Evaluation of the Viral Diversity of Artemia Cysts from Saline Lakes in Kazakhstan Using Viral Metagenomics Analysis

Abstract

Artemia (brine shrimp) holds significant value as a live feed for larval fish and crustaceans, owing to their distinctive dietary requirements. However, it is vital to acknowledge that Artemia also carries potential risk as a vector of infection. We conducted a metagenomic analysis to explore the virome present in Artemia cysts collected from inland salt lakes across four distinct regions in Kazakhstan. This study identified the presence of dsDNA phages and RNA virus sequences, with a predominant representation from the Reoviridae, Nodaviridae, Dicistroviridae, Picornaviridae, Astroviridae, Tombusviridae, and Solemoviridae families. In general, this study has significantly enhanced our understanding of the virome of Artemia cysts in the saline lakes of Kazakhstan; however, the interactions between these putative viruses and brine shrimp and other aquatic animals need further research.