Global atlas uncovers 55,000 RNA viruses across nearly 100 cities
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 Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), where researchers created the largest known atlas of RNA viruses found in urban and peri-urban environments worldwide.
A massive global atlas of RNA viruses has been created, revealing 55,000 different virus sequences collected from urban and peri-urban environments across nearly 100 cities in 30 countries. Scientists from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) assembled this extensive database, aiming to enhance our understanding of existing viral threats in everyday environments.
The research identified approximately 60 RNA viruses that have the potential to infect humans, 47 viruses capable of infecting other animals, and 166 viruses that interact with antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as ESKAPE pathogens. Notably, about half of the RNA viruses appear to infect bacteria, contradicting the traditional belief that RNA viruses primarily target animals.
About 80% of the discovered viruses were previously undocumented, highlighting the vast unknowns in our knowledge of global viral biodiversity. Joshua Burkhart, an affiliate assistant professor at JABSOM, explained that while the study doesn't predict the next pandemic, it offers valuable insights for future viral surveillance efforts and could lead to the development of new antibacterial agents.
The study's findings emphasize the importance of studying soil, sediment, and floodwater, as they harbor an exceptionally high diversity of viruses. While the results may seem alarming due to the sheer number of previously unidentified viruses, Burkhart views them as an opportunity to improve our preparedness for future outbreaks.
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