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Navigating the Landscape: A Comprehensive Review of Current Virus Databases
Muriel Ritsch1,2, Noriko A Cassman1,2, Shahram Saghaei1,2
1RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
Viruses
|September 28, 2023
Summary
This study reviews 24 active virus databases, evaluating their content, functionality, and FAIR principles compliance. It aims to help users select appropriate virus resources and assist databases in error management and FAIR data principles adherence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Bioinformatics
- Data Science
Background:
- Viruses are crucial in public health, ecology, and agriculture, necessitating accurate identification and surveillance.
- Understanding virus diversity is incomplete despite technological advances, highlighting the need for comprehensive virus data resources.
- Virus databases are essential for accessing viral sequences, annotations, and analysis tools, but a recent review is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To bridge the gap in virus database reviews by identifying and evaluating active virus databases.
- To assess database content, functionality, and adherence to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles.
- To empower users in selecting suitable virus databases and aid databases in error management and improving FAIR compliance.
Main Methods:
- Identified 24 active virus databases.
- Conducted an extensive evaluation of database content, functionality, and FAIR principles compliance.
- Assessed the search capabilities of five comprehensive database catalogs and reviewed common data errors (taxonomy, sequences, etc.).
Main Results:
- Provided a comprehensive list and evaluation of 24 active virus databases.
- Detailed an assessment of database catalog search functionalities.
- Cataloged and discussed common errors found in virus databases, offering solutions.
Conclusions:
- This review aids users in selecting appropriate virus databases based on content, functionality, and scope.
- The findings will help virus databases improve error management and enhance their compliance with FAIR principles.
- Utilizing these reviewed virus databases is vital for advancing viral research, understanding evolution, and developing strategies for global health security.
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