P12 Examination of single-stranded DNA Viruses in a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Monday, August 3, 2015
Victoria M. Pearson and Dr. Darin R. Rokyta, Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Understanding the structure and dynamics of microbial communities, especially those of

economic importance, is of paramount importance. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses

are among the least understood groups of microbial pathogens, yet the group contains

known agricultural pathogens, which infect both livestock and crops (Circoviridae and

Geminiviridae), and model organisms (Microviridae). Wastewater treatment plants receive

water from multiple sources, becoming reservoirs for the collection of many viral families

that infect a large range of hosts. To examine this complex collection of viruses a novel

strategy was utilized to isolate full length genomes of circular ssDNA viruses from a sample

of wastewater from a treatment facility. Isolated genomes were amplied and sequenced

on an Illumina MiSeq. Examination of this sample has provided evidence for 84 unique

genotypic groupings, which are genetically dissimilar to know viral types, and exhibit broad

diversity within the community. Furthermore, although these genomes express similarities

to known viral families, such as Circoviridae and Geminiviridae, and Microviridae, many

are so divergent they may represent new viral families. This study demonstrated 1.) the

efficacy of the protocol for removing bacteria and large viruses from the sought after ssDNA

viruses 2.) the ability to use this protocol to obtain an in-depth analysis of the diversity

within this group and 3.) the need to determine how stable these genotypes are in this

community.