Identification and characterization of multiple novel viruses in fecal samples of ruddy shelducks using viral metagenomics methods
Li Ji,
Yan Wang,
Yijie Sun,
Likai Ji,
Xiaochun Wang,
Yuwei Liu,
Quan Shen,
Shixing Yang,
Wen Zhang
Affiliations
Li Ji
Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China; Zhenjiang Mental Health Center, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212005, China
Yan Wang
Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China; Zhenjiang Mental Health Center, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212005, China
Yijie Sun
Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China; Zhenjiang Mental Health Center, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212005, China
Likai Ji
Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China; Zhenjiang Mental Health Center, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212005, China
Xiaochun Wang
Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China; Zhenjiang Mental Health Center, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212005, China
Yuwei Liu
Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China; Zhenjiang Mental Health Center, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212005, China
Quan Shen
Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China; Zhenjiang Mental Health Center, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212005, China
Shixing Yang
Corresponding author.; Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China; Zhenjiang Mental Health Center, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212005, China
Wen Zhang
Corresponding author.; Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, China; Zhenjiang Mental Health Center, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212005, China
The viral metagenomics approach is an effective technique for investigating and analysing both existing and emerging viruses in humans and diverse animal samples. The ruddy shelduck, a nationally protected secondary key species of wild animals, has become the predominant species among overwintering waterbirds in Qinghai Lake. Viruses carried by ruddy shelducks can potentially infect humans or other animals; however, limited research on the faecal virome of ruddy shelducks is currently available. In the present study, faecal samples of ruddy shelducks collected from Saga County, Shigatse City, Tibet, China, were subjected to viral metagenomic analysis. The predominant viral families identified in ruddy shelduck samples were Picornaviridae, Parvoviridae, Microviridae, Vilyaviridae, Astroviridae, and Caliciviridae. Among these, two picornavirus genomes have been identified as new strains of the genus Megrivirus in the family Parvoviridae. In addition, viruses that infect parasites and bacteria have been identified and characterised. The present study enhances our comprehension of the composition of the viral community in ruddy shelducks faeces and highlights the dynamic nature of viral evolution and the significance of continuous monitoring to assess potential risks to wildlife and public health.
