Metagenomics applied to the detection of diarrhea viruses in humans: Systematic Review

Abstract

To analyze the application of the metagenomics method in the identification of viral infectious agents that lead to diarrhea outbreaks. This study is a systematic review, which looked for publications on the following platforms: PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), LILACS and CAPES periodicals, conducted according to the PRISMA methodology, investigating in the literary composition studies related to metagenomics applied in the identification of viral infectious agents, which lead to diarrhea in humans. 1198 publications were identified. Of these, after analyzes and exclusions at different stages, 18 studies remained, which directly corresponded to the theme. Diarrhea was presented as a universal health concern. Despite the emergence of vaccines, cases of diarrhea remain persistent in poor populations. In this context, metagenomics emerges as a primary tool in detecting enteric viruses and identifying new viruses, revolutionizing health diagnoses, knowledge of viral diversity, and health surveillance, contributing to the correct etiology of infectious agents that would never be identified by conventional methods. The 18 articles studied point to advances in research in viral metagenomics of diarrheal samples, contributing to the discernment of diarrhea outbreaks, and properly associating with their etiological agents, they are presented in an innovative way for studies on the understanding of viral diversity.

Keywords: Diarrhea; Feces; Infectious Agents; Metagenomics; Next generation sequencing; Virus.