The metagenomic approach and causality in virology

Abstract

Nowadays, the metagenomic approach has been a very important tool in the discovery of new viruses in environmental and biological samples. Here we discuss how these discoveries may help to elucidate the etiology of diseases and the criteria necessary to establish a causal association between a virus and a disease.

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Reveal Presence of a Novel Ungulate Bocaparvovirus in Alpacas

“…Moreover, Koch’s postulates is required to establish a virus–disease association. A causal association between the presence of BoV and clinical disease is often difficult due to prolonged viral shedding by the host after infection, high prevalence of BoV infection, and high rate of co-infections [35]. Nevertheless, the discovery of a new BoV will help in developing new PCR diagnostics to determine the prevalence of BoV in alpaca herds and also to develop vaccines to prevent clinical disease.…”