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Multi-Organ RNA Virome Profiling of Edible Rodents Reveals Potential Zoonotic Viral Exposure at the Wildlife–Livestock–Human Interface in Southwest China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The consumption of wild rodents in certain regions of Southwest China creates a potential interface for zoonotic pathogen exposure, yet the virome composition of edible rodents remains insufficiently characterized. In this study, we performed multi-organ RNA metatranscriptomic analysis of three commonly consumed rodent species (Niviventer andersoni, Berylmys bowersi, and Rattus losea) collected from Guizhou Province, analyzing five visceral organs per species. A total of 1198 viral contigs spanning 37 viral families were identified, revealing diverse viral communities across host species and tissues, with host identity emerging as a key factor shaping virome structure. Sequences related to Seoul virus were detected in the lungs of R. losea, showing high similarity to previously reported strains, and sequences closely related to porcine Rotavirus A were identified in the lung samples of N. andersoni, indicating a close phylogenetic relationship with livestock-associated viruses. While these findings do not confirm active infection or transmission, they may reflect potential environmental exposure or ecological links at the wildlife–livestock interface. Overall, this study provides a baseline characterization of the multi-organ virome of edible rodents and highlights the importance of integrated surveillance and risk assessment within a One Health framework.

Source: Pathogens

DOI: 10.3390/pathogens15050558