Viral Metagenomics: Exploring RNA viruses in Human and Vectors in the Amazon Basin.

• Grant number: 24/20412-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Maurício Lacerda Nogueira
• Grantee: Victória Bernardi Ciconi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03645-1 - Study of the virus-vector interaction and the mechanisms involved in modulating the dynamics of viral transmission, AP.TEM

Abstract

The Amazon biome is recognized as one of the largest viral reservoirs in the world, as it presents climatic conditions favorable to the establishment and maintenance of viral cycles, in addition to a wide biodiversity, where hematophagous arthropods and susceptible vertebrates are found. In recent years, the city of Manaus and other municipalities in the state of Amazonas have been affected by at least six arboviruses pathogenic to humans, in addition to the expansion of deforestation and population migration to border areas. Given these circumstances, it is well known that such factors can favor viral spillover from wildlife to humans, followed by subsequent transmission of the pathogen. Considering this, RNA viruses deserve special attention, as they present higher rates of nucleotide substitution, which can lead to the emergence of new lineages and genotypes. In addition, they are responsible for the main cause of emerging and reemerging viral diseases in humans and animals in Brazil. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the RNA viruses of clinical samples from patients with exanthematic syndrome and undifferentiated febrile syndrome, as well as mosquitoes collected in the city of Manaus, Amazonas, using metagenomic sequencing. By proposing this research project, we hope that our results will significantly expand the knowledge about the RNA viruses of both groups analyzed, offering unique insights into the ecology and viral diversity in a region that, despite being a hotspot for several viral pathogens, still lacks detailed exploration. Furthermore, the identification of viruses through metagenomic sequencing, focusing on the human-vector interface, can provide a robust epidemiological surveillance system to prevent and control future outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging diseases.