Metagenome-Assembled Viral Genomes Analysis Reveals Diversity and Infectivity of the RNA Virome of Gerbillinae Species.

ABSTRACT: Rodents are a known reservoir for extensive zoonotic viruses, and also possess a propensity to roost in human habitation. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and catalogue the potentially emerging zoonotic viruses that are carried by rodents. Here, viral metagenomic sequencing was used for zoonotic virus detection and virome characterization on 32 Great gerbils of Rhombomys opimus, Meriones meridianus, and Meiiones Unguiculataus species in Xinjiang, Northwest China. In total, 1848 viral genomes that are potentially pathogenic to rodents and humans, as well as to other wildlife, were identified namely Retro-, Flavi-, Pneumo-, Picobirna-, Nairo-, Arena-, Hepe-, Phenui-, Rhabdo-, Calici-, Reo-

SUBMITTER: Du H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8874536 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature