While largely studied because of their harmful effects on
human health, there is growing appreciation that viruses
are also important members of the animal holobiont. This
review highlights recent findings on viruses associated with
Hydra and related Cnidaria. These early evolutionary diverging
animals not only select their bacterial communities but
also select for viral communities in a species-specific manner.
The majority of the viruses associating with these animals
are bacteriophages. We demonstrate that the animal host and
its virome have evolved into a homeostatic, symbiotic relationship
and propose that viruses are an important part of the
Hydra holobiont by controlling the species-specific microbiome.
We conclude that beneficial virus-bacterial-host interactions
should be considered as an integral part of animal
development and evolution.
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