Why does Microbiome Explorer not detect viruses?

Microbiome Explorer uses DNA-based shotgun metagenomics, which sequences DNA from microorganisms in stool samples.
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Because many viruses use RNA as their genetic material, they are not detected by this method. In addition, DNA viruses are difficult to correctly classify due to high genetic variability and rapid mutation. Thus, DNA viruses are not yet included in our database.

https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.201744982

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1240993