Global status, bias risks, and ecological integration of wild bat and rodent virome research

Wild bats and rodents are critical zoonotic reservoirs. However, research limitations pose challenges for understanding virome dynamics and predicting emerging risks. Key issues include geographic biases (disproportionate sampling in Asia and North America vs. under-representation in Africa and Middle East) and taxonomic biases (overemphasis on accessible species over ecologically diverse hosts). Additionally, data fragmentation - stemming from inconsistent sequencing protocols and incomplete metadata - hampers comparative analyses. Crucially, most viral risk prediction models exclude ecological parameters (e.g., host behavior, climate), limiting their predictive accuracy. This review evaluates these knowledge gaps and methodological shortcomings, emphasizing the need for a coupled "virus-host-environment" framework. We propose actionable solutions: (i) establishing standardized transnational databases, (ii) strategically expanding surveillance in underrepresented regions, and (iii) integrating ecological variables. These steps will advance robust predictive modeling and enhance global emerging disease monitoring.