Novel Circular Rep-Encoding Single-Stranded DNA Viruses Detected in Treated Wastewater

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Virology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Wastewater effluent is a complex microbial habitat.
• Replication-associated protein (Rep)-encoding single-stranded DNA (CRESS DNA) viruses are a diverse group with implications for various hosts.
• The viral diversity in treated wastewater remains incompletely characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To sequence and characterize novel CRESS DNA viruses found in secondary treated and disinfected wastewater effluent.
• To determine if these viruses represent new viral species.
• To assess the potential persistence of these viruses in wastewater.

Main Methods:

• Metagenomic sequencing of wastewater effluent samples.
• Bioinformatic analysis for viral genome assembly and identification.
• Phylogenetic analysis to determine viral novelty and relationships.

Main Results:

• Complete genome sequences of three distinct CRESS DNA viruses were obtained.
• These viruses, designated wastewater CRESS DNA virus (WCDV)-1 to -3, represent novel viral species.
• The findings suggest these novel viruses persist in treated wastewater effluent.

Conclusions:

• Novel CRESS DNA viruses are present in treated wastewater.
• Wastewater environments harbor previously undiscovered viral diversity.
• Further research is needed to understand the ecological role and potential impact of these persistent viruses.