Evolution and ecology of Jeilongvirus among wild rodents and shrews in Singapore.

Background: Jeilongvirus was proposed as a new genus within the Paramyxoviridae in 2018. The advancement in metagenomic approaches has encouraged multiple reports of Jeilongvirus detection following the initial species discovery, enriching species diversity and host range within the genus. However, Jeilongvirus remains understudied in Singapore, where interfaces between humans and small mammals are plentiful.

Methods: Here, we utilized metagenomic sequencing for the exploration of viral diversity in small mammal tissues. Upon discovery of Jeilongvirus, molecular screening and full genome sequencing was conducted, with the data used to conduct statistical modelling and phylogenetic analysis.

Results: We report the presence of Jeilongvirus in four species of Singapore wild small mammals, detected in their spleen and kidney. We show that full genomes of three Singapore Jeilongvirus encode for eight ORFs including the small hydrophobic and transmembrane proteins. All generated genomes cluster phylogenetically within the small mammal subclade, but share low genetic similarity with representative Jeilongvirus species. Statistical modelling showed no spatial or temporal patterns and differences among species, life history traits and habitat types.

Conclusions: This study serves as a basis for understanding dynamics between Jeilongvirus and small mammal hosts in Singapore by displaying the virus generalist nature. In addition, the initial detection can help to invoke improved routine surveillance and detection of circulating pathogens in synanthropic hosts.