Hiding in Plain Sight: Genomic Characterization of a Novel Nackednavirus and Evidence of Diverse Adomaviruses in a Hyperpigmented Lesion of a Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans)

Largemouth bass (LMB; <i>Micropterus nigricans</i>) are popular both as a sportfish and an aquaculture species. At present, six described viruses are associated with LMB, of which two are typically considered in cases of LMB mortality events. Advances in discovery and diagnostic capabilities using next-generation sequencing have augmented surveillance efforts and subsequently led to the discovery of novel cryptogenic viruses. Here, we present evidence of three novel viruses from a single skin sample collected from a hyperpigmented melanistic lesion of an LMB with blotchy bass syndrome associated with MnA-1 co-infection. These viruses represent recently described groups of viruses (adomaviruses and nackednaviruses) that infect fish. Both are markedly understudied and of unknown significance to fish health. This work highlights the diversity of viruses associated with LMB and further advances our understanding of the LMB virome. Application of de novo sequencing approaches presents an opportunity to explore a new frontier of host-pathogen relationships and microbes associated with changing environments.