Three Distinct Circovirids Identified in a Tapeworm Recovered from a Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

TL;DR

This study identified three distinct circoviruses in a tapeworm from a bobcat, expanding knowledge of viruses and parasites in these predators.

Contribution

The discovery of novel circovirids in a bobcat tapeworm adds to the understanding of viral diversity in wild carnivores.

Findings

Three helminths and four circovirids were identified in a deceased bobcat using metagenomics.

Two circoviruses in the tapeworm are closely related to known species but may infect bobcats or their prey.

Two novel cycloviruses in the tapeworm show limited similarity to known cycloviruses, suggesting new host associations.

Abstract

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are an iconic North American predator; however, there is limited knowledge regarding their associated parasites. In this case study, we used a metagenomic approach to identify associated viruses and helminth species from a deceased bobcat. We determined the full mitochondrial genome of the bobcat and three helminths, i.e., tapeworm (Taenia sp.), stomach worm (Physaloptera sp.), and lung worm (Metathelazia sp.). Furthermore, we identified four circovirids; two (identified in a tapeworm and fecal swab) are members of the genus Circovirus and share 96.7% genome-wide identity between isolates and 87.4–88.6% identity with members of the species Circovirus miztontli. These appear to infect vertebrate species common to the Sonoran Desert, which could be a rodent preyed upon by the bobcat, and/or bobcat itself. The other two circovirids are novel members of the genus Cyclovirus (both identified in a tapeworm), one sharing 99.8% with those in the species Cyclovirus misi from a rodent and the other <67.3% with all other Cycloviruses. Our data support that these two Cycloviruses are likely tapeworm-infecting; however, more studies are needed to confirm the host. These findings enhance our understanding of viruses and helminths in bobcats, emphasizing the need for further research to unravel the ecology of parasites in these elusive predators.

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