engleski

Detection of diverse and divergent RNA viruses of the invasive signal crayfish and their variation along the host's invasion range

Crayfish are successful invasive species and keystone species of freshwater ecosystems, however, their pathogens, including viruses, remain understudied. The aim of this study was to analyze the virome of one of the most successful invader in European freshwaters, the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), and to elucidate the potential differences in viral abundance along its invasion range in the Korana River, Croatia. By high-throughput sequencing of total RNA, isolated from the crayfish hepatopancreas and subsequent sequence data analysis, we identified novel and divergent RNA viruses including signal crayfish associated reo-like, hepe-like, toti-like and picorna-like viruses, phylogenetically related to viruses previously associated with crustacean hosts. The patterns of reads abundance and calculated nucleotide diversities of the detected viral sequences varied along the invasion range, which could indicate the possible influence of different factors and processes on signal crayfish virome composition: e.g., the differences in signal crayfish population density, non-random dispersal of host individuals from the core to the invasion fronts, and transfer of viruses from the native co-occurring and phylogenetically related crayfish species. The study reveals a high, previously undiscovered diversity of divergent RNA viruses associated with signal crayfish and set foundations for understanding the potential risk of virus transmissions as a result of this invader’s dispersal.

signal crayfish virome, invasive alien species, invasion range, high-throughput sequencing

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