Human adenovirus penton base and encapsidation sequences detected in Pelodiscus sinensis by next generation sequencing

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis) has become one of the leading cultured organisms in China and South East Asia. The objectives of the present study were to use next generation sequencing to identify viral genomes present in liver tissues from Chinese soft-shelled turtle in China. BLAST analysis of viral sequences from liver samples showed high homology with the human adenovirus (HAdV) penton base and encapsidation proteins. This homology points to possible existence of HAdV in freshwater environments used for the culture of soft-shelled turtles. Therefore, our findings merit further investigations to determine possible contamination of HAdV in aquaculture environments and the possible role of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle in transmitting HAdV to humans.