What is the significance of identifying a 47,250‑nucleotide RNA virus genome?

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Last updated: October 3, 2026 • View editorial policy

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It is the longest RNA virus genome documented to date. 1

  • Rationale:

    • Genome-resolved virome research highlights discovery of exceptionally large RNA virus genomes, extending known size limits; a 47,250-nt RNA genome surpasses prior records, marking the upper bound of RNA virus genome length to date, not the shortest, not bacterial, and not indicative of absence in aquatic systems 1.

  • Pitfalls/caveats:

    • Record claims depend on current databases and methods; ongoing sequencing may further extend this limit, but as of the most recent, high-quality synthesis, 47.25 kb represents the longest documented RNA virus genome 1.

References

1
Research

Evolving strategies for virus discovery.

Microbial genomics, 2026

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