Characterization of the RNA Virome of Bloodsucking Dipterans (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae, Simuliidae, Ceratopogonidae) in Karelia, Northwestern Russia

Bloodsucking dipterans are major vectors responsible for the transmission of arboviruses. Additionally, they also carry a lot of insect-specific viruses. High-throughput sequencing technologies has facilitated breakthrough in the study of viruses overall and viruses of haematophagus insects in particular. In this study we used high-throughput sequencing to describe the viromes of bloodsucking dipterans collected in Karelia, northwestern Russia. In addition to various species of Aedes mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), several pool of biting midges (Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides), and blackflies (Simuliidae: Simulium), were analyzed. We managed to assemble and annotate 63 different distinct viruses with complete and partial genomes. The most common viral groups were Durnavirales, Picornavirales, Reovirales, and Mononegavirales, however various other groups of RNA viruses and even one DNA virus were detected. The majority of viruses (78%) were novel viruses. Among known viruses, no known human or animal pathogens were found. Some of the novel viruses can be considered by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses for the demarcation into novel genera.