Three Distinct Circovirids Identified in a Tapeworm Recovered from a Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Bobcats (<i>Lynx rufus</i>) are an iconic North American predator; however, there is limited knowledge regarding their associated parasites. In this case study, we used a metagenomic approach to identify associated viruses and helminth species from a deceased bobcat. We determined the full mitochondrial genome of the bobcat and three helminths, i.e., tapeworm (<i>Taenia</i> sp.), stomach worm (<i>Physaloptera</i> sp.), and lung worm (<i>Metathelazia</i> sp.). Furthermore, we identified four circovirids; two (identified in a tapeworm and fecal swab) are members of the genus <i>Circovirus</i> and share 96.7% genome-wide identity between isolates and 87.4-88.6% identity with members of the species <i>Circovirus miztontli</i>. These appear to infect vertebrate species common to the Sonoran Desert, which could be a rodent preyed upon by the bobcat, and/or bobcat itself. The other two circovirids are novel members of the genus <i>Cyclovirus</i> (both identified in a tapeworm), one sharing 99.8% with those in the species <i>Cyclovirus misi</i> from a rodent and the other <67.3% with all other <i>Cycloviruses</i>. Our data support that these two <i>Cycloviruses</i> are likely tapeworm-infecting; however, more studies are needed to confirm the host. These findings enhance our understanding of viruses and helminths in bobcats, emphasizing the need for further research to unravel the ecology of parasites in these elusive predators.