Sustained RNA virome diversity in Antarctic penguins and their ticks

• DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-0643-1
• Publication Date: 2020-04-14T12:03:04Z
• Authors: Michelle Wille; Erin Harvey; Mang Shi; Daniel Gonzalez-A...; Edward C Holmes; Aeron C Hurt
• Keywords: Human virome

Abstract Despite its isolation and extreme climate, Antarctica is home to diverse fauna associated microorganisms. It has been proposed that the most iconic Antarctic animal, penguin, experiences low pathogen pressure, accounting for their disease susceptibility in foreign environments. There is, however, a limited understanding of virome diversity species, extent situ virus evolution, or how it relates other geographic regions. To assess whether penguins have microbial we determined RNA viromes three species ticks sampled on peninsula. Using total sequencing identified 107 viral comprising likely penguin viruses (n = 13), diet microbiome 82), tick 8), two which may potential infect penguins. Notably, level revealed comparable seen Australian waterbirds, including many same families. These data run counter idea are subject lower pressure. The repeated detection specific also suggests rather than being simply spill-over hosts, these animals act as key reservoirs.