Holobiome. Comprehensive monitoring and diagnosis of holobiome diversity (microbiome and virome), with an emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, at the human-animal interface in the Yucatan Peninsula

This is part of the Program for Support of Research and Technological Innovation Projects at UNAM in its modality of research-teaching linkages on relevant topics for Mexico. Given the health emergency situation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we aim to promote the participation of groups working jointly, with a multi- and interdisciplinary approach, on projects addressing various aspects, including health, economy, and society, related to strategies to face the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. We approach the topic of COVID-19 from a multi- and interdisciplinary perspective, with the aim of characterizing the richness, composition, and phylogenetic diversity of the holobiome (microbiome and virome, particularly SARS-CoV-2) of domestic, synanthropic, and wild animals in urban, rural, and conserved natural areas of the Yucatan peninsula. Based on this, we aim to evaluate the potential of non-human species as reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2, for early identification of other potentially epidemic coronaviruses, and to identify disturbance factors in the natural environment associated with potential transmission.