Do Viruses Really Follow Seasonal and Yearly Cycles?

New Delhi, June 2 (NationPress) As the world faces a new surge of Covid-19 driven by SARS-CoV-2, a groundbreaking study by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras reveals that viruses exhibit seasonal and annual fluctuations.

This international research, conducted in collaboration with scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Texas at Austin, concentrated on viruses found in freshwater lakes.

Utilizing advanced Machine Learning (ML) techniques, the team analyzed 465 lake samples from Madison, Wisconsin, collected over a period exceeding 20 years, marking the longest DNA-based environmental monitoring on the planet.

Through a process known as metagenomics, researchers sequenced the total DNA from these lakes, successfully reconstructing 1.3 million viral genomes.

This study allowed scientists to observe how viruses adapt according to seasonal changes, over decades, and in reaction to environmental variations.

“Viruses demonstrate seasonal and yearly patterns, with numerous types reappearing consistently, showcasing their remarkable predictability,” the researchers stated in their paper published in Nature Microbiology Journal.

“Viruses possess the ability to ‘steal’ genes from their hosts, repurposing them to suit their needs. Over time, these viruses evolve, with certain genes becoming more prevalent due to the process of natural selection,” they elaborated.

The results highlighted the crucial roles viruses play within ecosystems, not only by shaping the environment but also by aiding other organisms.

The team identified 578 viral genes that contribute to essential processes like photosynthesis and methane consumption, underscoring the beneficial impact of viruses on the health and stability of natural ecosystems.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of monitoring viruses. Understanding their emergence, evolution, and environmental interactions is essential—not only for managing pandemics but also for appreciating the vital roles they fulfill in ecosystems. Nevertheless, comprehensive studies of viral communities in natural settings are uncommon,” remarked Dr. Karthik Anantharaman, Visiting Professor at the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI at IIT Madras.

“This data deficiency creates a substantial knowledge gap, obstructing our capacity to foresee how viruses impact both human health and environmental stability. By prioritizing long-term viral monitoring, we can enhance our preparedness for future outbreaks and uncover the intricate ways viruses contribute to our planet's health,” added Anantharaman, who also serves as an Associate Professor of Microbial and Viral Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.

Moreover, examining viruses in freshwater systems can revolutionize our approach to managing water resources, natural ecosystems, and public health, according to the research team.

These insights pave the way for innovative ecosystem management strategies, such as utilizing viruses to restore equilibrium in disrupted environments, including polluted lakes.