Systematic review and integrated data analysis reveal diverse pangolin-associated microbes with infection potential

Abstract

There has been increasing global concern about the spillover transmission of pangolin-associated microbes. To assess the risk of these microbes for emergence as human pathogens, we integrated data from multiple sources to describe the distribution and spectrum of microbes harbored by pangolins. Wild and trafficked pangolins have been mainly recorded in Asia and Africa, while captive pangolins have been reported in European and North American countries. A total of 128 microbes, including 92 viruses, 25 bacteria, eight protists, and three uncharacterized microbes, have been identified in five pangolin species. Out of 128 pangolin-associated microbes, 31 (including 13 viruses, 15 bacteria, and three protists) have been reported in humans, and 54 are animal-associated viruses. The phylogenetic analysis of human-associated viruses carried by pangolins reveals that they are genetically close to those naturally circulating among human populations in the world. Pangolins harbor diverse microbes, many of which have been previously reported in humans and animals. Abundant viruses initially detected in pangolins might exhibit risks for spillover transmission.

Spatial and temporal variation in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subtype RNA in wastewater and relation to clinical specimens

“…Additional aliquots of RNA extracts were stored at −80°C (for 0–700 days) and later subjected to two freeze-thaw cycles for RSV A and RSV B measurements. It should be noted that our RSV assays are specific to human RSV, with the exception of the RSV A assay, which amplifies an RSV A isolated from pangolins; however, pangolins are not expected to be present at our study site ( 48 ). Although PMMoV was already measured using fresh samples, they were measured again on a subset of the stored and freeze-thawed samples to assess the impact of storage and freeze-thaw cycles in our samples (as described in Study Design).…”