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Novaes RLM, Almeida B, Cláudio VC, Costa-Neto SF, Couto ALG, Schmidt E, Bertocchi NA, Costa JO, Ferreira CF, de Oliveira AMR, Dos Santos MLM, Monteverde TSD, de Abreu EMN, Cunha ENP, Borges AR, Garcia JG, Barboza CM, Cocchi M, Batista HBCR, Moratelli R. Rabies virus circulation in a highly diverse bat assemblage from a high-risk area for zoonoses outbreaks in the Brazilian Amazon. Acta Trop 2024; 257:107309. [PMID: 38955321 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Bats are the second most diverse order of mammals and play a central role in ecosystem dynamics. They are also important reservoirs of potentially zoonotic microorganisms, of which rabies virus is the most lethal among the bat-transmitted zoonotic pathogens. Importantly, recent outbreaks of human rabies have been reported from the Brazilian Amazon. Here we present a survey of bat species and rabies virus (RABV) circulation in a bat assemblage in the Marajó region, northern Brazil. Using data from mist-net captures and bioacoustic sampling, 56 bat species were recorded along the Jacundá River basin over a 10-day expedition in November 2022. For the investigation of RABV, we used the direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT) and the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). In total, 159 bat individuals from 22 species were investigated for RABV. Five adults of the common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, showed RABV-specific antibodies in serum samples. Additionally, we report on local residents with injuries caused by D. rotundus bites and the occurrence of colonies of non-hematophagous bats from different species roosting inside human residences. This scenario raises concerns about the risks of new cases of human rabies and other zoonotic diseases associated with bats in the region and highlights the need for epidemiological surveillance and mitigation measures to prevent outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brunna Almeida
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, 22713-560, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vinícius C Cláudio
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, 22713-560, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sócrates F Costa-Neto
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, 22713-560, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ademar Luiz G Couto
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, 22713-560, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ellen Schmidt
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, 22713-560, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Natasha A Bertocchi
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, 22713-560, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Claudio F Ferreira
- Secretaria de Saúde Pública do Estado do Pará, Divisão de Vigilância em Saúde - Nível Central, 66093-677, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Adi Marcus R de Oliveira
- Secretaria de Saúde Pública do Estado do Pará, Divisão de Vigilância em Saúde - Nível Central, 66093-677, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Mara Lucia M Dos Santos
- Secretaria de Saúde Pública do Estado do Pará, Divisão de Vigilância em Saúde - Nível Central, 66093-677, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Thays Steffanny D Monteverde
- Secretaria de Saúde Pública do Estado do Pará, Divisão de Vigilância em Saúde - Nível Central, 66093-677, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Elke Maria N de Abreu
- Secretaria de Saúde Pública do Estado do Pará, Divisão de Vigilância em Saúde - Nível Central, 66093-677, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Erickson N P Cunha
- Secretaria de Saúde Pública do Estado do Pará, 8º Centro Regional de Saúde, 68800-000, Breves, PA, Brazil
| | - Ailton R Borges
- Secretaria de Saúde Pública do Estado do Pará, 8º Centro Regional de Saúde, 68800-000, Breves, PA, Brazil
| | - Jaíne G Garcia
- Instituto Pasteur de São Paulo, Setor de Virologia, 01311-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila M Barboza
- Instituto Pasteur de São Paulo, Setor de Virologia, 01311-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Micheli Cocchi
- Instituto Pasteur de São Paulo, Setor de Virologia, 01311-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Moratelli
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, 22713-560, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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2
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Sánchez CA, Phelps KL, Frank HK, Geldenhuys M, Griffiths ME, Jones DN, Kettenburg G, Lunn TJ, Moreno KR, Mortlock M, Vicente-Santos A, Víquez-R LR, Kading RC, Markotter W, Reeder DM, Olival KJ. Advances in understanding bat infection dynamics across biological scales. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232823. [PMID: 38444339 PMCID: PMC10915549 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, research on bat-associated microbes such as viruses, bacteria and fungi has dramatically increased. Here, we synthesize themes from a conference symposium focused on advances in the research of bats and their microbes, including physiological, immunological, ecological and epidemiological research that has improved our understanding of bat infection dynamics at multiple biological scales. We first present metrics for measuring individual bat responses to infection and challenges associated with using these metrics. We next discuss infection dynamics within bat populations of the same species, before introducing complexities that arise in multi-species communities of bats, humans and/or livestock. Finally, we outline critical gaps and opportunities for future interdisciplinary work on topics involving bats and their microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hannah K. Frank
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Marike Geldenhuys
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Devin N. Jones
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | | | - Tamika J. Lunn
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Kelsey R. Moreno
- Department of Psychology, Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL 60655, USA
| | - Marinda Mortlock
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Luis R. Víquez-R
- Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
| | - Rebekah C. Kading
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Center for Vector-borne and Infectious Diseases, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - DeeAnn M. Reeder
- Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
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3
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LiCari ST, Hale AM, Weaver SP, Fritts S, Katzner T, Nelson DM, Williams DA. Understanding fatality patterns and sex ratios of Brazilian free-tailed bats ( Tadarida brasiliensis) at wind energy facilities in western California and Texas. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16580. [PMID: 38084143 PMCID: PMC10710772 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Operation of wind turbines has resulted in collision fatalities for several bat species, and one proven method to reduce these fatalities is to limit wind turbine blade rotation (i.e., curtail turbines) when fatalities are expected to be highest. Implementation of curtailment can potentially be optimized by targeting times when females are most at risk, as the proportion of females limits the growth and stability of many bat populations. The Brazilian free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) is the most common bat fatality at wind energy facilities in California and Texas, and yet there are few available data on the sex ratios of the carcasses that are found. Understanding the sex ratios of fatalities in California and Texas could aid in planning population conservation strategies such as informed curtailment. Methods We used PCR to determine the sex of bat carcasses collected from wind energy facilities during post-construction monitoring (PCM) studies in California and Texas. In California, we received samples from two locations within the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area in Alameda County: Golden Hills (GH) (n = 212) and Golden Hills North (GHN) (n = 312). In Texas, we received samples from three wind energy facilities: Los Mirasoles (LM) (Hidalgo County and Starr County) (n = 252), Los Vientos (LV) (Starr County) (n = 568), and Wind Farm A (WFA) (San Patricio County and Bee County) (n = 393). Results In California, the sex ratios of fatalities did not differ from 50:50, and the sex ratio remained stable over the survey years, but the seasonal timing of peak fatalities was inconsistent. In 2017 and 2018, fatalities peaked between September and October, whereas in 2019 and 2020 fatalities peaked between May and June. In Texas, sex ratios of fatalities varied between locations, with Los Vientos being female-skewed and Wind Farm A being male-skewed. The sex ratio of fatalities was also inconsistent over time. Lastly, for each location in Texas with multiple years studied, we observed a decrease in the proportion of female fatalities over time. Discussion We observed unexpected variation in the seasonal timing of peak fatalities in California and differences in the sex ratio of fatalities across time and facility location in Texas. In Texas, proximity to different roost types (bridge or cave) likely influenced the sex ratio of fatalities at wind energy facilities. Due to the inconsistencies in the timing of peak female fatalities, we were unable to determine an optimum curtailment period; however, there may be location-specific trends that warrant future investigation. More research should be done over the entirety of the bat active season to better understand these trends in Texas. In addition, standardization of PCM studies could assist future research efforts, enhance current monitoring efforts, and facilitate research on post-construction monitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T. LiCari
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Amanda M. Hale
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
- Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc, Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States
| | - Sara P. Weaver
- Bowman Consulting Group, San Marcos, Texas, United States
| | - Sarah Fritts
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States
| | - Todd Katzner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, Idaho, United States
| | - David M. Nelson
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Laboratory, Frostburg, Maryland, United States
| | - Dean A. Williams
- Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
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Haley PJ. From bats to pangolins: new insights into species differences in the structure and function of the immune system. Innate Immun 2022; 28:107-121. [PMID: 35506564 PMCID: PMC9136466 DOI: 10.1177/17534259221093120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Species differences in the structure and function of the immune system of laboratory animals are known to exist and have been reviewed extensively. However, the number and diversity of wild and exotic species, along with their associated viruses, that come into contact with humans has increased worldwide sometimes with lethal consequences. Far less is known about the immunobiology of these exotic and wild species. Data suggest that species differences of the mechanisms of inflammation, innate immunity and adaptive immunity are all involved in the establishment and maintenance of viral infections across reservoir hosts. The current review attempts to collect relevant data concerning the basics of innate and adaptive immune functions of exotic and wild species followed by identification of those differences that may play a role in the maintenance of viral infections in reservoir hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Haley
- Haley Tox/Path Consulting LLC, 104 Cypress Springs Way, 78633, Georgetown Texas, United States
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Megid J, Benavides Tala JA, Belaz Silva LD, Castro Castro FF, Ribeiro BLD, Appolinário CM, Katz ISS, Scheffer KC, Silva SR, Rosa AR, Barone GT, Alves Martorelli LF, de Almeida MF. Serological Surveillance of Rabies in Free-Range and Captive Common Vampire Bats Desmodus rotundus. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:681423. [PMID: 34660750 PMCID: PMC8511519 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.681423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of vampire bat rabies (VBR) in Brazil is based on the culling of Desmodus rotundus and the surveillance of outbreaks caused by D. rotundus in cattle and humans in addition to vaccination of susceptible livestock. The detection of anti-rabies antibodies in vampire bats indicates exposure to the rabies virus, and several studies have reported an increase of these antibodies following experimental infection. However, the dynamics of anti-rabies antibodies in natural populations of D. rotundus remains poorly understood. In this study, we took advantage of recent outbreaks of VBR among livestock in the Sao Paulo region of Brazil to test whether seroprevalence in D. rotundus reflects the incidence of rabies in nearby livestock populations. Sixty-four D. rotundus were captured during and after outbreaks from roost located in municipalities belonging to three regions with different incidences of rabies in herbivores. Sixteen seropositive bats were then kept in captivity for up to 120 days, and their antibodies and virus levels were quantified at different time points using the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). Antibody titers were associated with the occurrence of ongoing outbreak, with a higher proportion of bats showing titer >0.5 IU/ml in the region with a recent outbreak. However, low titers were still detected in bats from regions reporting the last outbreak of rabies at least 3 years prior to sampling. This study suggests that serological surveillance of rabies in vampire bats can be used as a tool to evaluate risk of outbreaks in at risk populations of cattle and human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Megid
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Julio Andre Benavides Tala
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, Brazil
- Centro de Investigación para la sustestabilidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Laís Dário Belaz Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Fernando Favian Castro Castro
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, Brazil
- Animal Health Department, Universidad Antonio Narino Cauca Popayan, Popayán, Colômbia
| | | | | | - Iana Suly Santos Katz
- Diagnostics Sector, Immunology Laboratory Pasteur Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karin Corrêa Scheffer
- Diagnostics Sector, Immunology Laboratory Pasteur Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandriana Ramos Silva
- Diagnostics Sector, Immunology Laboratory Pasteur Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Ruckert Rosa
- Diagnostics Sector, Immunology Laboratory Pasteur Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisely Toledo Barone
- Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Coordenadoria de vigilância em saúde, São Paulo, Brazil
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Hernández-Aguilar I, Lorenzo C, Santos-Moreno A, Navarrete Gutiérrez D, Naranjo EJ. Current Knowledge and Ecological and Human Impact Variables Involved in the Distribution of the Dengue Virus by Bats in the Americas. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:217-231. [PMID: 33439764 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), is one of the most important reemerging viral diseases transmitted by arthropods worldwide. DENV is maintained in nature in two transmission cycles: urban and sylvatic. The latter has only been recorded in Africa and Asia and involves nonhuman primates as natural hosts, although it has been suggested that other mammals may play a secondary role as potential reservoir host, including bats. The objective of this article is to review the current state of knowledge about DENV-positive bats in the Americas and to determine what ecological and human impact variables could favor DENV infection in bats. We performed a search of published studies on natural and experimental DENV infection in bats. From 1952 to 2019, 14 studies have been carried out (71.4% in the last decade) examining DENV infection in bats in seven countries of the Americas. DENV infection was examined in 1884 bats of 63 species and DENV was detected in 19 of these species. Clench's model estimated that more than 75 species could be carriers of DENV; therefore, considering that at least 350 species of bats are distributed in the Americas, to detect 95% of the DENV-bearing species, it would be necessary to examine about 10,206 bats of ∼287 species that have not been analyzed until 2019. The species with the highest number of positive cases were Molossus sinaloae and Artibeus jamaicensis. Species, colony size, mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, human population size, and bat collection site (site inhabited by humans, vegetation cover, and caves) contributed to explain the variation in DENV detection in bats in the Americas. These results provide evidence on the exposure of bats to DENV in different geographic areas of the Americas and a bat sylvatic transmission cycle is very likely to be occurring, where bats may be either accidental hosts, dead-end hosts, or potential reservoir hosts for DENV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itandehui Hernández-Aguilar
- Departamento de Conservación de la Biodiversidad. El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad San Cristóbal, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, México
| | - Consuelo Lorenzo
- Departamento de Conservación de la Biodiversidad. El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad San Cristóbal, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, México
| | - Antonio Santos-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Ecología Animal, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Oaxaca, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, México
| | - Darío Navarrete Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Observación y Estudio de la Tierra, la Atmósfera y el Océano, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad San Cristóbal, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, México
| | - Eduardo J Naranjo
- Departamento de Conservación de la Biodiversidad. El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad San Cristóbal, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, México
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Becker DJ, Broos A, Bergner LM, Meza DK, Simmons NB, Fenton MB, Altizer S, Streicker DG. Temporal patterns of vampire bat rabies and host connectivity in Belize. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020. [PMCID: PMC8246562 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Becker
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Department of Biology Indiana University Bloomington IN USA
| | - Alice Broos
- MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research Glasgow UK
| | - Laura M. Bergner
- MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research Glasgow UK
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Diana K. Meza
- MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research Glasgow UK
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Nancy B. Simmons
- Department of Mammalogy Division of Vertebrate Zoology American Museum of Natural History New York NY USA
| | | | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease University of Georgia Athens GA USA
| | - Daniel G. Streicker
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- MRC–University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research Glasgow UK
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
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8
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Maganga GD, Pinto A, Mombo IM, Madjitobaye M, Mbeang Beyeme AM, Boundenga L, Ar Gouilh M, N'Dilimabaka N, Drexler JF, Drosten C, Leroy EM. Genetic diversity and ecology of coronaviruses hosted by cave-dwelling bats in Gabon. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7314. [PMID: 32355260 PMCID: PMC7192909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64159-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Little research on coronaviruses has been conducted on wild animals in Africa. Here, we screened a wide range of wild animals collected in six provinces and five caves of Gabon between 2009 and 2015. We collected a total of 1867 animal samples (cave-dwelling bats, rodents, non-human primates and other wild animals). We explored the diversity of CoVs and determined the factors driving the infection of CoVs in wild animals. Based on a nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, only bats, belonging to the Hipposideros gigas (4/156), Hipposideros cf. ruber (13/262) and Miniopterus inflatus (1/249) species, were found infected with CoVs. We identified alphacoronaviruses in H. gigas and H. cf. ruber and betacoronaviruses in H. gigas. All Alphacoronavirus sequences grouped with Human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E). Ecological analyses revealed that CoV infection was significantly found in July and October in H. gigas and in October and November in H. cf ruber. The prevalence in the Faucon cave was significantly higher. Our findings suggest that insectivorous bats harbor potentially zoonotic CoVs; highlight a probable seasonality of the infection in cave-dwelling bats from the North-East of Gabon and pointed to an association between the disturbance of the bats' habitat by human activities and CoV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gael Darren Maganga
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), BP, 769, Franceville, Gabon.
- Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM), Institut National Supérieur d'Agronomie et de Biotechnologies (INSAB), BP, 913, Franceville, Gabon.
| | - Anaïs Pinto
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), BP, 769, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Illich Manfred Mombo
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), BP, 769, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Mankomra Madjitobaye
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), BP, 769, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Antoine Mitte Mbeang Beyeme
- Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM), Institut National Supérieur d'Agronomie et de Biotechnologies (INSAB), BP, 913, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Larson Boundenga
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), BP, 769, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Meriadeg Ar Gouilh
- Normandie Université, EA2656, Groupe de Recherche sur l'Adaptation Microbienne, 14000, Caen, France
| | - Nadine N'Dilimabaka
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), BP, 769, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eric Maurice Leroy
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), BP, 769, Franceville, Gabon
- UMR (IRD 224/CNRS 5290/UM1-UM2), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
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9
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Seetahal JFR, Greenberg L, Satheshkumar PS, Sanchez-Vazquez MJ, Legall G, Singh S, Ramkissoon V, Schountz T, Munster V, Oura CAL, Carrington CVF. The Serological Prevalence of Rabies Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies in the Bat Population on the Caribbean Island of Trinidad. Viruses 2020; 12:E178. [PMID: 32033370 PMCID: PMC7077287 DOI: 10.3390/v12020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
: Rabies virus (RABV) is the only lyssavirus known to be present within the Caribbean. The island of Trinidad, is richly diverse in chiropteran fauna and endemic for bat-transmitted rabies with low RABV isolation rates observed in this population. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNA) in light of spatio-temporal and bat demographic factors to infer the extent of natural exposure to RABV in the Trinidadian bat population. RVNA titers were determined by the RABV micro-neutralization test on 383 bat samples representing 21 species, comprising 30.9% of local bat diversity, from 31 locations across the island over 5 years. RVNA was positively detected in 33 samples (8.6%) representing 6 bat species (mainly frugivorous) with titers ranging from 0.1 to 19 IU/mL (mean 1.66 IU/mL). The analyses based on a multivariable binomial generalised linear mixed-effects model showed that bat age and year of capture were significant predictors of seropositivity. Thus, juvenile bats were more likely to be seropositive when compared to adults (estimate 1.13; p = 0.04) which may suggest early exposure to the RABV with possible implications for viral amplification in this population. Temporal variation in rabies seropositivity, 2012-2014 versus 2015-2017 (estimate 1.07; p = 0.03) may have been related to the prevailing rabies epizootic situation. Regarding other factors investigated, RVNA was found in bats from both rural and non-rural areas, as well as in both hematophagous and non-hematophagous bat species. The most common seropositive species, Artibeusjamaicensisplanirostris is ubiquitous throughout the island which may potentially facilitate human exposure. The findings of this study should be factored into public health assessments on the potential for rabies transmission by non-hematophagous bats in Trinidad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine F. R. Seetahal
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (V.R.); (C.V.F.C.)
| | - Lauren Greenberg
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (L.G.); (P.S.S.)
| | | | - Manuel J. Sanchez-Vazquez
- Pan American Food-and-Mouth Disease Centre (PANAFTOSA), Pan American Health Organization, Rio de Janeiro CEP 25045-002, Brazil;
| | - George Legall
- Faculty of Food Production and Agriculture, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago;
| | - Shamjeet Singh
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago;
| | - Vernie Ramkissoon
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (V.R.); (C.V.F.C.)
| | - Tony Schountz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Vincent Munster
- Virus Ecology Unit, Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID/NIH, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA;
| | - Christopher A. L. Oura
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago;
| | - Christine V. F. Carrington
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago; (V.R.); (C.V.F.C.)
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Dias RA, Rocha F, Ulloa-Stanojlovic FM, Nitsche A, Castagna C, de Lucca T, Rodrigues RCA. Spatiotemporal distribution of a non-haematophagous bat community and rabies virus circulation: a proposal for urban rabies surveillance in Brazil. Epidemiol Infect 2019; 147:e130. [PMID: 30868985 PMCID: PMC6518535 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268818003229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, rabies surveillance is based on monitoring domestic and wild animals, although the most prevalent lineage of the rabies virus (RABV) currently diagnosed in Brazil is associated with bats, particularly non-haematophagous bats. Disease control is based on the mass vaccination of dogs and cats. We used data collected by the passive surveillance system of the city of Campinas from 2011 to 2015, to describe the temporal and geographic distributions of the bat specimens and RABV and discuss the current rabies surveillance with the advent of the declaration of canine and feline rabies-free areas in Brazil. We described the species, locations and health statuses of the collected bat specimens. Moreover, all samples were submitted for RABV diagnosis. Then, we performed a time series decomposition for each bat family. Additionally, we determined the spatiotemporal relative risk for RABV infection using the ratio of the kernel-smoothed estimates of spatiotemporal densities of RABV-positive and RABV-negative bats. From the 2537 bat specimens, the most numerous family was Molossidae (72%), followed by Vespertilionidae (14%) and Phyllostomidae (13%). The bat families behaved differently in terms of seasonal and spatial patterns. The distribution of bats varied geographically in the urban environment, with Molossidae and Phyllostomidae being observed downtown and Vespertilionidae being observed in peripheral zones. Concurrently, a significant relative risk of RABV infection was observed downtown for Vespertilionidae and in peripheral zones for Molossidae. No RABV-positive sample clusters were observed. As a result of the official declaration of RABV-free areas in southern Brazil, mass dog and cat vaccinations are expected to halt in the near future. This stoppage would make most dog and cat populations susceptible to other RABV lineages, such as those maintained by non-haematophagous bats. In this scenario, all information available on bats and RABV distribution in urban areas is essential. Currently, few studies have been conducted. Some local health authorities, such as that in Campinas, are spontaneously basing their surveillance efforts on bat rabies, which is the alternative in reality scenario of increased susceptibility to bat-associated RABV that is developing in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. A. Dias
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - F. Rocha
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - F. M. Ulloa-Stanojlovic
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - A. Nitsche
- Unidade de Vigilância de Zoonoses de Campinas, Prefeitura Municipal de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - C. Castagna
- Unidade de Vigilância de Zoonoses de Campinas, Prefeitura Municipal de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - T. de Lucca
- Vigilância em Saúde, Prefeitura Municipal de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - R. C. A. Rodrigues
- Unidade de Vigilância de Zoonoses de Campinas, Prefeitura Municipal de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Fisher CR, Streicker DG, Schnell MJ. The spread and evolution of rabies virus: conquering new frontiers. Nat Rev Microbiol 2018; 16:241-255. [PMID: 29479072 PMCID: PMC6899062 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2018.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease that is caused by lyssaviruses, most often rabies virus. Despite control efforts, sporadic outbreaks in wildlife populations are largely unpredictable, underscoring our incomplete knowledge of what governs viral transmission and spread in reservoir hosts. Furthermore, the evolutionary history of rabies virus and related lyssaviruses remains largely unclear. Robust surveillance efforts combined with diagnostics and disease modelling are now providing insights into the epidemiology and evolution of rabies virus. The immune status of the host, the nature of exposure and strain differences all clearly influence infection and transmission dynamics. In this Review, we focus on rabies virus infections in the wildlife and synthesize current knowledge in the rapidly advancing fields of rabies virus epidemiology and evolution, and advocate for multidisciplinary approaches to advance our understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine R. Fisher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel G. Streicker
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Matthias J. Schnell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Vaccine Center at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Robardet E, Borel C, Moinet M, Jouan D, Wasniewski M, Barrat J, Boué F, Montchâtre-Leroy E, Servat A, Gimenez O, Cliquet F, Picard-Meyer E. Longitudinal survey of two serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus) maternity colonies exposed to EBLV-1 (European Bat Lyssavirus type 1): Assessment of survival and serological status variations using capture-recapture models. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006048. [PMID: 29149215 PMCID: PMC5693283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes two longitudinal serological surveys of European Bat Lyssavirus type 1 (EBLV-1) antibodies in serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus) maternity colonies located in the North-East of France. This species is currently considered as the main EBLV-1 reservoir. Multievent capture-recapture models were used to determine the factors influencing bat rabies transmission as this method accounts for imperfect detection and uncertainty in disease states. Considering the period of study, analyses revealed that survival and recapture probabilities were not affected by the serological status of individuals, confirming the capacity of bats to be exposed to lyssaviruses without dying. Five bats have been found with EBLV-1 RNA in the saliva at the start of the study, suggesting they were caught during virus excretion period. Among these bats, one was interestingly recaptured one year later and harbored a seropositive status. Along the survey, some others bats have been observed to both seroconvert (i.e. move from a negative to a positive serological status) and serorevert (i.e. move from a positive to a negative serological status). Peak of seroprevalence reached 34% and 70% in site A and B respectively. On one of the 2 sites, global decrease of seroprevalence was observed all along the study period nuanced by oscillation intervals of approximately 2-3 years supporting the oscillation infection dynamics hypothesized during a previous EBLV-1 study in a Myotis myotis colony. Seroprevalence were affected by significantly higher seroprevalence in summer than in spring. The maximum time observed between successive positive serological statuses of a bat demonstrated the potential persistence of neutralizing antibodies for at least 4 years. At last, EBLV-1 serological status transitions have been shown driven by age category with higher seroreversion frequencies in adults than in juvenile. Juveniles and female adults seemed indeed acting as distinct drivers of the rabies virus dynamics, hypothesis have been addressed but their exact role in the EBLV-1 transmission still need to be specified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Robardet
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife–WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology—Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS, France
| | | | - Marie Moinet
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife–WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology—Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS, France
| | | | - Marine Wasniewski
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife–WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology—Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS, France
| | - Jacques Barrat
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife–WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology—Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS, France
| | - Franck Boué
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife–WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology—Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS, France
| | - Elodie Montchâtre-Leroy
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife–WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology—Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS, France
| | - Alexandre Servat
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife–WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology—Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS, France
| | - Olivier Gimenez
- CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, EPHE, France
| | - Florence Cliquet
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife–WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology—Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS, France
| | - Evelyne Picard-Meyer
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife–WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Management in Zoonoses Control, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology—Bâtiment H, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, CS, France
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Novel Alphacoronaviruses and Paramyxoviruses Cocirculate with Type 1 and Severe Acute Respiratory System (SARS)-Related Betacoronaviruses in Synanthropic Bats of Luxembourg. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.01326-17. [PMID: 28710271 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01326-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Several infectious disease outbreaks with high mortality in humans have been attributed to viruses that are thought to have evolved from bat viruses. In this study from Luxembourg, the genetic diversity and epidemiology of paramyxoviruses and coronaviruses shed by the bat species Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Myotis emarginatus were evaluated. Feces collection (n = 624) was performed longitudinally in a mixed-species colony in 2015 and 2016. In addition, feces (n = 254) were collected cross-sectionally from six Myotis emarginatus colonies in 2016. By use of degenerate primers in a nested format, overall prevalences of 1.1% (10/878) and 4.9% (43/878) were determined for paramyxoviruses and coronaviruses. Sequences of the partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and spike glycoprotein genes of coronaviruses, as well as sequences of the partial L gene of paramyxoviruses, were obtained. Novel paramyxovirus and Alphacoronavirus strains were identified in different Myotis emarginatus colonies, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-related Betacoronavirus strains were shed by Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Logistic regression revealed that the level of Alphacoronavirus shedding was highest in July (odds ratio, 2.8; P < 0.01), probably due to periparturient stress. Phylogenetic analyses point to close virus-host coevolution, and the high genetic similarity of the study strains suggests that the Myotis emarginatus colonies in Luxembourg are socially connected. Most interestingly, we show that bats also host Betacoronavirus1 strains. The high similarity of the spike gene sequences of these viruses with mammalian Betacoronavirus 1 strains may be of concern. Both the SARS-related and Betacoronavirus 1 strains detected in bats in Luxembourg may cross the species barrier after a host adaptation process.IMPORTANCE Bats are a natural reservoir of a number of zoonotic pathogens. Several severe outbreaks in humans (e.g., a Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia in 1998, and the almost global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2003) have been caused by bat-borne viruses that were transmitted to humans mostly after virus adaptation (e.g., in intermediate animal hosts). Despite the indigenousness of bat species that host viruses with suspected zoonotic potential and despite the zoonotic transmission of European bat 1 lyssavirus in Luxembourg, knowledge about the diversity and epidemiology of bat viruses remains limited in this country. Moreover, in contrast to other European countries, bat viruses are currently not included in the national surveillance activities of this land-locked country. We suggest that this gap in disease surveillance should be addressed, since we show here that synanthropic bats host viruses that may be able to cross the species barrier.
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Bernard RF, Willcox EV, Parise KL, Foster JT, McCracken GF. White-nose syndrome fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, on bats captured emerging from caves during winter in the southeastern United States. BMC ZOOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-017-0021-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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15
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Seltmann A, Corman VM, Rasche A, Drosten C, Czirják GÁ, Bernard H, Struebig MJ, Voigt CC. Seasonal Fluctuations of Astrovirus, But Not Coronavirus Shedding in Bats Inhabiting Human-Modified Tropical Forests. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:272-284. [PMID: 28500421 PMCID: PMC7087689 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1245-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are considered a major threat to global health. Most EIDs appear to result from increased contact between wildlife and humans, especially when humans encroach into formerly pristine habitats. Habitat deterioration may also negatively affect the physiology and health of wildlife species, which may eventually lead to a higher susceptibility to infectious agents and/or increased shedding of the pathogens causing EIDs. Bats are known to host viruses closely related to important EIDs. Here, we tested in a paleotropical forest with ongoing logging and fragmentation, whether habitat disturbance influences the occurrence of astro- and coronaviruses in eight bat species. In contrast to our hypothesis, anthropogenic habitat disturbance was not associated with corona- and astrovirus detection rates in fecal samples. However, we found that bats infected with either astro- or coronaviruses were likely to be coinfected with the respective other virus. Additionally, we identified two more risk factors influencing astrovirus shedding. First, the detection rate of astroviruses was higher at the beginning of the rainy compared to the dry season. Second, there was a trend that individuals with a poor body condition had a higher probability of shedding astroviruses in their feces. The identification of risk factors for increased viral shedding that may potentially result in increased interspecies transmission is important to prevent viral spillovers from bats to other animals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Seltmann
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Victor M Corman
- Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea Rasche
- Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Centre, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gábor Á Czirják
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henry Bernard
- Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Matthew J Struebig
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Christian C Voigt
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Seltmann A, Czirják GÁ, Courtiol A, Bernard H, Struebig MJ, Voigt CC. Habitat disturbance results in chronic stress and impaired health status in forest-dwelling paleotropical bats. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 5:cox020. [PMID: 28421138 PMCID: PMC5388297 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic habitat disturbance is a major threat to biodiversity worldwide. Yet, before population declines are detectable, individuals may suffer from chronic stress and impaired immunity in disturbed habitats, making them more susceptible to pathogens and adverse weather conditions. Here, we tested in a paleotropical forest with ongoing logging and fragmentation, whether habitat disturbance influences the body mass and immunity of bats. We measured and compared body mass, chronic stress (indicated by neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios) and the number of circulating immune cells between several bat species with different roost types living in recovering areas, actively logged forests, and fragmented forests in Sabah, Malaysia. In a cave-roosting species, chronic stress levels were higher in individuals from fragmented habitats compared with conspecifics from actively logged areas. Foliage-roosting species showed a reduced body mass and decrease in total white blood cell counts in actively logged areas and fragmented forests compared with conspecifics living in recovering habitats. Our study highlights that habitat disturbance may have species-specific effects on chronic stress and immunity in bats that are potentially related to the roost type. We identified foliage-roosting species as particularly sensitive to forest habitat deterioration. These species may face a heightened extinction risk in the near future if anthropogenic habitat alterations continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Seltmann
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Corresponding author: Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany. Tel: +49-30-5168-326; fax: +49-30-5126-104.
| | - Gábor Á. Czirják
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandre Courtiol
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Henry Bernard
- Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Matthew J. Struebig
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Christian C. Voigt
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Oliveira RSD, Costa LJCD, Andrade FAGD, Uieda W, Martorelli LFA, Kataoka APDAG, Rosa ESTD, Vasconcelos PFDC, Pereira ADS, Carmo AIBD, Fernandes MEB. VIROLOGICAL AND SEROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF RABIES IN BATS FROM AN URBAN AREA IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 57:497-503. [PMID: 27049703 PMCID: PMC4727135 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000600006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreaks of rabies in humans transmitted by Desmodus rotundus in 2004 and 2005,
in the northeast of the Brazilian State of Para, eastern Amazon basin, made this a
priority area for studies on this zoonosis. Given this, the present study provides
data on this phenomenon in an urban context, in order to assess the possible
circulation of the classic rabies virus (RABV) among bat species in Capanema, a town
in the Amazon basin. Bats were collected, in 2011, with mist nets during the wet and
dry seasons. Samples of brain tissue and blood were collected for virological and
serological survey, respectively. None of the 153 brain tissue samples analyzed
tested positive for RABV infection, but 50.34% (95% CI: 45.67-55.01%) of the serum
samples analyzed were seropositive. Artibeus planirostris was the most common
species, with a high percentage of seropositive individuals (52.46%, 95% CI: 52.31
52.60%). Statistically, equal proportions of seropositive results were obtained in
the rainy and dry seasons (c2 = 0.057, d.f. = 1, p = 0.88). Significantly
higher proportions of males (55.96%, 95% CI: 48.96-62.96%) and adults (52.37%, 95%
CI: 47.35-57.39%) were seropositive. While none of the brain tissue samples tested
positive for infection, the high proportion of seropositive specimens indicates that
RABV may be widespread in this urban area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wilson Uieda
- Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brasil
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Abstract
Rabies virus (RABV) infects multiple bat species in the Americas, and enzootic foci perpetuate in bats principally via intraspecific transmission. In recent years, bats have been implicated in over 90% of human rabies cases in the US. In Tennessee, two human cases of rabies have occurred since 1960: one case in 1994 associated with a tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) RABV variant and another in 2002 associated with the tricolored/silver-haired bat (P. subflavus/Lasionycteris noctivagans) RABV variant. From 1996 to 2010, 2,039 bats were submitted for rabies testing in Tennessee. Among 1,943 bats in satisfactory condition for testing and with a reported diagnostic result, 96% (1,870 of 1,943) were identified to species and 10% (196 of 1,943) were rabid. Big brown (Eptesicus fuscus), tricolored, and eastern red (Lasiurus borealis) bats comprised 77% of testable bat submissions and 84% of rabid bats. For species with five or more submissions during 1996-2010, the highest proportion of rabid bats occurred in hoary (Lasiurus cinereus; 46%), unspecified Myotis spp. (22%), and eastern red (17%) bats. The best model to predict rabid bats included month of submission, exposure history of submission, species, and sex of bat.
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Casagrande DKA, Favaro ABBDBDC, Carvalho CD, Picolo MR, Hernandez JCB, Lot MS, Albas A, Araújo DB, André Pedro W, Queiroz LH. Rabies surveillance in bats in Northwestern State of São Paulo. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2015; 47:709-15. [PMID: 25626649 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0189-2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rabies is an important zoonosis that occurs in mammals, with bats acting as Lyssavirus reservoirs in urban, rural and natural areas. Rabies cases in bats have been recorded primarily in urban areas in Northwestern State of São Paulo since 1998. This study investigated the circulation of rabies virus by seeking to identify the virus in the brain in several species of bats in this region and by measuring rabies-virus neutralizing antibody levels in the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus. Methods From 2008 to 2012, 1,490 bat brain samples were sent to the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Rabies Laboratory in Araçatuba, and 125 serum samples from vampire bats that were captured in this geographical region were analyzed. Results Rabies virus was detected in the brains of 26 (2%) of 1,314 non-hematophagous bats using the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and the mouse inoculation test (MIT). None of the 176 hematophagous bat samples were positive for rabies virus when a virus detection test was utilized. Out of 125 vampire bat serum samples, 9 (7%) had levels of rabies virus neutralization antibodies (RVNAs) that were higher than 0.5IU/mL; 65% (81/125) had titers between 0.10IU/mL and 0.5IU/mL; and 28% (35/125) were negative for RVNAs using the simplified fluorescent inhibition microtest (SFIMT) in BHK21 cells. The observed positivity rate (1.7%) was higher than the average positivity rate of 1.3% that was previously found in this region. Conclusions The high percentage of vampire bats with neutralizing antibodies suggests that recent rabies virus exposure has occurred, indicating the necessity of surveillance measures in nearby regions that are at risk to avoid diffusion of the rabies virus and possible rabies occurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristiano de Carvalho
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Mileia Ricci Picolo
- Polo Regional de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico dos Agronegócios da Alta Sorocabana, Agência Paulista de Tecnologia Agropecuária, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Monique Serra Lot
- Curso de Farmácia e Bioquímica, Universidade Paulista, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Avelino Albas
- Polo Regional de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico dos Agronegócios da Alta Sorocabana, Agência Paulista de Tecnologia Agropecuária, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Danielle Bastos Araújo
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Raiva, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Wagner André Pedro
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Luzia Helena Queiroz
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária de Araçatuba, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
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Dietrich M, Wilkinson DA, Benlali A, Lagadec E, Ramasindrazana B, Dellagi K, Tortosa P. Leptospira and paramyxovirus infection dynamics in a bat maternity enlightens pathogen maintenance in wildlife. Environ Microbiol 2015; 17:4280-9. [PMID: 25580582 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Bats are reservoirs for several zoonotic pathogens of medical importance; however, infection dynamics of pathogens in wild bat populations remain poorly understood. Here, we examine the influence of host crowding and population age structure on pathogen transmission and diversity in bat populations. Focusing on two pathogen taxa of medical importance, Leptospira bacteria and paramyxoviruses, we monitored host population and pathogen shedding dynamics within a maternity colony of the tropical bat species Mormopterus francoismoutoui, endemic to Réunion Island. Our data reveal astonishingly similar infection dynamics for Leptospira and paramyxoviruses, with infection peaks during late pregnancy and 2 months after the initial birth pulse. Furthermore, although co-infection occurs frequently during the peaks of transmission, the patterns do not suggest any interaction between the two pathogens. Partial sequencing reveals a unique bat-specific Leptospira strain contrasting with the co-circulation of four separate paramyxovirus lineages along the whole breeding period. Patterns of infection highlight the importance of host crowding in pathogen transmission and suggest that most bats developed immune response and stop excreting pathogens. Our results support that bat maternity colonies may represent hot spots of transmission for bacterial and viral infectious agents, and highlight how seasonality can be an important determinant of host-parasite interactions and disease emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Dietrich
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien, France.,Université de La Réunion, France
| | - David A Wilkinson
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien, France.,Université de La Réunion, France
| | - Aude Benlali
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien, France.,Université de La Réunion, France
| | - Erwan Lagadec
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sainte Clotilde, France
| | - Beza Ramasindrazana
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sainte Clotilde, France
| | - Koussay Dellagi
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Sainte Clotilde, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- Centre de Recherche et de Veille sur les Maladies Émergentes dans l'Océan Indien, France.,Université de La Réunion, France.,Joint Chair Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université de La Réunion, Sainte Clotilde, France
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21
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Sing A. A Review of Hendra Virus and Nipah Virus Infections in Man and Other Animals. ZOONOSES - INFECTIONS AFFECTING HUMANS AND ANIMALS 2015. [PMCID: PMC7120151 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-9457-2_40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) emerged in the last decade of the twentieth century. They were the cause of a number of outbreaks of respiratory and neurological disease infecting horses and pigs respectively. Transmission from infected domestic animal species resulted in human infections as well, with high case fatality rates a feature. Today they continue to cause outbreaks of human and animal disease. NiV causes yearly disease outbreaks in humans in Bangladesh, and HeV causes sporadic disease outbreaks in horses in north eastern Australia. Due to their zoonotic nature, they have been ideal candidates for collaborative projects in the One Health space, bringing public health and animal health professionals together. This has lead to insightful epidemiological studies, which has resulted in practical disease prevention solutions including a horse vaccine for HeV and NiV spill-over prevention interventions in the field. As more surveillance is undertaken, their known distributions have expanded, as has the range of reservoir host species. The majority of bat species for which there is evidence of henipavirus infection belong to the group known as the Old World family of fruit and nectar feeding bats (Family Pteropodidae, Suborder Megachiroptera). This review of the bat borne henipaviruses discusses the epidemiology, pathology, transmission and disease symptoms in these closely related viruses which belong to the Genus Henipavirus, Family Paramyxoviridae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Sing
- Dept. of Infectiology, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Oberschleißheim, Bayern Germany
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22
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López-Roig M, Bourhy H, Lavenir R, Serra-Cobo J. Seroprevalence dynamics of European bat lyssavirus type 1 in a multispecies bat colony. Viruses 2014; 6:3386-99. [PMID: 25192547 PMCID: PMC4189026 DOI: 10.3390/v6093386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We report an active surveillance study of the occurrence of specific antibodies to European Bat Lyssavirus Type 1 (EBLV-1) in bat species, scarcely studied hitherto, that share the same refuge. From 2004 to 2012, 406 sera were obtained from nine bat species. Blood samples were subjected to a modified fluorescent antibody virus neutralization test to determine the antibody titer. EBLV-1-neutralizing antibodies were detected in six of the nine species analyzed (Pipistrellus pipistrellus, P. kuhlii, Hypsugo savii, Plecotus austriacus, Eptesicus serotinus and Tadarida teniotis). Among all bats sampled, female seroprevalence (20.21%, 95% CI: 14.78%-26.57%) was not significantly higher than the seroprevalence in males (15.02%, 95% CI: 10.51%-20.54%). The results showed that the inter-annual variation in the number of seropositive bats in T. teniotis and P. austriacus showed a peak in 2007 (>70% of EBLV-1 prevalence). However, significant differences were observed in the temporal patterns of the seroprevalence modeling of T. teniotis and P. austriacus. The behavioral ecology of these species involved could explain the different annual fluctuations in EBLV-1 seroprevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc López-Roig
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain.
| | - Hervé Bourhy
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Dynamique des Lyssavirus et Adaptation à l'Hôte, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Paris, 75724, France.
| | - Rachel Lavenir
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Dynamique des Lyssavirus et Adaptation à l'Hôte, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Rabies, Paris, 75724, France.
| | - Jordi Serra-Cobo
- IRBIO and Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain.
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23
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Picard-Meyer E, Robardet E, Arthur L, Larcher G, Harbusch C, Servat A, Cliquet F. Bat rabies in France: a 24-year retrospective epidemiological study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98622. [PMID: 24892287 PMCID: PMC4044004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since bat rabies surveillance was first implemented in France in 1989, 48 autochthonous rabies cases without human contamination have been reported using routine diagnosis methods. In this retrospective study, data on bats submitted for rabies testing were analysed in order to better understand the epidemiology of EBLV-1 in bats in France and to investigate some epidemiological trends. Of the 3176 bats submitted for rabies diagnosis from 1989 to 2013, 1.96% (48/2447 analysed) were diagnosed positive. Among the twelve recognised virus species within the Lyssavirus genus, two species were isolated in France. 47 positive bats were morphologically identified as Eptesicus serotinus and were shown to be infected by both the EBLV-1a and the EBLV-1b lineages. Isolation of BBLV in Myotis nattereri was reported once in the north-east of France in 2012. The phylogenetic characterisation of all 47 French EBLV-1 isolates sampled between 1989 and 2013 and the French BBLV sample against 21 referenced partial nucleoprotein sequences confirmed the low genetic diversity of EBLV-1 despite its extensive geographical range. Statistical analysis performed on the serotine bat data collected from 1989 to 2013 showed seasonal variation of rabies occurrence with a significantly higher proportion of positive samples detected during the autumn compared to the spring and the summer period (34% of positive bats detected in autumn, 15% in summer, 13% in spring and 12% in winter). In this study, we have provided the details of the geographical distribution of EBLV-1a in the south-west of France and the north-south division of EBLV-1b with its subdivisions into three phylogenetic groups: group B1 in the north-west, group B2 in the centre and group B3 in the north-east of France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Picard-Meyer
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Malzeville, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Emmanuelle Robardet
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Malzeville, France
| | | | - Gérald Larcher
- SFEPM Chiroptera Group, Museum d'Histoire Naturelle de Bourges, Bourges, France
| | | | - Alexandre Servat
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Malzeville, France
| | - Florence Cliquet
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, OIE Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies, European Union Reference Laboratory for Rabies Serology, Malzeville, France
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24
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Horton DL, Banyard AC, Marston DA, Wise E, Selden D, Nunez A, Hicks D, Lembo T, Cleaveland S, Peel AJ, Kuzmin IV, Rupprecht CE, Fooks AR. Antigenic and genetic characterization of a divergent African virus, Ikoma lyssavirus. J Gen Virol 2014; 95:1025-1032. [PMID: 24496827 PMCID: PMC3983756 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.061952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2009, a novel lyssavirus (subsequently named Ikoma lyssavirus, IKOV) was detected in the brain of an African civet (Civettictis civetta) with clinical rabies in the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania. The degree of nucleotide divergence between the genome of IKOV and those of other lyssaviruses predicted antigenic distinction from, and lack of protection provided by, available rabies vaccines. In addition, the index case was considered likely to be an incidental spillover event, and therefore the true reservoir of IKOV remained to be identified. The advent of sensitive molecular techniques has led to a rapid increase in the discovery of novel viruses. Detecting viral sequence alone, however, only allows for prediction of phenotypic characteristics and not their measurement. In the present study we describe the in vitro and in vivo characterization of IKOV, demonstrating that it is (1) pathogenic by peripheral inoculation in an animal model, (2) antigenically distinct from current rabies vaccine strains and (3) poorly neutralized by sera from humans and animals immunized against rabies. In a laboratory mouse model, no protection was elicited by a licensed rabies vaccine. We also investigated the role of bats as reservoirs of IKOV. We found no evidence for infection among 483 individuals of at least 13 bat species sampled across sites in the Serengeti and Southern Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Horton
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Weybridge, UK
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Weybridge, UK
| | - Denise A Marston
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Weybridge, UK
| | - Emma Wise
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Weybridge, UK
| | - David Selden
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Weybridge, UK
| | - Alejandro Nunez
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Weybridge, UK
| | - Daniel Hicks
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Weybridge, UK
| | - Tiziana Lembo
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alison J Peel
- Disease Dynamics Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Ivan V Kuzmin
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Charles E Rupprecht
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St Kitts.,Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Anthony R Fooks
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), Weybridge, UK
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25
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O’Shea TJ, Bowen RA, Stanley TR, Shankar V, Rupprecht CE. Variability in seroprevalence of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies and associated factors in a Colorado population of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). PLoS One 2014; 9:e86261. [PMID: 24465996 PMCID: PMC3899234 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2001–2005 we sampled permanently marked big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) at summer roosts in buildings at Fort Collins, Colorado, for rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNA). Seroprevalence was higher in adult females (17.9%, n = 2,332) than males (9.4%, n = 128; P = 0.007) or volant juveniles (10.2%, n = 738; P<0.0001). Seroprevalence was lowest in a drought year with local insecticide use and highest in the year with normal conditions, suggesting that environmental stress may suppress RVNA production in big brown bats. Seroprevalence also increased with age of bat, and varied from 6.2 to 26.7% among adult females at five roosts sampled each year for five years. Seroprevalence of adult females at 17 other roosts sampled for 1 to 4 years ranged from 0.0 to 47.1%. Using logistic regression, the only ranking model in our candidate set of explanatory variables for serological status at first sampling included year, day of season, and a year by day of season interaction that varied with relative drought conditions. The presence or absence of antibodies in individual bats showed temporal variability. Year alone provided the best model to explain the likelihood of adult female bats showing a transition to seronegative from a previously seropositive state. Day of the season was the only competitive model to explain the likelihood of a transition from seronegative to seropositive, which increased as the season progressed. We found no rabies viral RNA in oropharyngeal secretions of 261 seropositive bats or in organs of 13 euthanized seropositive bats. Survival of seropositive and seronegative bats did not differ. The presence of RVNA in serum of bats should not be interpreted as evidence for ongoing rabies infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. O’Shea
- United States Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Richard A. Bowen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Thomas R. Stanley
- United States Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Vidya Shankar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Charles E. Rupprecht
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts, West Indies
- The Global Alliance for Rabies Control, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
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26
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Gilbert AT, Fooks AR, Hayman DTS, Horton DL, Müller T, Plowright R, Peel AJ, Bowen R, Wood JLN, Mills J, Cunningham AA, Rupprecht CE. Deciphering serology to understand the ecology of infectious diseases in wildlife. ECOHEALTH 2013; 10:298-313. [PMID: 23918033 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-013-0856-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The ecology of infectious disease in wildlife has become a pivotal theme in animal and public health. Studies of infectious disease ecology rely on robust surveillance of pathogens in reservoir hosts, often based on serology, which is the detection of specific antibodies in the blood and is used to infer infection history. However, serological data can be inaccurate for inference to infection history for a variety of reasons. Two major aspects in any serological test can substantially impact results and interpretation of antibody prevalence data: cross-reactivity and cut-off thresholds used to discriminate positive and negative reactions. Given the ubiquitous use of serology as a tool for surveillance and epidemiological modeling of wildlife diseases, it is imperative to consider the strengths and limitations of serological test methodologies and interpretation of results, particularly when using data that may affect management and policy for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in wildlife. Greater consideration of population age structure and cohort representation, serological test suitability and standardized sample collection protocols can ensure that reliable data are obtained for downstream modeling applications to characterize, and evaluate interventions for, wildlife disease systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy T Gilbert
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA,
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27
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Serra-Cobo J, López-Roig M, Seguí M, Sánchez LP, Nadal J, Borrás M, Lavenir R, Bourhy H. Ecological factors associated with European bat lyssavirus seroprevalence in spanish bats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64467. [PMID: 23700480 PMCID: PMC3659107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats have been proposed as major reservoirs for diverse emerging infectious viral diseases, with rabies being the best known in Europe. However, studies exploring the ecological interaction between lyssaviruses and their natural hosts are scarce. This study completes our active surveillance work on Spanish bat colonies that began in 1992. Herein, we analyzed ecological factors that might affect the infection dynamics observed in those colonies. Between 2001 and 2011, we collected and tested 2,393 blood samples and 45 dead bats from 25 localities and 20 bat species. The results for dead confirmed the presence of EBLV-1 RNA in six species analyzed (for the first time in Myotis capaccinii). Samples positive for European bat lyssavirus-1 (EBLV-1)-neutralizing antibodies were detected in 68% of the localities sampled and in 13 bat species, seven of which were found for the first time (even in Myotis daubentonii, a species to date always linked to EBLV-2). EBLV-1 seroprevalence (20.7%) ranged between 11.1 and 40.2% among bat species and seasonal variation was observed, with significantly higher antibody prevalence in summer (July). EBLV-1 seroprevalence was significantly associated with colony size and species richness. Higher seroprevalence percentages were found in large multispecific colonies, suggesting that intra- and interspecific contacts are major risk factors for EBLV-1 transmission in bat colonies. Although bat-roosting behavior strongly determines EBLV-1 variability, we also found some evidence that bat phylogeny might be involved in bat-species seroprevalence. The results of this study highlight the importance of life history and roost ecology in understanding EBLV-1-prevalence patterns in bat colonies and also provide useful information for public health officials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Serra-Cobo
- Centre de Recerca en Infeccions Víriques, Illes Balears (CRIVIB), Fundació d'Investigació Sanitària de les Illes Balears, Conselleria de Salut i Consum, Govern de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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28
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Streicker DG, Franka R, Jackson FR, Rupprecht CE. Anthropogenic roost switching and rabies virus dynamics in house-roosting big brown bats. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:498-504. [PMID: 23590325 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) are the most commonly encountered rabid bat in North America and represent an important source of wildlife rabies epizootics. Urban and suburban colonies of E. fuscus are often evicted from their roosts in houses, with poorly understood consequences for bat dispersal, population dynamics, and rabies virus transmission. We combined radiotelemetry and mark-recapture of E. fuscus with enhanced surveillance to understand the frequency of rabies virus exposure in house-roosting bats and to assess the potential for behavioral responses of eviction to exacerbate viral transmission. Serology demonstrated the circulation of rabies virus in nearly all sites, with an overall seroprevalence of 12%, but no bats were excreting rabies virus at the time of capture. Bats that were excluded from roosts relocated to houses <1 km from the original roost. However, behavioral responses to eviction differed, with bats switching repeatedly among new roosts in 1 site, but fusing with a neighboring colony in another. These findings confirm the circulation of rabies virus in E. fuscus that live in close contact with humans and companion animals, suggest mechanisms through which anthropogenic disturbance of bats might influence pathogen transmission, and highlight simple strategies to balance conservation and public health priorities.
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29
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Hayman DTS, Bowen RA, Cryan PM, McCracken GF, O'Shea TJ, Peel AJ, Gilbert A, Webb CT, Wood JLN. Ecology of zoonotic infectious diseases in bats: current knowledge and future directions. Zoonoses Public Health 2013; 60:2-21. [PMID: 22958281 PMCID: PMC3600532 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bats are hosts to a range of zoonotic and potentially zoonotic pathogens. Human activities that increase exposure to bats will likely increase the opportunity for infections to spill over in the future. Ecological drivers of pathogen spillover and emergence in novel hosts, including humans, involve a complex mixture of processes, and understanding these complexities may aid in predicting spillover. In particular, only once the pathogen and host ecologies are known can the impacts of anthropogenic changes be fully appreciated. Cross-disciplinary approaches are required to understand how host and pathogen ecology interact. Bats differ from other sylvatic disease reservoirs because of their unique and diverse lifestyles, including their ability to fly, often highly gregarious social structures, long lifespans and low fecundity rates. We highlight how these traits may affect infection dynamics and how both host and pathogen traits may interact to affect infection dynamics. We identify key questions relating to the ecology of infectious diseases in bats and propose that a combination of field and laboratory studies are needed to create data-driven mechanistic models to elucidate those aspects of bat ecology that are most critical to the dynamics of emerging bat viruses. If commonalities can be found, then predicting the dynamics of newly emerging diseases may be possible. This modelling approach will be particularly important in scenarios when population surveillance data are unavailable and when it is unclear which aspects of host ecology are driving infection dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T S Hayman
- Disease Dynamics Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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30
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Ellison JA, Johnson SR, Kuzmina N, Gilbert A, Carson WC, VerCauteren KC, Rupprecht CE. Multidisciplinary Approach to Epizootiology and Pathogenesis of Bat Rabies Viruses in the United States. Zoonoses Public Health 2012; 60:46-57. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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31
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Gilbert AT, Petersen BW, Recuenco S, Niezgoda M, Gómez J, Laguna-Torres VA, Rupprecht C. Evidence of rabies virus exposure among humans in the Peruvian Amazon. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 87:206-215. [PMID: 22855749 PMCID: PMC3414554 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In May of 2010, two communities (Truenococha and Santa Marta) reported to be at risk of vampire bat depredation were surveyed in the Province Datem del Marañón in the Loreto Department of Perú. Risk factors for bat exposure included age less than or equal to 25 years and owning animals that had been bitten by bats. Rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (rVNAs) were detected in 11% (7 of 63) of human sera tested. Rabies virus ribonucleoprotein (RNP) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were detected in the sera of three individuals, two of whom were also seropositive for rVNA. Rabies virus RNP IgM antibodies were detected in one respondent with no evidence of rVNA or RNP IgG antibodies. Because one respondent with positive rVNA results reported prior vaccination and 86% (six of seven) of rVNA-positive respondents reported being bitten by bats, these data suggest nonfatal exposure of persons to rabies virus, which is likely associated with vampire bat depredation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy T. Gilbert
- *Address correspondence to Amy Gilbert, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, NE, Mailstop G33, Atlanta, GA 30333. E-mail:
| | - Brett W. Petersen
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Dirección General de Epidemiología, Ministerio de Salud, Lima, Perú; Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Virology Department, US Naval Medical Research Unit 6, Lima, Perú
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32
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Evidence of endemic Hendra virus infection in flying-foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus)--implications for disease risk management. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28816. [PMID: 22194920 PMCID: PMC3237542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the seroepidemiology of Hendra virus in a spectacled flying-fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) population in northern Australia, near the location of an equine and associated human Hendra virus infection in late 2004. The pattern of infection in the population was investigated using a serial cross-sectional serological study over a 25-month period, with blood sampled from 521 individuals over six sampling sessions. Antibody titres to the virus were determined by virus neutralisation test. In contrast to the expected episodic infection pattern, we observed that seroprevalence gradually increased over the two years suggesting infection was endemic in the population over the study period. Our results suggested age, pregnancy and lactation were significant risk factors for a detectable neutralizing antibody response. Antibody titres were significantly higher in females than males, with the highest titres occurring in pregnant animals. Temporal variation in antibody titres suggests that herd immunity to the virus may wax and wane on a seasonal basis. These findings support an endemic infection pattern of henipaviruses in bat populations suggesting their infection dynamics may differ significantly from the acute, self limiting episodic pattern observed with related viruses (e.g. measles virus, phocine distemper virus, rinderpest virus) hence requiring a much smaller critical host population size to sustain the virus. These findings help inform predictive modelling of henipavirus infection in bat populations, and indicate that the life cycle of the reservoir species should be taken into account when developing risk management strategies for henipaviruses.
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Rupprecht CE, Turmelle A, Kuzmin IV. A perspective on lyssavirus emergence and perpetuation. Curr Opin Virol 2011; 1:662-70. [PMID: 22440925 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2011.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Rabies is propagated globally by viruses in the Family Rhabdoviridae, Genus Lyssavirus. These RNA viruses utilize the mammalian central nervous system as their ultimate niche, and exploit routine social mechanisms, as well as host behavioral alterations, to facilitate transmission by neural transport and innervations of the salivary glands, and ultimately excretion via the saliva, towards circulation thereafter in host populations. All mammals are susceptible to infection, but lyssavirus reservoirs are represented by several species of Carnivora, with viral global diversity and distribution in toto driven by a wide variety of the Chiroptera. Pathogen diversity is maintained by multiple faunas, and facilitated by pronounced host vagility, as exemplified by the ease of routine daily and seasonal movements by bats. Viral 'ensembles', or subpopulations associated with productive transmission events, emerge locally in vivo through a combination of naive host infections in some individuals versus acquired immunity by others, using complex metapopulation dynamics. Enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostics, increased pathogen detection, and an integrated One Health approach, targeting human, domestic animal and wildlife interfaces, provide modern insights to the ecology of bat lyssaviruses to augment future prevention and control.
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Active surveillance of bat rabies in France: a 5-year study (2004-2009). Vet Microbiol 2011; 151:390-5. [PMID: 21570221 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2010] [Revised: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Active surveillance of bats in France started in 2004 with an analysis of 18 of the 45 bat species reported in Europe. Rabies antibodies were detected in six indigenous species, mainly in Eptesicus serotinus and Myotis myotis, suggesting previous contact with the EBLV-1 rabies virus. Nineteen of the 177 tested bats were shown serologically positive in seven sites, particularly in central and south-western France. Neither infectious viral particles nor viral genomes were detected in 173 and 308 tested oral swabs, respectively. The presence of neutralising antibodies in female bats (18.6%) was significantly higher than in males (5.6%).
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Almeida MFD, Martorelli LFA, Sodré MM, Kataoka APAG, Rosa ARD, Oliveira MLD, Amatuzzi E. Rabies diagnosis and serology in bats from the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2011; 44:140-5. [PMID: 21468481 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822011005000011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bats are one of the most important reservoirs and vectors of the rabies virus in the world. METHODS From 1988 to 2003, the Zoonosis Control Center in São Paulo City performed rabies diagnosis on 5,670 bats by direct immunofluorescent test and mouse inoculation test. Blood samples were collected from 1,618 bats and the sera were analyzed using the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test to confirm rabies antibodies. RESULTS Forty-four (0.8%) bats were positive for rabies. The prevalence of rabies antibodies was 5.9% using 0.5IU/ml as a cutoff. Insectivorous bats (69.8%) and bats of the species Molossus molossus (51.8%) constituted the majority of the sample; however, the highest prevalence of antibodies were observed in Glossophaga soricina (14/133), Histiotus velatus (16/60), Desmodus rotundus (8/66), Artibeus lituratus (5/54), Nyctinomops macrotis (3/23), Tadarida brasiliensis (3/48), Carollia perspicillata (3/9), Eumops auripendulus (2/30), Nyctinomops laticaudatus (2/16), Sturnira lilium (2/17) and Eumops perotis (1/13). The prevalence of rabies antibodies was analyzed by species, food preference and sex. CONCLUSIONS The expressive levels of antibodies associated with the low virus positivity verified in these bats indicate that rabies virus circulates actively among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilene Fernandes de Almeida
- Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Coordenação de Vigilância em Saúde, Prefeitura da Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
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Allen LC, Turmelle AS, Widmaier EP, Hristov NI, McCracken GF, Kunz TH. Variation in physiological stress between bridge- and cave-roosting Brazilian free-tailed bats. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2011; 25:374-381. [PMID: 21175827 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2010.01624.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Since the late 1980s, Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) have increasingly used bridges as roosts in the southern United States. We examined differences in blood cortisol levels, body condition, and parasite load, as measures of physiological stress in bats roosting in bridges and bats roosting in caves. We collected data during three periods, coinciding with female phases of reproduction. For all measures, bats were captured during the nightly emergence from the roost and immediately sampled. Cortisol levels were significantly higher during pregnancy and lactation and in individuals with lower body-condition scores (length of forearm to mass ratio) and significantly higher in bats roosting in caves than in those roosting in bridges. Thus, we concluded that individuals of this species that roost in bridges are not chronically stressed and seem to be unaffected by human activities present at bridges. This is a rare documented instance where a human-dominated environment does not appear to be adversely affecting the physiological health of a free-ranging animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise C Allen
- Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Turmelle AS, Ellison JA, Mendonça MT, McCracken GF. Histological assessment of cellular immune response to the phytohemagglutinin skin test in Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis). J Comp Physiol B 2010; 180:1155-64. [PMID: 20549214 PMCID: PMC7088081 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-010-0486-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Revised: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 05/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Bats are known reservoirs for numerous emerging infectious diseases, occupy unique ecological niches, and occur globally except for Antarctica. Given their impact on human and agricultural health, it is critical to understand the mechanisms underlying immunocompetence in this reservoir host. To date, few studies have examined immune function in the Order Chiroptera, particularly among natural colonies of bats. The phytohemagglutinin (PHA) skin test has been widely used to measure delayed-type cellular immune response in a wide variety of vertebrates, and has been routinely employed in immunoecological studies. Although this test is frequently described as a measure of T cell proliferation, recent studies indicate it may represent a combination of immune responses. In mammals, the immune response is differentially, temporally and spatially regulated, therefore, we characterized the infiltrating leukocyte response to the PHA skin test in bats by examining a time-series of histological sections from PHA and saline injection areas in 41 Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis). Results suggest that bats exhibit diverse leukocyte traffic within 6 h, and up to 24 h following subcutaneous PHA injection. There was a significant presence of lymphocytes and neutrophils, as well as eosinophils, basophils, and macrophages observed in the PHA-injected tissues, compared with saline-injected control tissues. We observed a highly significant negative correlation between the number of lymphocytes and neutrophils in PHA-injected tissue, with peak lymphocyte response at 12 h, and peak neutrophil response at 24 h post-injection. These results indicate substantial variation in the immune response of individuals, and may aid our understanding of disease emergence in natural populations of bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Turmelle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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Abstract
All lyssaviruses cause fatal encephalitis in mammals. There is sufficient antigenic variation within the genus to cause variable vaccine efficacy, but this variation is difficult to characterize quantitatively: sequence analysis cannot yet provide detailed antigenic information, and antigenic neutralization data have been refractory to high-resolution robust interpretation. Here, we address these issues by using state-of-the-art antigenic analyses to generate a high-resolution antigenic map of a global panel of 25 lyssaviruses. We compared the calculated antigenic distances with viral glycoprotein ectodomain sequence data. Although 67% of antigenic variation was predictable from the glycoprotein amino acid sequence, there are in some cases substantial differences between genetic and antigenic distances, thus highlighting the risk of inferring antigenic relationships solely from sequence data at this time. These differences included epidemiologically important antigenic differences between vaccine strains and wild-type rabies viruses. Further, we quantitatively assessed the antigenic relationships measured by using rabbit, mouse, and human sera, validating the use of nonhuman experimental animals as a model for determining antigenic variation in humans. The use of passive immune globulin is a crucial component of rabies postexposure prophylaxis, and here we also show that it is possible to predict the reactivity of immune globulin against divergent lyssaviruses.
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Turmelle AS, Jackson FR, Green D, McCracken GF, Rupprecht CE. Host immunity to repeated rabies virus infection in big brown bats. J Gen Virol 2010; 91:2360-6. [PMID: 20519458 PMCID: PMC3052523 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.020073-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bats are natural reservoirs for the majority of lyssaviruses globally, and are unique among mammals in having exceptional sociality and longevity. Given these facets, and the recognized status of bats as reservoirs for rabies viruses (RABVs) in the Americas, individual bats may experience repeated exposure to RABV during their lifetime. Nevertheless, little information exists with regard to within-host infection dynamics and the role of immunological memory that may result from abortive RABV infection in bats. In this study, a cohort of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) was infected intramuscularly in the left and right masseter muscles with varying doses [10(-0.1)-10(4.9) median mouse intracerebral lethal doses (MICLD(50))] of an E. fuscus RABV variant isolated from a naturally infected big brown bat. Surviving bats were infected a second time at 175 days post-(primary) infection with a dose (10(3.9)-10(4.9) MICLD(50)) of the same RABV variant. Surviving bats were infected a third time at either 175 or 305 days post-(secondary) infection with a dose (10(4.9) MICLD(50)) of the same RABV variant. When correcting for dose, similar mortality was observed following primary and secondary infection, but reduced mortality was observed following the third and last RABV challenge, despite infection with a high viral dose. Inducible RABV-neutralizing antibody titres post-infection were ephemeral among infected individuals, and dropped below levels of detection in several bats between subsequent infections. These results suggest that long-term repeated infection of bats may confer significant immunological memory and reduced susceptibility to RABV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Turmelle
- Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Allen LC, Richardson CS, McCracken GF, Kunz TH. Birth size and postnatal growth in cave‐ and bridge‐roosting Brazilian free‐tailed bats. J Zool (1987) 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2009.00636.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. C. Allen
- Department of Biology, Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C. S. Richardson
- Department of Biology, Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - G. F. McCracken
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - T. H. Kunz
- Department of Biology, Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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