1
|
de Mello VVC, de Oliveira LB, Coelho TFSB, Lee DAB, Franco EO, Machado RZ, André MR. Molecular survey of hemoplasmas and Coxiella burnetii in vampire bats from northern Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 106:102127. [PMID: 38277904 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102127] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
In addition to zoonotic viral pathogens, bats can also harbor bacterial pathogens, including hemoplasmas (hemotropic mycoplasmas) and Coxiella burnetii. The present study aimed to investigate, using molecular techniques, the presence of hemoplasmas and C. burnetii in spleen samples from vampire bats in northern Brazil. For this purpose, between 2017 and 2019, spleen samples were collected from Desmodus rotundus (n = 228) and Diaemus youngii (n = 1) captured in the states of Pará (n = 207), Amazonas (n = 1), Roraima (n = 18) and Amapá (n = 3). DNA samples extracted from the bat spleen and positive in PCR for the endogenous gapdh gene were subjected to conventional PCR assays for the 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA and RNAse P genes from hemoplasmas and to qPCR based on the IS1111 gene element for C. burnetii. All spleen samples from vampire bats were negative in the qPCR for C. burnetii. Hemoplasmas were detected in 10 % (23/229) of spleen samples using a PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene. Of these, 21.73 % (5/23) were positive for the 23S rRNA gene and none for the RNAseP gene. The seven hemoplasma 16S rRNA sequences obtained were closely related to sequences previously identified in vampire bats from Belize, Peru and Brazil. The 23S rRNA sequence obtained revealed genetic proximity to hemoplasmas from non-hematophagous bats from Brazil and Belize. The analysis revealed different circulating genotypes among Brazilian vampire bats, in addition to a trend towards genera-specific hemoplasma genotypes. The present study contributes to the knowledge of the wide diversity of hemoplasmas in vampire bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victória Valente Califre de Mello
- Postgraduate Program in Agricultural Microbiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Laryssa Borges de Oliveira
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Antonio Braga Lee
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliz Oliveira Franco
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Špitalská E, Ševčík M, Peresh YY, Benda P. Bartonella in bat flies from the Egyptian fruit bat in the Middle East. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:144. [PMID: 38411931 PMCID: PMC10899309 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08165-6] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In the family of fruit bats, Pteropodidae Gray, 1821, as in the third most diverse group of bats (Chiroptera), the bacterium of the genus Bartonella was detected in several species as well as in a few species of their insect ectoparasites in some tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Old World. The Egyptian fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus (Geoffroy, 1810), is one of the most widespread fruit bats, occurring between South Africa, Senegal, and Pakistan. In this bat species, Candidatus Bartonella rousetti has been detected in three African populations in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia. This fruit bat, however, also occurs in the Palaearctic, an area isolating the species geographically and phylogenetically from the Afrotropical part of its distribution range. We screened the blood-sucking bat flies (family Nycteribiidae) from R. aegyptiacus for the presence of the Bartonella bacteria. A rich material of bat fly Eucampsipoda aegyptia (Macquart, 1850), a monoxenous ectoparasite of the Egyptian fruit bats, was collected at 26 localities in seven countries (Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen) of the Middle East in 2007-2013. The DNA isolates from the bat flies were subjected to a three-marker (gltA, ssrA, and intergenic spacer region, ITS) multilocus sequence analysis. Based on the amplification of the fragment of ssrA gene by a real-time PCR, 65 E. aegyptia samples from 19 localities in all seven countries were positive for the bacteria. One to five Bartonella-positive individuals of E. aegyptia were collected per one individual of R. aegyptiacus. An analysis of the ITS and gltA genes indicated the presence of an uncultured Bartonella sp., belonging to the Cand. B. rousetti genogroup, identified from populations of the Egyptian fruit bat in Africa. These results support the hypothesis that Bartonella's diversity corresponds to its host's diversity (and phylogenetic structure). Specific lineages of pathogens are present in specific phylogenetic groups of bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Martin Ševčík
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Yevheniy-Yuliy Peresh
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská Cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Petr Benda
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 128 43, Praha 2, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, National Museum (Natural History), Václavské nám. 68, 115 79, Praha 1, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dhivahar J, Parthasarathy A, Krishnan K, Kovi BS, Pandian GN. Bat-associated microbes: Opportunities and perils, an overview. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22351. [PMID: 38125540 PMCID: PMC10730444 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential biotechnological uses of bat-associated bacteria are discussed briefly, indicating avenues for biotechnological applications of bat-associated microbes. The uniqueness of bats in terms of their lifestyle, genomes and molecular immunology may predispose bats to act as disease reservoirs. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has shown several instances of bats harbouring the ancestral lineages of bacterial (Bartonella), protozoal (Plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi) and viral (SARS-CoV2) pathogens infecting humans. Along with the transmission of viruses from bats, we also discuss the potential roles of bat-associated bacteria, fungi, and protozoan parasites in emerging diseases. Current evidence suggests that environmental changes and interactions between wildlife, livestock, and humans contribute to the spill-over of infectious agents from bats to other hosts. Domestic animals including livestock may act as intermediate amplifying hosts for bat-origin pathogens to transmit to humans. An increasing number of studies investigating bat pathogen diversity and infection dynamics have been published. However, whether or how these infectious agents are transmitted both within bat populations and to other hosts, including humans, often remains unknown. Metagenomic approaches are uncovering the dynamics and distribution of potential pathogens in bat microbiomes, which might improve the understanding of disease emergence and transmission. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on bat zoonoses of public health concern and flag the gaps in the knowledge to enable further research and allocation of resources for tackling future outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Dhivahar
- Research Department of Zoology, St. Johns College, Palayamkottai, 627002, India
- Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Loyola College, Chennai, 600034, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Virology, University of Madras, Chennai, 600025, India
| | - Anutthaman Parthasarathy
- Department of Chemistry and Biosciences, Richmond Building, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - Kathiravan Krishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Virology, University of Madras, Chennai, 600025, India
| | - Basavaraj S. Kovi
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Yoshida Ushinomiyacho, 69, Sakyo Ward, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ganesh N. Pandian
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Yoshida Ushinomiyacho, 69, Sakyo Ward, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
André MR, Ikeda P, Lee DAB, do Amaral RB, Carvalho LAL, Pinheiro DG, Torres JM, de Mello VVC, Rice GK, Cer RZ, Lourenço EC, Oliveira CE, Herrera HM, Barros-Battesti DM, Machado RZ, Bishop-Lilly KA, Dalgard CL, Dumler JS. Characterization of the bacterial microbiome of non-hematophagous bats and associated ectoparasites from Brazil. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1261156. [PMID: 37928691 PMCID: PMC10620512 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1261156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bats, along with their ectoparasites, harbor a wide diversity of symbiotic and potential pathogenic bacteria. Despite the enormous diversity of bats (181 species), few studies aimed to investigate the bacterial microbiome of Brazilian chiropterans and associated ectoparasites. This study aimed to characterize the bacterial microbiome of non-hematophagous bats and associated Streblidae flies and Macronyssidae and Spinturnicidae mites in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, midwestern Brazil. Methods Oral and rectal swabs were collected from 30 bats (Artibeus lituratus [n = 13], Artibeus planirostris [n = 9], Eptesicus furinalis [n = 5], Carollia perspicillata [n = 2], and Platyrrhinus lineatus [n = 1]). In addition, a total of 58 mites (15 Macronyssidae and 43 Spinturnicidae) and 48 Streblidae bat flies were collected from the captured bats. After DNA extraction and purification, each sample's bacterial composition was analyzed with metagenomic sequencing. Results The microbiome composition of both oral and rectal bat swab samples showed that Gammaproteobacteria was the most abundant bacterial class. Spiroplasma, Wolbachia and Bartonella represented the most abundant genera in Streblidae flies. While Wolbachia (Alphaproteobacteria) was the most abundant genus found in Spinturnicidae, Arsenophonus (Gammaproteobacteria) was found in high abundance in Macronyssidae mites. In addition to characterizing the microbiome of each sample at the class and genus taxonomic levels, we identified medically significant bacteria able to infect both animals and humans in oral (Streptococcus and Anaplasma) and rectal swabs (Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Escherichia, Enterococcus, Streptococcus), Macronyssidae (Anaplasma, Bartonella, Ehrlichia) and Spinturnicidae (Anaplasma, Bartonella) mites as well as Streblidae flies (Spiroplasma, Bartonella). Discussion and conclusion Besides expanding the knowledge on the bacterial microbiome of non-hematophagous bats and Streblidae flies from Brazil, the present work showed, for the first time, the bacterial community of bat-associated Macronyssidae and Spinturnicidae mites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Ikeda
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Antônio Braga Lee
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renan Bressianini do Amaral
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Amoroso Lopes Carvalho
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Ambiental e Agropecuária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Guariz Pinheiro
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Ambiental e Agropecuária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaire Marinho Torres
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Victória Valente Califre de Mello
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gregory K. Rice
- Leidos, Inc., Reston, VA, United States
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Naval Medical Research Command, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Regina Z. Cer
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Naval Medical Research Command, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | | | - Carisa Elisei Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV), Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kimberly A. Bishop-Lilly
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Naval Medical Research Command, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Clifton L. Dalgard
- The American Genome Center, Center for Military Precision Health and Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - J. Stephen Dumler
- Department of Pathology, University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Corduneanu A, Zając Z, Kulisz J, Wozniak A, Foucault-Simonin A, Moutailler S, Wu-Chuang A, Peter Á, Sándor AD, Cabezas-Cruz A. Detection of bacterial and protozoan pathogens in individual bats and their ectoparasites using high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0153123. [PMID: 37606379 PMCID: PMC10581248 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01531-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the most studied mammals in terms of their role in the spread of various pathogens with possible zoonotic effects are bats. These are animals with a very complex lifestyle, diet, and behavior. They are able to fly long distances, thus maintaining and spreading the pathogens they may be carrying. These pathogens also include vector-borne parasites and bacteria that can be spread by ectoparasites such as ticks and bat flies. In the present study, high-throughput screening was performed and we detected three bacterial pathogens: Bartonella spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Mycoplasma spp., and a protozoan parasite: Theileria spp. in paired samples from bats (blood and ectoparasites). In the samples from the bat-arthropod pairs, we were able to detect Bartonella spp. and Mycoplasma spp. which also showed a high phylogenetic diversity, demonstrating the importance of these mammals and the arthropods associated with them in maintaining the spread of pathogens. Previous studies have also reported the presence of these pathogens, with one exception, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, for which phylogenetic analysis revealed less genetic divergence. High-throughput screening can detect more bacteria and parasites at once, reduce screening costs, and improve knowledge of bats as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens. IMPORTANCE The increasing number of zoonotic pathogens is evident through extensive studies and expanded animal research. Bats, known for their role as reservoirs for various viruses, continue to be significant. However, new findings highlight the emergence of Bartonella spp., such as the human-infecting B. mayotimonensis from bats. Other pathogens like N. mikurensis, Mycoplasma spp., and Theileria spp. found in bat blood and ectoparasites raise concerns, as their impact remains uncertain. These discoveries underscore the urgency for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to understand and monitor zoonotic pathogens. By deepening our knowledge and collaboration, we can mitigate these risks, safeguarding human and animal well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Corduneanu
- Department of Animal Breeding and Animal Production, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aneta Wozniak
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Áron Peter
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luna N, Muñoz M, Castillo-Castañeda A, Hernandez C, Urbano P, Shaban M, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Ramírez JD. Characterizing the blood microbiota of omnivorous and frugivorous bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Casanare, eastern Colombia. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15169. [PMID: 37431467 PMCID: PMC10329821 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15169] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bats are known reservoirs of seemingly-innocuous pathogenic microorganisms (including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa), which are associated with triggering disease in other zoonotic groups. The taxonomic diversity of the bats' microbiome is likely associated with species-specific phenotypic, metabolic, and immunogenic capacities. To date, few studies have described the diversity of bat blood microbial communities. Then, this study used amplicon-based next generation sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S-rRNA gene in blood samples from omnivorous (n = 16) and frugivorous (n = 9) bats from the department of Casanare in eastern Colombia. We found the blood microbiota in bats to be composed of, among others, Bartonella and Mycoplasma bacterial genera which are associated with various disease phenotypes in other mammals. Furthermore, our results suggest that the bats' dietary habits might determine the composition and the persistence of some pathogens over others in their bloodstream. This study is among the first to describe the blood microbiota in bats, to reflect on co-infection rates of multiple pathogens in the same individual, and to consider the influence of diet as a factor affecting the animal's endogenous microbial community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Luna
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Castillo-Castañeda
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carolina Hernandez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Plutarco Urbano
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Universidad Internacional del Tropico Americano (Unitropico), Yopal, Colombia
| | - Maryia Shaban
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States of America
- Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States of America
- Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Szentiványi T, Heintz AC, Markotter W, Wassef J, Christe P, Glaizot O. Vector-borne protozoan and bacterial pathogen occurrence and diversity in ectoparasites of the Egyptian Rousette bat. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:189-194. [PMID: 36625469 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Bats are known reservoir hosts for a wide variety of parasites and pathogens, including bacteria and protozoans. Some of these pathogens are vector-borne, and although their role is poorly studied, ectoparasites may contribute significantly to their transmission. The aim of this study was to molecularly detect the presence of vector-borne microorganisms in bat-associated ectoparasites to explore their diversity and distribution in these insects. We tested the presence of Bartonella spp., Polychromophilus spp., and Trypanosoma spp. in bat flies and bat fleas collected from 56 Egyptian Rousette bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), using conventional PCR. We found a high prevalence of 43.9% (47/107) of Bartonella spp. in bat flies, but a low prevalence of 6.6% (4/61) in bat fleas. Polychromophilus and Trypanosoma DNA were absent in both bat flies and bat fleas. Furthermore, we found novel gltA Bartonella sequences, as well as genotypes that are highly similar to recently described and potentially zoonotic ones. Our results show high diversity of Bartonella in bat flies, however, their role in pathogen transmission is still unknown and should be further explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Szentiványi
- Museum of Zoology, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Vácrátót, Hungary
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Caroline Heintz
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Department of Medical Virology, Centre for Viral Zoonoses, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jérôme Wassef
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Glaizot
- Museum of Zoology, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Corduneanu A, Wu-Chuang A, Maitre A, Obregon D, Sándor AD, Cabezas-Cruz A. Structural differences in the gut microbiome of bats using terrestrial vs. aquatic feeding resources. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:93. [PMID: 37005589 PMCID: PMC10067309 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02836-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bat gut microbiomes are adapted to the specific diets of their hosts. Despite diet variation has been associated with differences in bat microbiome diversity, the influence of diet on microbial community assembly have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we used available data on bat gut microbiome to characterize the microbial community assembly of five selected bat species (i.e., Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis capaccinii, Myotis myotis, Myotis pilosus, and Myotis vivesi), using network analysis. These bat species with contrasting habitat and food preferences (i.e., My. capaccinii and My. pilosus can be piscivorous and/or insectivorous; Mi. schreibersii and My. myotis are exclusively insectivorous; while My. vivesi is a marine predator) offer an invaluable opportunity to test the impact of diet on bat gut microbiome assembly. The results showed that My. myotis showed the most complex network, with the highest number of nodes, while My. vivesi has the least complex structured microbiome, with lowest number of nodes in its network. No common nodes were observed in the networks of the five bat species, with My. myotis possessing the highest number of unique nodes. Only three bat species, My. myotis, My. pilosus and My. vivesi, presented a core microbiome and the distribution of local centrality measures of nodes was different in the five networks. Taxa removal followed by measurement of network connectivity revealed that My. myotis had the most robust network, while the network of My. vivesi presented the lowest tolerance to taxa removal. Prediction of metabolic pathways using PICRUSt2 revealed that Mi. schreibersii had significantly higher functional pathway's richness compared to the other bat species. Most of predicted pathways (82%, total 435) were shared between all bat species, while My. capaccinii, My. myotis and My. vivesi, but no Mi. schreibersii or My. pilosus, showed specific pathways. We concluded that despite similar feeding habits, microbial community assembly can differ between bat species. Other factors beyond diet may play a major role in bat microbial community assembly, with host ecology, sociality and overlap in roosts likely providing additional predictors governing gut microbiome of insectivorous bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Corduneanu
- Department of Animal Breeding and Animal Production, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Apolline Maitre
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
- INRAE, UR 0045 Laboratoire de Recherches Sur Le Développement de L'Elevage (SELMET-LRDE), 20250, Corte, France
- EA 7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse, Corte, France
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ÁTE Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The fecal bacterial microbiome of the Kuhl's pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii) reflects landscape anthropogenic pressure. Anim Microbiome 2023; 5:7. [PMID: 36739423 PMCID: PMC9898988 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-023-00229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anthropogenic disturbance has the potential to negatively affect wildlife health by altering food availability and diet composition, increasing the exposure to agrochemicals, and intensifying the contact with humans, domestic animals, and their pathogens. However, the impact of these factors on the fecal microbiome composition of wildlife hosts and its link to host health modulation remains barely explored. Here we investigated the composition of the fecal bacterial microbiome of the insectivorous bat Kuhl's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) dwelling in four environmental contexts with different levels of anthropogenic pressure. We analyzed their microbiome composition, structure and diversity through full-length 16S rRNA metabarcoding using the nanopore long-read sequencer MinION™. We hypothesized that the bacterial community structure of fecal samples would vary across the different scenarios, showing a decreased diversity and richness in samples from disturbed ecosystems. RESULTS The fecal microbiomes of 31 bats from 4 scenarios were sequenced. A total of 4,829,302 reads were obtained with a taxonomic assignment percentage of 99.9% at genus level. Most abundant genera across all scenarios were Enterococcus, Escherichia/Shigella, Bacillus and Enterobacter. Alpha diversity varied significantly between the four scenarios (p < 0.05), showing the lowest Shannon index in bats from urban and intensive agriculture landscapes, while the highest alpha diversity value was found in near pristine landscapes. Beta diversity obtained by Bray-Curtis distance showed weak statistical differentiation of bacterial taxonomic profiles among scenarios. Furthermore, core community analysis showed that 1,293 genera were shared among localities. Differential abundance analyses showed that the highest differentially abundant taxa were found in near pristine landscapes, with the exception of the family Alcaligenaceae, which was also overrepresented in urban and intensive agriculture landscapes. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that near pristine and undisturbed landscapes could promote a more resilient gut microbiome in wild populations of P. kuhlii. These results highlight the potential of the fecal microbiome as a non-invasive bioindicator to assess insectivorous bats' health and as a key element of landscape conservation strategies.
Collapse
|
10
|
Vlaschenko A, Răileanu C, Tauchmann O, Muzyka D, Bohodist V, Filatov S, Rodenko O, Tovstukha I, Silaghi C. First data on bacteria associated with bat ectoparasites collected in Kharkiv oblast, Northeastern Ukraine. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:443. [PMID: 36434644 PMCID: PMC9700949 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05582-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) serve as natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens worldwide, including vector-borne pathogens. However, bat-associated parasitic arthropods and their microbiota are thus far not thoroughly described in many regions across the globe, nor is their role in the spillover of pathogens to other vertebrate species well understood. Basic epidemiological research is needed to disentangle the complex ecological interactions among bats, their specific ectoparasites and microorganisms they harbor. Some countries, such as Ukraine, are particularly data-deficient in this respect as the ectoparasitic fauna is poorly documented there and has never been screened for the presence of medically important microorganisms. Therefore, the aims of this study were to provide first data on this topic. METHODS A total of 239 arthropod specimens were collected from bats. They belonged to several major groups of external parasites, including soft ticks, fleas, and nycteribiid flies from six chiropteran species in Northeastern Ukraine. The ectoparasites were individually screened for the presence of DNA of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., and Babesia spp. with conventional PCRs. Positive samples were amplified at several loci, sequenced for species identification, and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Rickettsia DNA was detected exclusively in specimens of the soft tick, Carios vespertilionis (7 out of 43 or 16.3%). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity to sequences from Rickettsia parkeri and several other Rickettsia species. Bacteria from the family Anaplasmataceae were detected in all groups of the ectoparasites (51%, 122/239 samples), belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Wolbachia. The detection of Bartonella spp. was successful only in fleas (Nycteridopsylla eusarca) and bat flies (Nycteribia koleantii, N. pedicularia), representing 12.1% (29/239) of the collected ectoparasites. No DNA of Babesia or Borrelia species was identified in the samples. CONCLUSIONS We report for the first time in Ukraine the molecular detection of several bacterial agents in bat ectoparasites collected from six species of bats. The data presented extend the knowledge on the distribution of ectoparasite species in bats and their involvement in potentially circulating agents pathogenic for humans and vertebrate animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Vlaschenko
- LLC “ASTRAVIR TECHNOLOGY”, Poltavskyi Shliakh, 6, 25, Kharkiv, 61001 Ukraine ,Bat Rehabilitation Center of Feldman Ecopark, Lesnoye, Kharkiv Region, 62340 Ukraine ,grid.445512.30000 0004 6091 1068Institute of Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology, H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, Valentynivska St., 2, Kharkiv, 61168 Ukraine ,NGO “Ukrainian Independent Ecology Institute”, Plekhanov St., 40, Kharkiv, 61001 Ukraine
| | - Cristian Răileanu
- grid.417834.dInstitute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Oliver Tauchmann
- grid.417834.dInstitute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Denys Muzyka
- grid.445512.30000 0004 6091 1068Institute of Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology, H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, Valentynivska St., 2, Kharkiv, 61168 Ukraine ,grid.483569.50000 0004 6086 6965National Scientific Center “Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine”, Pushkinska St., 83, Kharkiv, 61023 Ukraine
| | - Valeria Bohodist
- Bat Rehabilitation Center of Feldman Ecopark, Lesnoye, Kharkiv Region, 62340 Ukraine ,grid.445333.6Veterinary Medicine Department, Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University, Stavishchanskaya St., 126, Bila Tserkva, 09111 Ukraine
| | - Serhii Filatov
- grid.483569.50000 0004 6086 6965National Scientific Center “Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine”, Pushkinska St., 83, Kharkiv, 61023 Ukraine ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Pediatrics and the National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Olena Rodenko
- LLC “ASTRAVIR TECHNOLOGY”, Poltavskyi Shliakh, 6, 25, Kharkiv, 61001 Ukraine ,NGO “Ukrainian Independent Ecology Institute”, Plekhanov St., 40, Kharkiv, 61001 Ukraine
| | - Ihor Tovstukha
- LLC “ASTRAVIR TECHNOLOGY”, Poltavskyi Shliakh, 6, 25, Kharkiv, 61001 Ukraine ,Kharkiv International Medical University, Molochna St., 38, Kharkiv, 61001 Ukraine
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- grid.417834.dInstitute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany ,grid.5603.0Department of Biology, University of Greifswald, Domstraße 11, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Federici L, Masulli M, De Laurenzi V, Allocati N. An overview of bats microbiota and its implication in transmissible diseases. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1012189. [PMID: 36338090 PMCID: PMC9631491 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1012189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent pandemic events have raised the attention of the public on the interactions between human and environment, with particular regard to the more and more feasible transmission to humans of micro-organisms hosted by wild-type species, due to the increasing interspecies contacts originating from human’s activities. Bats, due to their being flying mammals and their increasing promiscuity with humans, have been recognized as hosts frequently capable of transmitting disease-causing microorganisms. Therefore, it is of considerable interest and importance to have a picture as clear as possible of the microorganisms that are hosted by bats. Here we focus on our current knowledge on bats microbiota. We review the most recent literature on this subject, also in view of the bat’s body compartments, their dietary preferences and their habitat. Several pathogenic bacteria, including many carrying multidrug resistance, are indeed common guests of these small mammals, underlining the importance of preserving their habitat, not only to protect them from anthropogenic activities, but also to minimize the spreading of infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Federici
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d' Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d' Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michele Masulli
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d' Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d' Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d' Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Nerino Allocati
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d' Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
- *Correspondence: Nerino Allocati,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Esteves SB, Gaeta NC, Batista JMN, Dias RA, Heinemann MB. Leptospira sp. infection in bats: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2456-e2473. [PMID: 35533065 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bats are the only flying mammalian animals and are distributed worldwide. Bats are well-known hosts of several zoonotic viruses and bacteria, including Leptospira sp. Here, we performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of evidence of Leptospira sp. infection in bats by examining studies published between 1964 and 2021. We reported the frequencies of various species and serogroups on all continents, several species and feeding habits of bats, and different diagnostic tools. Together, 33 papers from all continents with seven to 2077 individuals from one to 31 species were included. Molecular detection was conducted in most studies, followed by MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test) and isolation and identification. Molecular characterization of Leptospira sp. revealed L. borgpetersenii as the most frequent species. Moreover, 179 positive samples for MAT contained the most likely infecting serogroups described, particularly the Australis serogroup. The percentage of positive tests in isolation and identification ranged between zero and 0.5%. The highest frequency of Leptospira infection among the continents was observed in Asia, whereas South America had the lowest percentage. Finally, Nycteridae and Rhinonycteridae were the most frequently infected bat families. Our study provides valuable information about the epidemiology of Leptospira sp. infection in bats. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Bergmann Esteves
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natália Carrillo Gaeta
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Maria Nunes Batista
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Augusto Dias
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Bryan Heinemann
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sanyal A, Agarwal S, Ramakrishnan U, Garg KM, Chattopadhyay B. Using Environmental Sampling to Enable Zoonotic Pandemic Preparedness. J Indian Inst Sci 2022; 102:711-730. [PMID: 36093274 PMCID: PMC9449264 DOI: 10.1007/s41745-022-00322-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The current pandemic caused by the SARS CoV-2, tracing back its origin possibly to a coronavirus associated with bats, has ignited renewed interest in understanding zoonotic spillovers across the globe. While research is more directed towards solving the problem at hand by finding therapeutic strategies and novel vaccine techniques, it is important to address the environmental drivers of pathogen spillover and the complex biotic and abiotic drivers of zoonoses. The availability of cutting-edge genomic technologies has contributed enormously to preempt viral emergence from wildlife. However, there is still a dearth of studies from species-rich South Asian countries, especially from India. In this review, we outline the importance of studying disease dynamics through environmental sampling from wildlife in India and how ecological parameters of both the virus and the host community may play a role in mediating cross-species spillovers. Non-invasive sampling using feces, urine, shed hair, saliva, shed skin, and feathers has been instrumental in providing genetic information for both the host and their associated pathogens. Here, we discuss the advances made in environmental sampling protocols and strategies to generate genetic data from such samples towards the surveillance and characterization of potentially zoonotic pathogens. We primarily focus on bat-borne or small mammal-borne zoonoses and propose a conceptual framework for non-invasive strategies to tackle the threat of emerging zoonotic infections.
Collapse
|
14
|
Do gastrointestinal microbiomes play a role in bats' unique viral hosting capacity? Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:632-642. [PMID: 35034797 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Bats are reservoirs for zoonotic viruses, which they tolerate without experiencing disease. Research focused on deciphering mechanisms of virus tolerance in bats has rarely considered the influence of their gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiome. In mammals, GIT microbiomes influence infections through their effect on host physiology, immunity, nutrition, and behavior. Bat GIT microbiomes more closely resemble the Proteobacteria-dominated GIT microbiomes of birds than those of other mammals. As an adaptation to flight, bats have rapid GIT transit times which may reduce the stability of their microbiome, constrain nutrient uptake, and affect pathogen exposure and evolution of tolerance mechanisms. Experimental and longitudinal studies are needed to understand the function of bats' GIT microbiomes and their role in modulating viral infection dynamics.
Collapse
|
15
|
Aizpurua O, Nyholm L, Morris E, Chaverri G, Herrera Montalvo LG, Flores-Martinez JJ, Lin A, Razgour O, Gilbert MTP, Alberdi A. The role of the gut microbiota in the dietary niche expansion of fishing bats. Anim Microbiome 2021; 3:76. [PMID: 34711286 PMCID: PMC8555116 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-021-00137-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Due to its central role in animal nutrition, the gut microbiota is likely a relevant factor shaping dietary niche shifts. We analysed both the impact and contribution of the gut microbiota to the dietary niche expansion of the only four bat species that have incorporated fish into their primarily arthropodophage diet. Results We first compared the taxonomic and functional features of the gut microbiota of the four piscivorous bats to that of 11 strictly arthropodophagous species using 16S rRNA targeted amplicon sequencing. Second, we increased the resolution of our analyses for one of the piscivorous bat species, namely Myotis capaccinii, and analysed multiple populations combining targeted approaches with shotgun sequencing. To better understand the origin of gut microorganisms, we also analysed the gut microbiota of their fish prey (Gambusia holbrooki). Our analyses showed that piscivorous bats carry a characteristic gut microbiota that differs from that of their strict arthropodophagous counterparts, in which the most relevant bacteria have been directly acquired from their fish prey. This characteristic microbiota exhibits enrichment of genes involved in vitamin biosynthesis, as well as complex carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, likely providing their hosts with an enhanced capacity to metabolise the glycosphingolipids and long-chain fatty acids that are particularly abundant in fish. Conclusions Our results depict the gut microbiota as a relevant element in facilitating the dietary transition from arthropodophagy to piscivory. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42523-021-00137-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ostaizka Aizpurua
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lasse Nyholm
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Evie Morris
- University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Biosciences, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK
| | - Gloriana Chaverri
- Sede del Sur, Universidad de Costa Rica, #4000 Alamedas, Golfito, 60701, Costa Rica.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancón, República de Panamá
| | - L Gerardo Herrera Montalvo
- Estación de Biología Chamela, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 21, San Patricio, 48980, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Juan Flores-Martinez
- Laboratorio de Sistemas de Información Geográfica, Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aiqing Lin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Orly Razgour
- University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Biosciences, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark.,University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Antton Alberdi
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gomard Y, Flores O, Vittecoq M, Blanchon T, Toty C, Duron O, Mavingui P, Tortosa P, McCoy KD. Changes in Bacterial Diversity, Composition and Interactions During the Development of the Seabird Tick Ornithodoros maritimus (Argasidae). MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2021; 81:770-783. [PMID: 33025063 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-020-01611-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Characterising within-host microbial interactions is essential to understand the drivers that shape these interactions and their consequences for host ecology and evolution. Here, we examined the bacterial microbiota hosted by the seabird soft tick Ornithodoros maritimus (Argasidae) in order to uncover bacterial interactions within ticks and how these interactions change over tick development. Bacterial communities were characterised through next-generation sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Bacterial co-occurrence and co-exclusion were determined by analysing networks generated from the metagenomic data obtained at each life stage. Overall, the microbiota of O. maritimus was dominated by four bacterial genera, namely Coxiella, Rickettsia, Brevibacterium and Arsenophonus, representing almost 60% of the reads. Bacterial diversity increased over tick development, and adult male ticks showed higher diversity than did adult female ticks. Bacterial networks showed that co-occurrence was more frequent than co-exclusion and highlighted substantial shifts across tick life stages; interaction networks changed from one stage to the next with a steady increase in the number of interactions through development. Although many bacterial interactions appeared unstable across life stages, some were maintained throughout development and were found in both sexes, such as Coxiella and Arsenophonus. Our data support the existence of a few stable interactions in O. maritimus ticks, on top of which bacterial taxa accumulate from hosts and/or the environment during development. We propose that stable associations delineate core microbial interactions, which are likely to be responsible for key biological functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yann Gomard
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France.
| | - Olivier Flores
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PVBMT (Peuplements Végétaux et Bioagresseurs en Milieu Tropical), CIRAD, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion, France
| | - Marion Vittecoq
- Tour de Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Arles, France
| | - Thomas Blanchon
- Tour de Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Arles, France
| | - Céline Toty
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier CNRS IRD, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Olivier Duron
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier CNRS IRD, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
- Centre for Research on the Ecology and Evolution of Diseases (CREES), Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Mavingui
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Pablo Tortosa
- Université de La Réunion, UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Plateforme Technologique CYROI, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Karen D McCoy
- MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier CNRS IRD, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
- Centre for Research on the Ecology and Evolution of Diseases (CREES), Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Corduneanu A, Mihalca AD, Sándor AD, Hornok S, Malmberg M, Viso NP, Bongcam-Rudloff E. The heart microbiome of insectivorous bats from Central and South Eastern Europe. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 75:101605. [PMID: 33421678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Host associated microbiome not only may affect the individual health-status or provide insights into the species- or group specific bacterial communities but may act as early warning signs in the assessment of zoonotic reservoirs, offering clues to predict, prevent and control possible episodes of emerging zoonoses. Bats may be carriers and reservoirs of multiple pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites, showing in the same time robust immunity against many of them. The microbiota plays a fundamental role on the induction, training and function of the host immune system and the immune system has largely evolved in order to maintain the symbiotic relationship of the host with these diverse microbes. Thus, expanding our knowledge on bat-associated microbiome it can be usefully in understanding bats' outstanding immune capacities. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of different bacterial communities in heart tissue of insectivorous bats, Nyctalus noctula, Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Rhinoplophus hipposideros, from Central and Eastern Europe using high-throughput sequencing of variable regions of the 16S rRNA. In addition, species-specific PCRs were used to validate the presence of the vector-borne pathogens Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. In this study we identified a wide variety of bacterial groups, with the most abundant phyla being Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. The results showed that at individual level, the year or location had no effect on the diversity and composition of the microbiome, however host species determined both structure and abundance of the bacterial community. We report the presence of vector-borne bacteria Bartonella spp. in samples of N. noctula and indications of Rickettsia spp. in R. hipposideros. Our results provide a first insight into the bacterial community found in heart tissue of bats from Central and South Eastern Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Corduneanu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maja Malmberg
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden; SLU Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7023, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Natalia Pin Viso
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Godoy Cruz 2290, 1425, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, IABiMo, INTA-CONICET, Calle Las Cabañas y Los Reseros s/n, Casilla de Correo 25, Castelar, 1712, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Erik Bongcam-Rudloff
- SLU Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7023, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Gerbáčová K, Maliničová L, Kisková J, Maslišová V, Uhrin M, Pristaš P. The Faecal Microbiome of Building-Dwelling Insectivorous Bats (Myotis myotis and Rhinolophus hipposideros) also Contains Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Representatives. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:2333-2344. [PMID: 32607823 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02095-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The bacteriome of bat faeces and bat guano is still not well known, despite the increasing knowledge of it as a potential source of pathogenic and/or antibiotic-resistant species. In this study, the faecal microbiome composition of two building-dwelling insectivorous bat species (Myotis myotis and Rhinolophus hipposideros) was analysed using cultivation-based and non-cultivation-based approaches. The cultivation analyses indicate the dominance of Gram-positive bacteria, represented by the genera Enterococcus, Lactococcus and Lactobacillus. Non-cultivation analysis based on 16S rRNA DGGE assays provided a different pattern, with the genus Rahnella found to predominate in the faecal microbiome. The analyses showed bat species to be the most important factor influencing the structure of the guano-associated microbial population. The presence of several possible human pathogens (Hafnia alvei, Serratia fonticola, S. liquefaciens) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (e.g. vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus nepalensis) was detected in faeces samples, indicating possible human health risks associated with bat guano. Although the bat-human transmission of infection caused by pathogenic bacteria has not been reliably confirmed to date, this possibility should not be underestimated. Given the very important ecosystem services of bats, particular those studied herein, it is time to think about appropriate management of bat populations inhabiting man-made buildings and potential conflicts with humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarína Gerbáčová
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04154, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Maliničová
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04154, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Jana Kisková
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04154, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Maslišová
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04154, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Marcel Uhrin
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04154, Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Peter Pristaš
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04154, Košice, Slovakia
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 04001, Košice, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Qiu Y, Kajihara M, Nakao R, Mulenga E, Harima H, Hang’ombe BM, Eto Y, Changula K, Mwizabi D, Sawa H, Higashi H, Mweene A, Takada A, Simuunza M, Sugimoto C. Isolation of Candidatus Bartonella rousetti and Other Bat-associated Bartonellae from Bats and Their Flies in Zambia. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060469. [PMID: 32545824 PMCID: PMC7350321 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bat-associated bartonellae, including Bartonella mayotimonensis and Candidatus Bartonella rousetti, were recently identified as emerging and potential zoonotic agents, respectively. However, there is no report of bat-associated bartonellae in Zambia. Thus, we aimed to isolate and characterize Bartonella spp. from bats and bat flies captured in Zambia by culturing and PCR. Overall, Bartonella spp. were isolated from six out of 36 bats (16.7%), while Bartonella DNA was detected in nine out of 19 bat flies (47.3%). Subsequent characterization using a sequence of five different genes revealed that three isolates obtained from Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) were Ca. B. rousetti. The isolates obtained from insectivorous bats (Macronycteris vittatus) were divided into two previously unclassified bat-associated bartonellae. A phylogenetic analysis of the six genotypes of Bartonella gltA sequences from nine pathogen-positive bat flies revealed that three genotypes belonged to the same clades as bat-associated bartonellae, including Ca. B. rousetti. The other three genotypes represented arthropod-associated bartonellae, which have previously been isolated only from ectoparasites. We demonstrated that Ca. B. rousetti is maintained between bats (R. aegyptiacus) and bat flies in Zambia. Continuous surveillance of Bartonella spp. in bats and serological surveys in humans in Africa are warranted to evaluate the public health importance of bat-associated bartonellae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Qiu
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.Q.); (M.K.); (H.H.); (H.H.)
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.Q.); (M.K.); (H.H.); (H.H.)
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.E.); (A.T.)
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan;
| | - Evans Mulenga
- Department of Para-Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (E.M.); (B.M.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Hayato Harima
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.Q.); (M.K.); (H.H.); (H.H.)
| | - Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombe
- Department of Para-Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (E.M.); (B.M.H.); (K.C.)
- Global Virus Network Affiliate Center of Excellence, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
- African Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Yoshiki Eto
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.E.); (A.T.)
| | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Para-Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia; (E.M.); (B.M.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Daniel Mwizabi
- Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Ministry of Tourism and Arts of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
- Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Hideaki Higashi
- Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.Q.); (M.K.); (H.H.); (H.H.)
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
- Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Aaron Mweene
- Global Virus Network Affiliate Center of Excellence, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
- African Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
| | - Ayato Takada
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.E.); (A.T.)
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
- Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Martin Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
| | - Chihiro Sugimoto
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
- Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Division of Collaboration and Education, Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-11-706-5297
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rojas CA, Holekamp KE, Winters AD, Theis KR. Body site-specific microbiota reflect sex and age-class among wild spotted hyenas. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2020; 96:5700710. [PMID: 31926016 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-associated microbial communities, henceforth 'microbiota', can affect the physiology and behavior of their hosts. In mammals, host ecological, social and environmental variables are associated with variation in microbial communities. Within individuals in a given mammalian species, the microbiota also partitions by body site. Here, we build on this work and sequence the bacterial 16S rRNA gene to profile the microbiota at six distinct body sites (ear, nasal and oral cavities, prepuce, rectum and anal scent gland) in a population of wild spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), which are highly social, large African carnivores. We inquired whether microbiota at these body sites vary with host sex or social rank among juvenile hyenas, and whether they differ between juvenile females and adult females. We found that the scent gland microbiota differed between juvenile males and juvenile females, whereas the prepuce and rectal microbiota differed between adult females and juvenile females. Social rank, however, was not a significant predictor of microbiota profiles. Additionally, the microbiota varied considerably among the six sampled body sites and exhibited strong specificity among individual hyenas. Thus, our findings suggest that site-specific niche selection is a primary driver of microbiota structure in mammals, but endogenous host factors may also be influential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connie A Rojas
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, 288 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University, 293 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Kay E Holekamp
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, 288 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University, 293 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Andrew D Winters
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E Canfield St, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Kevin R Theis
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E Canfield St, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Characterization of ESBL-Producing Enterobacteria from Fruit Bats in an Unprotected Area of Makokou, Gabon. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8010138. [PMID: 31963801 PMCID: PMC7022737 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In Gabon, terrestrial mammals of protected areas have been identified as a possible source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Some studies on antibiotic resistance in bats have already been carried out. The main goal of our study was to detect extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) that are produced by enterobacteria from bats in the Makokou region in Gabon. Sixty-eight fecal samples were obtained from 68 bats caught in the forests located 1 km from the little town of Makokou. After culture and isolation, 66 Gram-negative bacterial colonies were obtained. The double-disk diffusion test confirmed the presence of ESBLs in six (20.69%) Escherichia coli isolates, four (13.79%) Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, and one (3.45%) Enterobacter cloacae isolate. The analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of the ESBL resistance genes showed that all cefotaximase-Munichs (CTX-Ms) were CTX-M-15 and that all sulfhydryl variables (SHVs) were SHV-11: 41.67% CTX-M-15-producing E. coli, 16.67% CTX-M-15+SHV-11-producing E. coli, 8.33% CTX-M-15-producing K. pneumoniae, 25% CTX-M-15+SHV-11-producing K. pneumoniae, and 8.33% CTX-M-15-produced E. cloacae. This study shows for the first time the presence of multiresistant ESBL-producing enterobacteria in fruit bats in Makokou.
Collapse
|
22
|
Selvin J, Lanong S, Syiem D, De Mandal S, Kayang H, Kumar NS, Kiran GS. Culture-dependent and metagenomic analysis of lesser horseshoe bats' gut microbiome revealing unique bacterial diversity and signatures of potential human pathogens. Microb Pathog 2019; 137:103675. [PMID: 31473248 PMCID: PMC7127535 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bats are highly diverse and ecologically important mammals. They harbor various bacteria, viruses, and fungal communities that are either beneficial or potentially pathogenic. Extensive metagenomic studies in bats are limited, particularly for the gut, and to date, there are no reports on the bacterial diversity of Rhinolophus monoceros from Meghalaya, India. There are limited studies on the isolation of potential harmful or beneficial bacteria and their interactions with the environment through culture-dependent approaches. Therefore, high-throughput screening was used to understand the population structure, genetic diversity, and ecological role of the microorganisms. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA marker for gene mapping showed that the gut samples constitute a diverse group of bacteria that is dominated by Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes. The bacterial genera Corynebacterium and Mycobacterium were also observed in the Illumina dataset. Illumina sequencing revealed eight bacterial phyla composed of 112 genera. The metagenomic analysis of the OTUs from the gut revealed diverse bacterial communities as well as zoonotic and human pathogens. There were differences in the bacterial communities between the two methods used in this study, which could be related to host specificity, diet, and habitat. The culture-dependent technique resulted in the isolation of 35 bacterial isolates, of which Bacillus cereus and B. anthracis are well-known bacterial pathogens that show virulent traits including hemolytic and proteolytic activities. Pseudomonas stutzeri is an opportunistic human pathogen that was also isolated and showed similar traits. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed on all 35 isolates, and different antibiotics were used for Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. The result showed that some isolates are resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin G and Cefoxitin. This report on gut bacterial communities could attract interest in the possibility of isolating and characterizing bacteria for the production of antibiotics, enzymes, plant growth promoters, and probiotics. However, the presence of potential pathogenic bacteria that may impose health hazards cannot be ignored and needs to be studied further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Selvin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India.
| | - Sheryl Lanong
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Donkupar Syiem
- Department of Biochemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, India
| | - Surajit De Mandal
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796004, India; College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China
| | - Highland Kayang
- Department of Botany, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, India
| | | | - G Seghal Kiran
- Department of Food science and Technology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bai Y, Osinubi MOV, Osikowicz L, McKee C, Vora NM, Rizzo MR, Recuenco S, Davis L, Niezgoda M, Ehimiyein AM, Kia GSN, Oyemakinde A, Adeniyi OS, Gbadegesin YH, Saliman OA, Ogunniyi A, Ogunkoya AB, Kosoy MY. Human Exposure to Novel Bartonella Species from Contact with Fruit Bats. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:2317-2323. [PMID: 30457529 PMCID: PMC6256376 DOI: 10.3201/eid2412.181204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Twice a year in southwestern Nigeria, during a traditional bat festival, community participants enter designated caves to capture bats, which are then consumed for food or traded. We investigated the presence of Bartonella species in Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) and bat flies (Eucampsipoda africana) from these caves and assessed whether Bartonella infections had occurred in persons from the surrounding communities. Our results indicate that these bats and flies harbor Bartonella strains, which multilocus sequence typing indicated probably represent a novel Bartonella species, proposed as Bartonella rousetti. In serum from 8 of 204 persons, we detected antibodies to B. rousetti without cross-reactivity to other Bartonella species. This work suggests that bat-associated Bartonella strains might be capable of infecting humans.
Collapse
|
24
|
McKee CD, Krawczyk AI, Sándor AD, Görföl T, Földvári M, Földvári G, Dekeukeleire D, Haarsma AJ, Kosoy MY, Webb CT, Sprong H. Host Phylogeny, Geographic Overlap, and Roost Sharing Shape Parasite Communities in European Bats. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
|
25
|
Leclaire S, Strandh M, Dell'Ariccia G, Gabirot M, Westerdahl H, Bonadonna F. Plumage microbiota covaries with the major histocompatibility complex in blue petrels. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:833-846. [PMID: 30582649 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
To increase fitness, a wide range of vertebrates preferentially mate with partners that are dissimilar at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or that have high MHC diversity. Although MHC often can be assessed through olfactory cues, the mechanism by which MHC genes influence odour remains largely unclear. MHC class IIB molecules, which enable recognition and elimination of extracellular bacteria, have been suggested to influence odour indirectly by shaping odour-producing microbiota, i.e. bacterial communities. However, there is little evidence of the predicted covariation between an animal's MHC genotype and its bacterial communities in scent-producing body surfaces. Here, using high-throughput sequencing, we tested the covariation between MHC class IIB genotypes and feather microbiota in the blue petrel (Halobaena caerulea), a seabird with highly developed olfaction that has been suggested to rely on oduor cues during an MHC-based mate choice. First, we show that individuals with similar MHC class IIB profiles also have similar bacterial assemblages in their feathers. Then, we show that individuals with high MHC diversity have less diverse feather microbiota and also a reduced abundance of a bacterium of the genus Arsenophonus, a genus in which some species are symbionts of avian ectoparasites. Our results, showing that feather microbiota covary with MHC, are consistent with the hypothesis that individual MHC genotype may shape the semiochemical-producing microbiota in birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Leclaire
- Laboratoire Evolution & Diversité Biologique, UMR 5174 (CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, ENFA), Toulouse, France.,Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS-CEFE, Montpellier, France
| | - Maria Strandh
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gaia Dell'Ariccia
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS-CEFE, Montpellier, France
| | - Marianne Gabirot
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS-CEFE, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Francesco Bonadonna
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS-CEFE, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Dietrich M, Markotter W. Studying the microbiota of bats: Accuracy of direct and indirect samplings. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:1730-1735. [PMID: 30847068 PMCID: PMC6392341 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the recurrent bat-associated disease outbreaks in humans and recent advances in metagenomics sequencing, the microbiota of bats is increasingly being studied. However, obtaining biological samples directly from wild individuals may represent a challenge, and thus, indirect passive sampling (without capturing bats) is sometimes used as an alternative. Currently, it is not known whether the bacterial community assessed using this approach provides an accurate representation of the bat microbiota. This study was designed to compare the use of direct sampling (based on bat capture and handling) and indirect sampling (collection of bat's excretions under bat colonies) in assessing bacterial communities in bats. Using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing of urine and feces samples from Rousettus aegyptiacus, a cave-dwelling fruit bat species, we found evidence of niche specialization among different excreta samples, independent of the sampling approach. However, sampling approach influenced both the alpha- and beta-diversity of urinary and fecal microbiotas. In particular, increased alpha-diversity and more overlapping composition between urine and feces samples was seen when direct sampling was used, suggesting that cross-contamination may occur when collecting samples directly from bats in hand. In contrast, results from indirect sampling in the cave may be biased by environmental contamination. Our methodological comparison suggested some influence of the sampling approach on the bat-associated microbiota, but both approaches were able to capture differences among excreta samples. Assessment of these techniques opens an avenue to use more indirect sampling, in order to explore microbial community dynamics in bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Dietrich
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Viral ZoonosesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
- UMR PIMIT (Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical), INSERM U1187, CNRS UMR 9192, IRD UMR 249Université de la RéunionSainte‐ClotildeReunion Island France
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Viral ZoonosesUniversity of PretoriaPretoriaSouth Africa
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Coordinated change at the colony level in fruit bat fur microbiomes through time. Nat Ecol Evol 2018; 3:116-124. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-018-0731-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
28
|
Bai Y, Osinubi MO, Osikowicz L, McKee C, Vora NM, Rizzo MR, Recuenco S, Davis L, Niezgoda M, Ehimiyein AM, Kia GS, Oyemakinde A, Adeniyi OS, Gbadegesin YH, Saliman OA, Ogunniyi A, Ogunkoya AB, Kosoy MY. Human Exposure to NovelBartonellaSpecies from Contact with Fruit Bats. Emerg Infect Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.3201/eid2412.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
29
|
Bai Y, Osinubi MO, Osikowicz L, McKee C, Vora NM, Rizzo MR, Recuenco S, Davis L, Niezgoda M, Ehimiyein AM, Kia GS, Oyemakinde A, Adeniyi OS, Gbadegesin YH, Saliman OA, Ogunniyi A, Ogunkoya AB, Kosoy MY. Human Exposure to Novel BartonellaSpecies from Contact with Fruit Bats. Emerg Infect Dis 2018. [DOI: 10.3201/eid2412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
30
|
Abstract
Mammals evolved in a microbial world, and consequently, microbial symbionts have played a role in their evolution. An exciting new subdiscipline of metagenomics considers the ways in which microbes, particularly those found in the gut, have facilitated the ecological and phylogenetic radiation of mammals. However, the vast majority of such studies focus on domestic animals, laboratory models, or charismatic megafauna (e.g., pandas and chimpanzees). The result is a plethora of studies covering few taxa across the mammal tree of life, leaving broad patterns of microbiome function and evolution unclear. Wildlife microbiome research urgently needs a model system in which to test hypotheses about metagenomic involvement in host ecology and evolution. We propose that bats (Order: Chiroptera) represent a model system ideal for comparative microbiome research, affording opportunities to examine host phylogeny, diet, and other natural history characteristics in relation to the evolution of the gut microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R Ingala
- Richard Gilder Graduate School, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nancy B Simmons
- Richard Gilder Graduate School, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Mammalogy, Division of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susan L Perkins
- Richard Gilder Graduate School, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bacteria richness and antibiotic-resistance in bats from a protected area in the Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203411. [PMID: 30216351 PMCID: PMC6138367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats play key ecological roles, also hosting many zoonotic pathogens. Neotropical bat microbiota is still poorly known. We speculate that their dietary habits strongly influence their microbiota richness and antibiotic-resistance patterns, which represent growing and serious public health and environmental issue. Here we describe the aerobic microbiota richness of bats from an Atlantic Forest remnant in Southeastern Brazil, and the antibiotic-resistance patterns of bacteria of clinical importance. Oral and rectal cavities of 113 bats from Carlos Botelho State Park were swabbed. Samples were plated on 5% sheep blood and MacConkey agar and identified by the MALDI-TOF technique. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer’s antibiotic disc diffusion technique.We identified 596 isolates at the genus level and tentatively to the species level. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in all the dietary guilds, representing 87% of the total identified samples. The most common bacteria within bat individuals were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca and Serratia marcescens, and within bat species were Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas sp. and Staphylococcus sp. Frugivores presented the most diverse microbiota. In general, the antibiogram results indicated a low occurrence of resistance on eigth potentially pathogenic bacteria species. The resistance to antibiotics found on our samples was related mostly to the intrinsic resistance of the tested species.The low occurrence of resistant bacteria in our samples could be related to the well preserved environment where bats were caught. Once the major causes of resistance-acquiring are related to anthropic activites, the controlled access of tourists on certain regions of the Park seems to be effectively protecting the environment.
Collapse
|
32
|
Wu H, Xing Y, Sun H, Mao X. Gut microbial diversity in two insectivorous bats: Insights into the effect of different sampling sources. Microbiologyopen 2018; 8:e00670. [PMID: 29971963 PMCID: PMC6530527 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is now known as a key factor in mammalian physiology and health. Our understanding of the gut microbial communities and their effects on ecology and evolution of their hosts is extremely limited in bats which represent the second largest mammalian order. In the current study, gut microbiota of three sampling sources (small intestine, large intestine, and feces) were characterized in two sympatric and insectivorous bats (Rhinolophus sinicus and Myotis altarium) by high‐throughput sequencing of the V3‐V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Combining with published studies, this work reveals that Gammaproteobacteria may be a dominant class in the whole Chiroptera and Fusobacteria is less observed in bats although it has been proven to be dominant in other mammals. Our results reveal that the sampling source influences alpha diversity of the microbial community in both studied species although no significant variations of beta diversity were observed, which support that fecal samples cannot be used as a proxy of the microbiota in other gut regions in wild animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Wu
- Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yutong Xing
- Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haijian Sun
- Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuguang Mao
- Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Afonso E, Goydadin AC. Molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA in the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) guano. Epidemiol Infect 2018; 146:1253-1258. [PMID: 29843834 PMCID: PMC9134284 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268818001279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although bats are increasingly recognised as potential reservoir hosts of human zoonotic pathogens, bacteria in bats are still poorly studied. To investigate the DNA faecal prevalence of the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, we sampled 23 lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros) maternity colonies located in buildings (churches, barns) in rural villages of eastern France. A total of 552 faecal samples were collected from 278 individuals. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was detected in the faeces of 63 individuals (22.7%). Such high prevalence might suggest persistent infection in bats and/or a frequent consumption of insect preys carrying bacteria. Faecal DNA prevalence varied highly among colonies but was not related to the colony size. Faecal DNA prevalence was the highest in the Jura Department, where the density of ticks is known to be the highest across the study area. Because the sampled bats live in close proximity to humans, we discuss how concerning the presence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in bat guano is for humans frequenting places of worship that shelter bats. We also advocate future research to understand what a high faecal DNA prevalence in bat guano really implicates in terms of bacteria transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. Afonso
- Laboratoire Chrono-environnment UMR CNRS 6249, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - A.-C. Goydadin
- Laboratoire Chrono-environnment UMR CNRS 6249, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Li J, Li L, Jiang H, Yuan L, Zhang L, Ma JE, Zhang X, Cheng M, Chen J. Fecal Bacteriome and Mycobiome in Bats with Diverse Diets in South China. Curr Microbiol 2018; 75:1352-1361. [PMID: 29922970 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-018-1530-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bats can be divided into frugivory, nectarivory, insectivory, and sanguivory based on their diets, and are therefore ideal wild animal models to study the relationship between diets and intestinal microflora. Early studies of bat gut bacteria showed that the diversity and structure of intestinal bacterial communities in bats are closely related to dietary changes. Worthy of note, intestinal microbes are composed of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and archaea. Although the number of gut fungi is much lower than that of gut bacteria, they also play an important role in maintaining the host homeostasis. However, there are still few reports on the relationship between the gut mycobiota and the dietary habits of the host. In addition, bats have also been shown to naturally transmit pathogenic viruses and bacteria through their feces and saliva, but fungal infections from bat are less studied. Here, we used high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S and eukaryotic 18S rRNA genes in the V4 and V9 regions to characterize fecal bacterial and fungal microbiota in phytophagous and insectivorous bats in South China. The results show that the gut microbiota in bats were dominated by bacterial phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Tenericutes and Bacteroidetes, and fungal phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. There was a significant difference in the diversity of bacterial and fungal microbiota between the groups, in addition to specific bacteria and fungi populations on each of them. Of note, the number of fungi in the feces of herbivorous bats is relatively higher. Most of these fungi are foodborne and are also pathogens of humans and other animals. Thus, bats are natural carriers of fungal pathogens. The current study expands the understanding of the bat gut bacterial and fungal mycobiota and provides further insight into the transmission of fungal pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linmiao Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiying Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou, 510650, Guangdong, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihong Yuan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangzhou, China
| | - Libiao Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-E Ma
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minhua Cheng
- Wuhan Chopper Biology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, China
| | - Jinping Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou, 510260, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Methods Fecal samples were collected from 92 bats in Slovenia, consisting of 12 different species, and the bacterial microbiota was assessed via next generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V4 region. Results Sequences were assigned to 28 different phyla, but only Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria accounted for ≥1% of sequences. One phylum (Proteobacteria), one class (Gammaproteobacteria), three orders (Pseudomonadales, Lactobacillales, Bacillales), four families (Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Carnobacteriaceae), and five genera (Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Carnobacterium, an unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter) accounted for 50% of sequences. There were no significant differences in the relative abundances of any phyla between bat species, but various differences were noted at lower taxonomic levels, such as Enterobacteriaceae (P = 0.007, most abundant in M. blythii), Pseudomonadaceae (P = 0.007, most abundant in Rhinolophus hipposideros) and Chlamydiaceae (P = 0.04, most abundant in Myotis myotis). There were significant differences in richness between species in both adults and juveniles/subadults, but there was no impact of sex on any alpha diversity index. When only adults are considered, there were significant differences in community membership between M. blythii and M. emarginatus (P = 0.011), and M. blythii and R. hipposideros (P = 0.004). There were also significant differences in community structure between M. blythii and M. emarginatus (P = 0.025), and M. blythii and R. hipposideros (P = 0.026). When adults of the four main species were compared, 14 OTUs were identified as differentially abundant using LEfSe. Only one difference was identified when comparing R. hipposideros adults and juvenile/subadults, with Klebsiella over-represented in the younger bats. Conclusions Bats have a complex and diverse microbiota with a high relative abundance of Proteobacteria. The relevance of this difference is unclear and requires further study. Differences in the microbiota were observed between bat species, perhaps reflecting different diets and environmental exposures.
Collapse
|
36
|
Newman MM, Kloepper LN, Duncan M, McInroy JA, Kloepper JW. Variation in Bat Guano Bacterial Community Composition With Depth. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:914. [PMID: 29867825 PMCID: PMC5958644 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are known to be reservoirs for a variety of mammalian pathogens, including viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Many of the studies examining the microbial community inhabiting bats have investigated bacterial taxa found within specific bat tissues and isolated bat guano pellets, but relatively few studies have explored bacterial diversity within bat guano piles. In large bat caves, bat guano can accumulate over time, creating piles several meters deep and forming complex interactions with coprophagous organisms in a habitat with low light and oxygen. As the guano decays, the nutrient composition changes, but the bacterial communities deep within the pile have not been characterized. Here, we assess the bacterial communities across varying depths within the guano pile using both culture-independent and culture-dependent methods. We found that although similar taxa are found throughout the guano pile, the relative abundances of taxa within the pile shift, allowing certain taxa to dominate the bacterial community at varying depths. We also identified potential bacterial functions being performed within the bat guano as various depths within the pile and found little variation in terms of the dominant predicted functions, suggesting that although the relative abundances of bacterial taxa are changing, the functions being performed are similar. Additionally, we cultured 15 different bacterial species, including 2 not present in our culture-independent analysis, and discuss the pathogenicity potential of these taxa. This study represents the first characterization of the bacterial community from the extreme environment within a bat guano pile and demonstrates the potential for bat caves as resources for identifying new bacterial species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molli M. Newman
- Department of Biology, LaGrange College, LaGrange, GA, United States
| | - Laura N. Kloepper
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Makenzie Duncan
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - John A. McInroy
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Joseph W. Kloepper
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dietrich M, Kearney T, Seamark ECJ, Paweska JT, Markotter W. Synchronized shift of oral, faecal and urinary microbiotas in bats and natural infection dynamics during seasonal reproduction. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:180041. [PMID: 29892443 PMCID: PMC5990816 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal reproduction is a period of extreme physiological and behavioural changes, yet we know little about how it may affect host microbial communities (i.e. microbiota) and pathogen transmission. Here, we investigated shifts of the bacterial microbiota in saliva, urine and faeces during the seasonal reproduction of bats in South Africa, and test for an interaction in shedding patterns of both bacterial (Leptospira) and viral (adeno- and herpesviruses) agents. Based on a comparative approach in two cave-dwelling bat species and high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we demonstrated a clear signature in microbiota changes over the reproduction season, consistent across the multiple body habitats investigated, and associated with the sex, age and reproductive condition of bats. We observed in parallel highly dynamic shedding patterns for both bacteria and viruses, but did not find a significant association between viral shedding and bacterial microbiota composition. Indeed, only Leptospira shedding was associated with alterations in both the diversity and composition of the urinary microbiota. These results illustrate how seasonal reproduction in bats substantially affects microbiota composition and infection dynamics, and have broad implications for the understanding of disease ecology in important reservoir hosts, such as bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Dietrich
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Teresa Kearney
- Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Pretoria, South Africa
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- AfricanBats NPC, Kloofsig, South Africa
| | - Ernest C. J. Seamark
- AfricanBats NPC, Kloofsig, South Africa
- Wildlife Management, Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Janusz T. Paweska
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham, South Africa
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Assessing bat droppings and predatory bird pellets for vector-borne bacteria: molecular evidence of bat-associated Neorickettsia sp. in Europe. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2018; 111:1707-1717. [PMID: 29492770 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-018-1043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In Europe, several species of bats, owls and kestrels exemplify highly urbanised, flying vertebrates, which may get close to humans or domestic animals. Bat droppings and bird pellets may have epidemiological, as well as diagnostic significance from the point of view of pathogens. In this work 221 bat faecal and 118 bird pellet samples were screened for a broad range of vector-borne bacteria using PCR-based methods. Rickettsia DNA was detected in 13 bat faecal DNA extracts, including the sequence of a rickettsial insect endosymbiont, a novel Rickettsia genotype and Rickettsia helvetica. Faecal samples of the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) were positive for a Neorickettsia sp. and for haemoplasmas of the haemofelis group. In addition, two bird pellets (collected from a Long-eared Owl, Asio otus, and from a Common Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus) contained the DNA of a Rickettsia sp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, respectively. In both of these bird pellets the bones of Microtus arvalis were identified. All samples were negative for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydiales. In conclusion, bats were shown to pass rickettsia and haemoplasma DNA in their faeces. Molecular evidence is provided for the presence of Neorickettsia sp. in bat faeces in Europe. In the evaluated regions bat faeces and owl/kestrel pellets do not appear to pose epidemiological risk from the point of view of F. tularensis, C. burnetii and Chlamydiales. Testing of bird pellets may provide an alternative approach to trapping for assessing the local occurrence of vector-borne bacteria in small mammals.
Collapse
|
39
|
Olatimehin A, Shittu AO, Onwugamba FC, Mellmann A, Becker K, Schaumburg F. Staphylococcus aureus Complex in the Straw-Colored Fruit Bat ( Eidolon helvum) in Nigeria. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:162. [PMID: 29487577 PMCID: PMC5816944 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are economically important animals and serve as food sources in some African regions. They can be colonized with the Staphylococcus aureus complex, which includes Staphylococcus schweitzeri and Staphylococcus argenteus. Fecal carriage of S. aureus complex in the straw-colored fruit bat (Eidolon helvum) has been described. However, data on their transmission and adaptation in animals and humans are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the population structure of the S. aureus complex in E. helvum and to assess the geographical spread of S. aureus complex among other animals and humans. Fecal samples were collected from E. helvum in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, spa typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Isolates were screened for the presence of lukS/lukF-PV and the immune evasion cluster (scn, sak, chp) which is frequently found in isolates adapted to the human host. A Neighbor-Joining tree was constructed using the concatenated sequences of the seven MLST genes. A total of 250 fecal samples were collected and 53 isolates were included in the final analysis. They were identified as S. aureus (n = 28), S. schweitzeri (n = 11) and S. argenteus (n = 14). Only one S. aureus was resistant to penicillin and another isolate was intermediately susceptible to tetracycline. The scn, sak, and chp gene were not detected. Species-specific MLST clonal complexes (CC) were detected for S. aureus (CC1725), S. argenteus (CC3960, CC3961), and S. schweitzeri (CC2463). STs of S. schweitzeri from this study were similar to STs from bats in Nigeria (ST2464) and Gabon (ST1700) or from monkey in Côte d'Ivoire (ST2058, ST2072). This suggests host adaptation of certain clones to wildlife mammals with a wide geographical spread in Africa. In conclusion, there is evidence of fecal carriage of members of S. aureus complex in E. helvum. S. schweitzeri from bats in Nigeria are closely related to those from bats and monkeys in West and Central Africa suggesting a cross-species transmission and wide geographical distribution. The low antimicrobial resistance rates and the absence of the immune evasion cluster suggests a limited exposure of these isolates to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayodele Olatimehin
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Adebayo O Shittu
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Francis C Onwugamba
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Karsten Becker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frieder Schaumburg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Henry R, Galbraith P, Coutts S, Prosser T, Boyce J, McCarthy DT. What's the risk? Identifying potential human pathogens within grey-headed flying foxes faeces. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191301. [PMID: 29360880 PMCID: PMC5779653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pteropus poliocephalus (grey-headed flying foxes) are recognised vectors for a range of potentially fatal human pathogens. However, to date research has primarily focused on viral disease carriage, overlooking bacterial pathogens, which also represent a significant human disease risk. The current study applied 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, community analysis and a multi-tiered database OTU picking approach to identify faecal-derived zoonotic bacteria within two colonies of P. poliocephalus from Victoria, Australia. Our data show that sequences associated with Enterobacteriaceae (62.8% ± 24.7%), Pasteurellaceae (19.9% ± 25.7%) and Moraxellaceae (9.4% ± 11.8%) dominate flying fox faeces. Further colony specific differences in bacterial faecal colonisation patterns were also identified. In total, 34 potential pathogens, representing 15 genera, were identified. However, species level definition was only possible for Clostridium perfringens, which likely represents a low infectious risk due to the low proportion observed within the faeces and high infectious dose required for transmission. In contrast, sequences associated with other pathogenic species clusters such as Haemophilus haemolyticus-H. influenzae and Salmonella bongori-S. enterica, were present at high proportions in the faeces, and due to their relatively low infectious doses and modes of transmissions, represent a greater potential human disease risk. These analyses of the microbial community composition of Pteropus poliocephalus have significantly advanced our understanding of the potential bacterial disease risk associated with flying foxes and should direct future epidemiological and quantitative microbial risk assessments to further define the health risks presented by these animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Henry
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM Lab), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Penelope Galbraith
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM Lab), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Scott Coutts
- Micromon, Dept. of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - John Boyce
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David T. McCarthy
- Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM Lab), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Stuckey MJ, Chomel BB, de Fleurieu EC, Aguilar-Setién A, Boulouis HJ, Chang CC. Bartonella, bats and bugs: A review. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 55:20-29. [PMID: 29127990 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ecological, immunological, and epidemiological factors enable bats to transmit an increasingly recognized spectrum of zoonotic agents, and bartonellae are among those emerging pathogens identified in bats and their arthropod ectoparasites. Current data reveal a multifaceted disease ecology where diverse host species distributed around the world interact with a number of Bartonella spp. and several potential vectors. This review summarizes the methods and findings of studies conducted since 2005 to illustrate that Bartonella bacteremia varies by bat species, location, and other potential variables, such as diet with a very high prevalence in hematophagous bats. Among bat families, Bartonella prevalence ranged from 7.3% among Nycteridae to 54.4% in Miniopteridae. Further research can build on these current data to better determine risk factors associated with Bartonella infection in bat populations and the role of their ectoparasites in transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Stuckey
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Bruno B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Eloi Claret de Fleurieu
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alvaro Aguilar-Setién
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- ComUE Paris Est, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPR 956 ENVA ANSES INRA, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Chao-Chin Chang
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Genotyping ofBartonellabacteria and their animal hosts: current status and perspectives. Parasitology 2017; 145:543-562. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYGrowing evidence demonstrates that bacterial species diversity is substantial, and many of these species are pathogenic in some contexts or hosts. At the same time, laboratories and museums have collected valuable animal tissue and ectoparasite samples that may contain substantial novel information on bacterial prevalence and diversity. However, the identification of bacterial species is challenging, partly due to the difficulty in culturing many microbes and the reliance on molecular data. Although the genomics revolution will surely add to our knowledge of bacterial systematics, these approaches are not accessible to all researchers and rely predominantly on cultured isolates. Thus, there is a need for comprehensive molecular analyses capable of accurately genotyping bacteria from animal tissues or ectoparasites using common methods that will facilitate large-scale comparisons of species diversity and prevalence. To illustrate the challenges of genotyping bacteria, we focus on the genusBartonella, vector-borne bacteria common in mammals. We highlight the value and limitations of commonly used techniques for genotyping bartonellae and make recommendations for researchers interested in studying the diversity of these bacteria in various samples. Our recommendations could be applicable to many bacterial taxa (with some modifications) and could lead to a more complete understanding of bacterial species diversity.
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Bats are ancient and among the most diverse mammals in terms of species richness, diet and habitat preferences, characteristics that may contribute to a high diversity of infectious agents. During the past two decades, the interest in bats and their microorganisms largely increased because of their role as reservoir hosts or carriers of important pathogens. Rapid advances in microbial detection and characterisation by high-throughput sequencing technologies have led to large genetic data sets but also improved our possibilities and speed of identifying unknown infectious agents. Assessing the risk of infectious diseases in bats and their pathological manifestation, however, is still challenging because of limited access to appropriate material and field data, and continuing limitations in wildlife diagnostics and the interpretation of genetic results. As a consequence, emerging pathogens can suddenly appear with devastating effects as happened for the white nose syndrome. To date, much research on bats and infectious agents still focusses on viruses, whilst the knowledge on bacteria and their role in disease is comparatively low.
Collapse
|