Scientists can’t prepare for future viral threats if they don’t know what’s already in the environment. That’s the idea behind an international research project involving the University of 麻豆传媒 at 惭ā苍辞补 (JABSOM), where researchers created the largest known atlas of RNA viruses found in urban and peri-urban environments worldwide.
Researchers created a baseline map of viruses that already exist in environments people encounter every day. That information could help scientists recognize unusual viral activity sooner and improve surveillance efforts during future outbreaks.
The researchers identified about 60 viruses that computer models predict could infect humans and 47 that may infect other animals. They also identified 166 viruses that appear to interact with antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as ESKAPE pathogens.
“What this study shows is that we can do viral surveillance,” said Joshua Burkhart, an affiliate assistant professor in JABSOM‘s Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. “I don’t think we can propose that we have an idea of the next pandemic, but work like this, if conducted more regularly, could help us get ahead of the next pandemic.”
The study, recently published in , identified more than 55,000 RNA virus sequences collected from soil, sediment and other environmental samples across nearly 100 cities in 30 countries. About 80% of those viruses had never been documented before.
While that number may sound alarming, Burkhart says the findings should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a cause for concern.
“I don’t think the results of this study recognize increased risk,” said Burkhart. “Actually, I think it’s a very hopeful message.”
Understanding the findings
“It opens a door,” Burkhart said. “The ESKAPE pathogens are the primary risk, and these viruses could open new avenues for us to develop new antibacterial agents.”
The study also found roughly half of the RNA viruses appear to infect bacteria, challenging the long-held belief that RNA viruses primarily infect animals.
“Soil and sediment had extremely high viral diversity,” Burkhart said. “We already know there are many risks of floodwater and runoff water. I think this study emphasizes our need to study those sources even more.”
Although 麻豆传媒 samples were collected as part of related research, they were not included in this publication. Burkhart hopes future studies will expand environmental monitoring throughout the islands.
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