Novel putative pathogenic viruses identified in pangolins by mining metagenomic data.

ABSTRACT

The pangolin is the only scaly mammal in the world and also an important reservoir of pathogenic viruses. Habitat loss and poaching have been shrinking the survival range of pangolins. More information on pangolin virus populations is needed to better understand and assess potential disease risks. In this study, viral metagenomic data were used to reinvestigate the virome in pangolin lung tissue. Complete genome sequences of two novel anelloviruses were acquired and clustered with the referenced feline strains belonging to genus Tettorquevirus and genus Etatorquevirus, respectively. Two genomes belonging to the genus Gemykibivirus, and species Bat-associated cyclovirus 9 were detected, respectively. One genome with a large contig belonging to the genus Senecavirus were also characterized, according to phylogenetic analysis, which can be presumed to be a novel species. In addition, a full genome of endogenous retroviruse (ERV) was assembled from the lungs of pangolin, and this virus may have the possibility of cross-species transmission during the evolution. This virological investigation has increased our understanding of the virome carried by pangolins and provided a reference baseline for possible zoonotic infectious diseases in the future.