Du H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12781535 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature