Decoding the RNA viromes in rodent lungs provides new insight into the origin and evolutionary patterns of rodent-borne pathogens in Mainland Southeast Asia

Abstract Background As the largest group of mammalian species, which are also widely distributed all over world, rodents natural reservoirs for many diverse zoonotic viruses. A comprehensive understanding core virome should therefore assist in efforts to reduce risk future emergence or re-emergence rodent-borne pathogens. Results This study aimed describe viral range that could be detected lungs from Mainland Southeast Asia. Lung samples were collected 3284 and insectivores orders Rodentia, Scandentia, Eulipotyphla eighteen provinces Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia throughout 2006–2018. Meta-transcriptomic analysis was used outline unique spectral characteristics viruses within these ecological genetic imprints novel Many mammalian- arthropod-related distinct evolutionary lineages reported first time related known pathogens characterized their genomic characteristics, host locations. Conclusions These results expand our viromes Asia suggest a high diversity remains found rodent species this area. findings, combined with previous data China, increase knowledge community wildlife arthropod vectors emerging disease hotspots East