Diversity of CRESS DNA Viruses in Squamates Recapitulates Hosts Dietary and Environmental Sources of Exposure
Paolo Capozza, Gianvito Lanave, Georgia Diakoudi, Francesco Pellegrini, Roberta Cardone, Violetta Iris Vasinioti, Nicola Decaro, Gabriella Elia, Cristiana Catella, Alberto Alberti, Krisztián Bànyai, Jairo Alfonso Mendoza‐Roldan, Domenico Otranto, Canio Buonavoglia, Vito Martella
Abstract
CRESS DNA viruses are significant pathogens of birds and pigs and have been detected repeatedly in human samples (stools, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid), both from healthy individuals and from patients with neurological disease, eliciting in 2013 a risk assessment by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Sequences of CRESS DNA viruses previously reported in humans (TN9, TN12, and TN25), and detected in different animal species (e.g., birds, dogs, and bats) were herein detected in fecal samples of synanthropic squamates (geckos and lizards). The complete genome sequence of six viruses was generated. This study extends the information on the genetic diversity and ecology of CRESS DNA viruses. Because geckos and lizards are synanthropic animals, a role in sustaining CRESS DNA virus circulation and increasing viral pressure in the environment is postulated.