First report on detection and molecular characterization of alphacoronaviruses in the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata)

The present study is the first to report high detection rates and genetic makeup/diversity of CoVs in mongooses, expanding our knowledge on the host range and complex evolutionary patterns of αCoVs. Considering our findings, the proximity of mongoose to other canids/felids and humans, and cross-species transmission potential of CoVs, large-scale studies on prevalence and genetic diversity of CoVs that might be circulating in different mongoose species/populations, and in-depth investigation of mongoose CoV RBD-host receptor interactions are of utmost importance.