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Genome Sequences of Microviruses Identified in Gila Monster Feces

Courtney L Collins1, Dale F DeNardo2, Mellecha Blake2

  • 1The Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.

Microbiology Resource Announcements
|March 19, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Researchers sequenced 33 microviruses from Gila monster feces. These novel viruses, with genomes between 4,383 and 6,782 nucleotides, were widely found in the sampled Arizona reptiles.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Genomics
  • Herpetology

Background:

  • Microviruses are small, single-stranded DNA viruses.
  • Gila monsters (Heloderma suspectum) are large venomous lizards native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
  • Understanding viral diversity in reptiles is crucial for ecological and health assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the complete genome sequences of microviruses found in Gila monsters.
  • To investigate the diversity and distribution of microviruses in this reptile population.

Main Methods:

  • High-throughput sequencing of fecal samples from 14 Gila monsters.
  • Bioinformatic analysis for genome assembly and characterization.

Main Results:

  • Complete genome sequences of 33 distinct microviruses were obtained.
  • Viral genomes ranged from 4,383 to 6,782 nucleotides in length.
  • Microviruses were broadly distributed across the 14 sampled individuals.

Conclusions:

  • This study reveals a previously uncharacterized diversity of microviruses in Gila monsters.
  • The broad distribution suggests potential ecological significance or host specificity.
  • Further research is needed to understand the function and impact of these novel viruses.

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