A New Study Reveals Scientists Have Identified Approximately 110,000 Previously Unseen RNA Viruses.
According to a study published in the journal Cell, an international team of researchers has discovered new groups of RNA viruses that infect a diverse range of bacteria.
Illustration of RNA virus – (Image: ISTOCK)
The new research has increased the known number of RNA viruses ninefold.
Experts also identified genes previously unseen in any RNA virus, which were only found in DNA viruses or cellular life forms.
RNA viruses are those that contain their genetic material as RNA (ribonucleic acid) – a compound found in all living cells that has a structure similar to DNA.
These include coronaviruses and influenza viruses, as well as dengue viruses and West Nile virus (a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever).
The researchers stated that this latest discovery could aid in developing treatments against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, as well as defenses against harmful bacteria, fungi, and pests in agriculture.
Mr. Uri Gophna from the Department of Life Sciences at the Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research (Tel Aviv University, Israel) told Newsweek: “Almost all RNA viruses studied so far are pathogens for human health and agriculture.”
The international research team analyzed data from over 100 laboratories around the world, generated at different times and in various environments.
The researchers identified approximately 110,000 types of RNA viruses previously unknown, and even identified the organisms they are likely to infect.
Mr. Gophna noted that while some viruses may infect humans and cause disease, the majority are harmless.
Conversely, access to many new infectious viruses could provide us with a weapon in the future against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
