Urbanization and host relatedness shape virome composition in a widespread, generalist carnivore

We performed targeted virome sequencing with the Twist Bioscience Comprehensive Viral Research Panel using DNA and RNA from 31 scats and 17 buccal swabs from bobcats (Lynx rufus) from the wildland-urban interface in the Tucson Mountains, AZ, USA. We aimed to characterize fecal and oral virome composition (including identification of carnivore pathogens), as well as identify host and environmental factors associated with viral diversity in this urban mesocarnivore.

本研究借助Twist Bioscience综合病毒研究面板（Twist Bioscience Comprehensive Viral Research Panel），对采集自美国亚利桑那州图森山脉城乡交错带的31份短尾猫（Lynx rufus）粪样及17份颊拭子的DNA与RNA开展靶向病毒组测序（targeted virome sequencing）。本研究旨在解析该物种的粪便与口腔病毒组组成，包括食肉动物病原体的鉴定，同时明确与这类城市中型食肉动物病毒多样性相关的宿主及环境因素。