In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from Arizona State University (ASU) have unearthed 13 previously unknown viruses in the remote reaches of Antarctica, with two of them posing potential risks to human health. The research, conducted over two years in the McMurdo Sound area, focused on Weddell seals and yielded insights into the diverse virome inhabiting the continent.
The viruses, belonging to the papillomavirus family, were identified in nasal and vaginal swabs collected from the seals between 2015 and 2017. Papillomaviruses are known to infect a wide range of species, including humans, reptiles, birds, and mammals, raising concerns about potential cross-species transmission and zoonotic infections.
Published in the journal Virology, the study sheds light on the evolutionary dynamics of Antarctic viruses and underscores the importance of understanding their role in ecosystem health. Melanie Regney, a second-year PhD student and lead author of the paper, expressed excitement about uncovering viruses in an environment largely untouched by human presence.
“Viruses are everywhere. They’re the most abundant entity in the universe. But despite that, they’re one of the things we know the least about. We don’t even know most of them exist,” Regney remarked, highlighting the significance of studying Antarctica’s virome for ecological insights.
The team sequenced the genomes of the newly discovered viruses and compared them with known papillomaviruses, identifying 13 novel viral types, 11 of which were entirely new to science. This comprehensive genomic analysis provides valuable data for future research on viral evolution and pathogenesis.
Antarctica’s pristine environment offers a unique opportunity to study viral ecology and the intricate interplay between viruses and their hosts. Regney emphasized the importance of understanding Antarctica’s virome in elucidating ecosystem dynamics and identifying potential health risks associated with viral transmission.
The discovery of novel viruses in Antarctica comes amid growing concerns about the global spread of infectious diseases, particularly in the context of climate change. Scientists have warned about the potential release of “zombie viruses” from melting Arctic permafrost, highlighting the urgent need for proactive surveillance and mitigation measures to prevent future pandemics.
As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of Antarctica’s virome, the ASU team’s findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and vigilance in monitoring viral diversity and its implications for human and environmental health.
Read Now:Aaja, Aaja: Virat Kohli Taunts India Star Who Banged Helmet After Win Against RCB In IPL 2023
