Discovery of three cycloviruses in fecal samples from silver-haired bats ( Lasionycteris noctivagans ) in Arizona (USA)

Bats harbour a diverse array of viruses, some of which are zoonotic, and are one of the most speciose groups of mammals on earth. As part of an ongoing bat-associated viral diversity research project, we identified three cycloviruses (family Circoviridae ) in fecal samples of silver-haired bats ( Lasionycteris noctivagans ) caught in Cave Creek Canyon of Arizona (USA). Two of the three identified genomes represent two new species in the genus Cyclovirus . Cycloviruses have been found in a wide range of environments and hosts; however, little is known about their biology. These new genomes of cycloviruses are the first from silver-haired bats, adding to the broader knowledge of cyclovirus diversity. With continuing studies, it is likely that additional viruses of the family Circoviridae will be identified in Arizona bat populations.