Discovery of novel virus sequences in an isolated and threatened bat species, the New Zealand lesser short-tailed bat (Mystacina tuberculata)

摘要: Bats harbour a diverse array of viruses, including significant human pathogens. Extensive metagenomic studies material from bats, in particular guano, have revealed large number novel or divergent viral taxa that were previously unknown. New Zealand has only two extant indigenous terrestrial mammals, which are both Mystacina tuberculata (the lesser short-tailed bat) and Chalinolobus tuberculatus long-tailed bat). Until the introduction exotic these species had been isolated all other mammals for over 1 million years (potentially 16 M. tuberculata). Four bat guano samples collected roosts on offshore island Whenua hou (Codfish Island) Zealand. Metagenomic analysis this still hosts plethora viruses. Whilst majority viruses detected likely to be dietary origin, some putative vertebrate virus sequences identified. Papillomavirus, polyomavirus, calicivirus hepevirus found data subsequently confirmed using independent PCR assays sequencing. The new may represent genera within families. Our findings provide an insight into origins families, given their detection host species.