Network analysis of host–virus communities in bats and rodents reveals determinants of cross-species transmission

Luis, Angela D.; O'Shea, Thomas J.; Hayman, David T. S.; Wood, James L. N.; Cunningham, Andrew A.; Gilbert, Amy T.; Mills, James N.; Webb, Colleen T.

For rodents, sympatry was the most important covariate, again emphasising the importance of spatial overlap in cross-species transmission. We found that species that had higher reproductive rates and body mass had more viruses (PC3 of the PCA), which is in accordance with the findings of Han et al. for all rodent pathogens and parasites (2015). This is the first analysis we are aware of that attempts to identify communities of pathogen sharing at a global scale. These communities reveal which species are most highly connected, providing insight into virus maintenance and spread. They may also be useful in guiding public health strategies. For example if a new zoonotic virus is identified in Hipposideros speoris, it may be useful to look for it in other species of the green community (Fig. 3c ) as well.