ABSTRACT
This chapter is intended to show the RNA phage geography with localization of the popular and less popular representatives of the family on the geographical map. The classical attempts of Japanese scientists to identify the RNA coliphages all over the world are described in detail. The sources of the RNA phages including (i) fecal samples from domestic animals, animals in zoological gardens, and humans, (ii) the gastrointestinal contents of cows and pigs, and (iii) sewage samples from treatment plants in slaughterhouses are qualified in connection with the preferential distribution of the different RNA phage genogroups. The general methodologies of the RNA phage enumeration are described, with a special emphasis on the recent novel methodological approaches. The present status of the RNA phages in the metaviromics is disclosed, indicating how next-generation sequencing could help by the search for novel RNA phage family members.
