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Vieira TB, Alexandre RJR, Pena SA, Correia LL, Brasil ADS, Aguiar LMDS, De Marco P, Ditchfield AD. Some bats are here: Reducing the Wallacean shortfall of bats in the amazon. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11392. [PMID: 38840584 PMCID: PMC11150423 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11392] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The Amazon rainforest has approximately 23% of its sampled area dedicated to bats, making it one of the least sampled and most diverse regions for bats in Brazil. The lack of sampling results in a lack of knowledge regarding the accurate geographical distribution of bat species. This lack is referred to as the Wallacean shortfall, which should be addressed with primary data obtained from in situ collections. However, the use of Species Distribution Models (SDMs) can help alleviate this gap. The states of Pará and Acre are located in the Brazilian Amazon. So, our objective is to decrease the Wallacean shortfall concerning Amazonian bat species. To achieve this, we provide (i) a list of bat species sampled in the states of Pará and Acre in the last 5 years (2017 to 2022); (ii) the potential distribution of species considered as new occurrences for the region; and (iii) the potential distribution of species classified as Data Deficient (DD) and Near Threatened (NT) according to the IUCN classification. With 96 nights of collection and 129,600 m2h of mist netting, we obtained 75 bat species, with an estimated total of 94.78 species. Additionally, 21 species were considered as range extensions. The Brazilian Amazon region has a vast geographic expanse and few established research centers, resulting in a limited sampling of bats and other biological groups. Furthermore, we draw attention to the significant number of bat species with expanded geographical distributions, with 21 out of the 75 sampled species. This should be a reminder that primary biogeographic data is still necessary for the neotropical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Bernardi Vieira
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas (FCB)Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA)AltamiraPABrazil
| | | | - Simone Almeida Pena
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia (PPGECO)Universidade Federal do ParáBelémBrazil
| | - Letícia Lima Correia
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia (PPGECO)Universidade Federal do ParáBelémBrazil
| | - Ariane de Sousa Brasil
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas (FCB)Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA)AltamiraPABrazil
| | - Ludmilla Moura de Souza Aguiar
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia, Laboratório de Biologia e Conservação de Morcegos, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade de BrasíliaBrasíliaDFBrazil
| | - Paulo De Marco
- Theoretical, Metacommunity and Landscape Ecology Laboratory, Instituto de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade Federal de GoiásGoiásBrazil
| | - Albert David Ditchfield
- Laboratório de Estudos em Quirópteros (LABEQ), Departamento de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES)VitóriaESBrazil
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Alencastre-Santos AB, Gonçalves R, Correia LL, Brito D, Oprea M, Vieira TB. The effect of urbanization on species composition and trophic guilds of bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) in the Brazilian Savanna. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e275828. [PMID: 38597516 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.275828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Urban environments present less environmental heterogeneity in relation to the natural ones, affecting the biodiversity of bats and the ecological processes in which they participate. In this way, we will identify how urbanization influences the structure of bat communities in the municipality of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. We compared species composition, guilds and bat richness in a gradient that crossed urban, semi-urban and natural areas in the municipality of Goiânia, contained in the Cerrado biome. We captured a total of 775 bats of 16 species distributed in three families. Urban areas had a higher species abundance, while semi-urban areas had a higher species richness. The three types of environments have different compositions, the urban one being more homogeneous, the fauna in these areas is composed of generalist species, which benefit from this process. The diversity present in semi-urban areas is a consequence of the intersection between urban and natural fauna, which is why urban expansion needs to occur in a planned manner to minimize the impacts of this process and ensure the maintenance of biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Alencastre-Santos
- Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA, Programa de Pós-graduação em Zoologia - PPGZOOL, Belém, PA, Brasil
| | - R Gonçalves
- Universidade Federal de Goiás - UFG, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - L L Correia
- Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas - FCB, Laboratório de Ecologia, Altamira, PA, Brasil
| | - D Brito
- Universidade Federal de Goiás - UFG, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - M Oprea
- Universidade Federal de Goiás - UFG, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - T B Vieira
- Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas - FCB, Laboratório de Ecologia, Altamira, PA, Brasil
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Matiz-González JM, Ballesteros-Ballesteros JA, Hernández M, Mejorano-Fonseca JA, Cuervo C, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Hidalgo M, Pérez-Torres J, Silva-Ramos CR. Genetic diversity of P1/pathogenic Leptospira species hosted by bats worldwide. Zoonoses Public Health 2024. [PMID: 38509439 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13126] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bats are a diverse group of mammals that have unique features allowing them to act as reservoir hosts for several zoonotic pathogens such as Leptospira. Leptospires have been classified into pathogenic, intermediate, and saprophytic groups and more recently into clades P1, P2, S1, and S2, being all the most important pathogenic species related to leptospirosis included within the P1/pathogenic clade. Leptospira has been detected from bats in several regions worldwide; however, the diversity of leptospires harboured by bats is still unknown. AIM The aim of the present study was to determine the genetic diversity of Leptospira spp. harboured by bats worldwide. METHODS A systematic review was conducted on four databases to retrieve studies in which Leptospira was detected from bats. All studies were screened to retrieve all available Leptospira spp. 16S rRNA sequences from the GenBank database and data regarding their origin. Sequences obtained were compared with each other and reference sequences of Leptospira species and analysed through phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS A total of 418 Leptospira spp. 16S rRNA sequences isolated from 55 bat species from 14 countries were retrieved from 15 selected manuscripts. From these, 417 sequences clustered within the P1/pathogenic group, and only one sequence clustered within the P2/intermediate group. Six major clades of P1/pathogenic Leptospira spp. were identified, three of them composed exclusively of sequences obtained from bats. CONCLUSION We identified that bats harbour a great genetic diversity of Leptospira spp. that form part of the P1/pathogenic clade, some of which are closely related to leptospirosis-associated species. This finding contributes to the knowledge of the diversity of leptospires hosted by bats worldwide and reinforces the role of bats as reservoirs of P1/pathogenic Leptospira spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Manuel Matiz-González
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Genetics and Antimicrobial Resistance Unit, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús A Ballesteros-Ballesteros
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - María Hernández
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julián A Mejorano-Fonseca
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Claudia Cuervo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Álvaro A Faccini-Martínez
- Servicio de Infectología, Hospital Militar Central, Bogotá, Colombia
- Servicios y Asesorías en Infectología - SAI, Bogotá, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jairo Pérez-Torres
- Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Laboratorio de Ecología Funcional, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Hemnani M, da Silva PG, Thompson G, Poeta P, Rebelo H, Mesquita JR. Presence of Alphacoronavirus in Tree- and Crevice-Dwelling Bats from Portugal. Viruses 2024; 16:434. [PMID: 38543799 PMCID: PMC10976264 DOI: 10.3390/v16030434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are RNA viruses capable of infecting a wide range of hosts, including mammals and birds, and have caused significant epidemics such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Bats, the second most diverse mammalian order, are hosts for various CoVs due to their unique immune responses and ecological traits. This study investigates CoV prevalence in crevice- and tree-dwelling bats in Portugal, a country with limited prior research on bat CoVs. Using nested RT-PCR and sequencing, we screened 87 stool samples from bats, identifying one sample (1.15%) that was positive for Alphacoronavirus, belonging to Pipistrellus pipistrellus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close genetic relationships with Alphacoronavirus strains from the same bat species in Europe. The low prevalence suggests habitat-specific differences in viral transmission, with cave-dwelling bats exhibiting higher CoV prevalence due to population density and behaviour. These findings underscore the necessity for sustained surveillance efforts aimed at comprehending CoV dynamics within bat populations, especially concerning the risk of spillover events and viral evolution. Vital to this understanding is the monitoring of bat migration patterns, which serves as a crucial tool for elucidating CoV ecology and epidemiology. Such efforts are essential for ongoing research endeavours aimed at mitigating the potential for future zoonotic disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Hemnani
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.); (P.G.d.S.); (G.T.)
| | - Priscilla Gomes da Silva
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.); (P.G.d.S.); (G.T.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE—Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gertrude Thompson
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.); (P.G.d.S.); (G.T.)
- Biopolis-CIBIO/InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal;
| | - Patrícia Poeta
- Microbiology and Antibiotic Resistance Team (MicroART), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV), Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Technology, University NOVA of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Hugo Rebelo
- Biopolis-CIBIO/InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal;
- cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João R. Mesquita
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.H.); (P.G.d.S.); (G.T.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIunit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório Para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Weber MN, da Silva MS. Corona- and Paramyxoviruses in Bats from Brazil: A Matter of Concern? Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:88. [PMID: 38200819 PMCID: PMC10778288 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010088] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chiroptera are one of the most diverse mammal orders. They are considered reservoirs of main human pathogens, where coronaviruses (CoVs) and paramyxoviruses (PMVs) may be highlighted. Moreover, the growing number of publications on CoVs and PMVs in wildlife reinforces the scientific community's interest in eco-vigilance, especially because of the emergence of important human pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 and Nipha viruses. Considering that Brazil presents continental dimensions, is biologically rich containing one of the most diverse continental biotas and presents a rich biodiversity of animals classified in the order Chiroptera, the mapping of CoV and PMV genetics related to human pathogens is important and the aim of the present work. CoVs can be classified into four genera: Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, Deltacoronavirus and Gammacoronavirus. Delta- and gammacoronaviruses infect mainly birds, while alpha- and betacoronaviruses contain important animal and human pathogens. Almost 60% of alpha- and betacoronaviruses are related to bats, which are considered natural hosts of these viral genera members. The studies on CoV presence in bats from Brazil have mainly assayed phyllostomid, molossid and vespertilionid bats in the South, Southeast and North territories. Despite Brazil not hosting rhinophilid or pteropodid bats, which are natural reservoirs of SARS-related CoVs and henipaviruses, respectively, CoVs and PMVs reported in Brazilian bats are genetically closely related to some human pathogens. Most works performed with Brazilian bats reported alpha-CoVs that were closely related to other bat-CoVs, despite a few reports of beta-CoVs grouped in the Merbecovirus and Embecovirus subgenera. The family Paramyxoviridae includes four subfamilies (Avulavirinae, Metaparamyxovirinae, Orthoparamyxovirinae and Rubulavirinae), and bats are significant drivers of PMV cross-species viral transmission. Additionally, the studies that have evaluated PMV presence in Brazilian bats have mainly found sequences classified in the Jeilongvirus and Morbillivirus genera that belong to the Orthoparamyxovirinae subfamily. Despite the increasing amount of research on Brazilian bats, studies analyzing these samples are still scarce. When surveying the representativeness of the CoVs and PMVs found and the available genomic sequences, it can be perceived that there may be gaps in the knowledge. The continuous monitoring of viral sequences that are closely related to human pathogens may be helpful in mapping and predicting future hotspots in the emergence of zoonotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Nunes Weber
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Universidade FEEVALE, Novo Hamburgo 93525-075, RS, Brazil;
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Forero-Muñoz NR, Muylaert RL, Seifert SN, Albery GF, Becker DJ, Carlson CJ, Poisot T. The coevolutionary mosaic of bat betacoronavirus emergence risk. Virus Evol 2023; 10:vead079. [PMID: 38361817 PMCID: PMC10868545 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead079] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogen evolution is one of the least predictable components of disease emergence, particularly in nature. Here, building on principles established by the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution, we develop a quantitative, spatially explicit framework for mapping the evolutionary risk of viral emergence. Driven by interest in diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we examine the global biogeography of bat-origin betacoronaviruses, and find that coevolutionary principles suggest geographies of risk that are distinct from the hotspots and coldspots of host richness. Further, our framework helps explain patterns like a unique pool of merbecoviruses in the Neotropics, a recently discovered lineage of divergent nobecoviruses in Madagascar, and-most importantly-hotspots of diversification in southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East that correspond to the site of previous zoonotic emergence events. Our framework may help identify hotspots of future risk that have also been previously overlooked, like West Africa and the Indian subcontinent, and may more broadly help researchers understand how host ecology shapes the evolution and diversity of pandemic threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma R Forero-Muñoz
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 1375 Avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal (Québec) H2V 0B3, Canada
- Québec Centre for Biodiversity Sciences
| | - Renata L Muylaert
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie N Seifert
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Daniel J Becker
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | - Colin J Carlson
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Timothée Poisot
- Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, 1375 Avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal (Québec) H2V 0B3, Canada
- Québec Centre for Biodiversity Sciences
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Ahmed AS, Bekele A, Kasso M, Atickem A. Impact of climate change on the distribution and predicted habitat suitability of two fruit bats ( Rousettus aegyptiacus and Epomophorus labiatus) in Ethiopia: Implications for conservation. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10481. [PMID: 37711498 PMCID: PMC10497737 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10481] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Fruit bats serve as crucial bioindicators, seed dispersers, pollinators, and contributors to food security within ecosystems. However, their population and distribution were threatened by climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Understanding the impacts of these pressures through mapping distribution and habitat suitability is crucial for identifying high-priority areas and implementing effective conservation and management plans. We predicted the distribution and extent of habitat suitability for Rousettus aegyptiacus and Epomophorus labiatus under climate change scenarios using average predictions from four different algorithms to produce an ensemble model. Seasonal precipitation, population index, land-use land cover, vegetation, and the mean temperature of the driest quarter majorly contributed to the predicted habitat suitability for both species. The current predicted sizes of suitable habitats for R. aegyptiacus and E. labiatus were varied, on average 60,271.4 and 85,176.1 km2, respectively. The change in species range size for R. aegyptiacus showed gains in suitable areas of 24.4% and 22.8% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. However, for E. labiatus, suitable areas decreased by 0.95% and 2% in 2050 and 2070, respectively. The range size change of suitable areas between 2050 and 2070 for R. aegyptiacus and E. labiatus shows losses of 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively. The predicted maps indicate that the midlands and highlands of southern and eastern Ethiopia harbor highly suitable areas for both species. In contrast, the areas in the northern and central highlands are fragmented. The current model findings show that climate change and anthropogenic pressures have notable impacts on the geographic ranges of two species. Moreover, the predicted suitable habitats for both species are found both within and outside of their historical ranges, which has important implications for conservation efforts. Our ensemble predictions are vital for identifying high-priority areas for fruit bat species conservation efforts and management to mitigate climate change and anthropogenic pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Seid Ahmed
- Department of BiologyHawassa UniversityHawassaEthiopia
- Department of Zoological SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Afework Bekele
- Department of Zoological SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Mohammed Kasso
- Department of BiologyDire Dawa UniversityDire DawaEthiopia
| | - Anagaw Atickem
- Department of Zoological SciencesAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
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Silva-Ramos CR, Noriega J, Fajardo RF, Chala-Quintero SM, Del Pilar Pulido-Villamarín A, Pérez-Torres J, Castañeda-Salazar R, Cuervo C. Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Cryptosporidium spp. Isolates from Bats in Colombia. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:676-682. [PMID: 37531008 PMCID: PMC10462512 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00697-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium spp., frequently found in several animal species, including bats. Several Cryptosporidium genotypes have been described in bats worldwide, suggesting that bats are infected by host-specific Cryptosporidium spp. To date, there are no published reports about Cryptosporidium spp. in bats from Colombia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence and molecular diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. in Colombian bats. METHODS A total of 63 gut samples from three bat species served for molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. 18S rDNA gene by qPCR. The sequenced amplicons were used in subsequent phylogenetic analyses to identify them as species or genotypes. RESULTS Cryptosporidium spp. qPCR detection occurred in 9.5% (6/63) of bat intestines, and four sequences represented two new genotypes, called Cryptosporidium bat genotypes XIX and XX, were identified. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the detection of two novel Cryptosporidium bat genotypes, in two species of bats from a region of Colombia, requiring further studies to determine the relationhip between Cryptosporidium and bats in Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juliana Noriega
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
- Unidad de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (UNIDIA), Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rafael F Fajardo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sandra M Chala-Quintero
- Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Laboratorio de Ecología Funcional, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Del Pilar Pulido-Villamarín
- Unidad de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (UNIDIA), Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jairo Pérez-Torres
- Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Laboratorio de Ecología Funcional, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rubiela Castañeda-Salazar
- Unidad de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (UNIDIA), Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Claudia Cuervo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
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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.
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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
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10
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FACTORS IMPACTING SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION OF BIG BROWN BATS (EPTESICUS FUSCUS) IN A WISCONSIN WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER: A 5-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE. J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:32-39. [PMID: 36971626 DOI: 10.1638/2021-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus; EPFU) is widely distributed throughout the Americas and plays critical roles in sustaining cave ecosystems and abating agricultural pests. In Wisconsin, EPFU is a threatened species with declining populations due to hibernacula disturbances, wind turbines, and habitat destruction. Due to their ecological and economic value, it is important to be able to release EPFU that enter wildlife rehabilitation centers back to the wild. This study evaluated the medical records of 454 EPFU (275 male, 179 female) admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Wisconsin from 2015 to 2020. For each bat, the season at intake, examination findings, length of time in rehabilitation, and final outcome (released or not released) were recorded. Using a multiple variable logistic regression model, there was a statistically significant positive association between length of time in the rehabilitation center and likelihood of release (odds ratio [OR] 1.08; 95% CI 1.06-1.12); this association can be explained by the need to overwinter some otherwise healthy bats in rehabilitation during hibernation. The following examination findings were associated with a significantly lower likelihood of release: wing injury (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.10-0.89) and decreased body condition (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.12-0.64). When corrected for time spent in rehabilitation (potentially artificially lengthened due to hibernation), patients admitted in the summer and fall were less likely to be released than those admitted in the winter (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.90-0.96 and OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.92-0.97, respectively). The results of this study can be used to help veterinarians and licensed rehabilitators better triage EPFU during admission to wildlife rehabilitation centers in order to improve management and promote successful release back to the wild.
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11
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Katumo DM, Liang H, Ochola AC, Lv M, Wang QF, Yang CF. Pollinator diversity benefits natural and agricultural ecosystems, environmental health, and human welfare. PLANT DIVERSITY 2022; 44:429-435. [PMID: 36187551 PMCID: PMC9512639 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biodiversity loss during the Anthropocene is a serious ecological challenge. Pollinators are important vectors that provide multiple essential ecosystem services but are declining rapidly in this changing world. However, several studies have argued that a high abundance of managed bee pollinators, such as honeybees (Apis mellifera), may be sufficient to provide pollination services for crop productivity, and sociological studies indicate that the majority of farmers worldwide do not recognize the contribution of wild pollinator diversity to agricultural yield. Here, we review the importance of pollinator diversity in natural and agricultural ecosystems that may be thwarted by the increase in abundance of managed pollinators such as honeybees. We also emphasize the additional roles diverse pollinator communities play in environmental safety, culture, and aesthetics. Research indicates that in natural ecosystems, pollinator diversity enhances pollination during environmental and climatic perturbations, thus alleviating pollen limitation. In agricultural ecosystems, pollinator diversity increases the quality and quantity of crop yield. Furthermore, studies indicate that many pollinator groups are useful in monitoring environmental pollution, aid in pest and disease control, and provide cultural and aesthetic value. During the uncertainties that may accompany rapid environmental changes in the Anthropocene, the conservation of pollinator diversity must expand beyond bee conservation. Similarly, the value of pollinator diversity maintenance extends beyond the provision of pollination services. Accordingly, conservation of pollinator diversity requires an interdisciplinary approach with contributions from environmentalists, taxonomists, and social scientists, including artists, who can shape opinions and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mutavi Katumo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Huan Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Anne Christine Ochola
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Min Lv
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Qing-Feng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Chun-Feng Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China
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12
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Cholleti H, de Jong J, Blomström AL, Berg M. Characterization of Pipistrellus pygmaeus Bat Virome from Sweden. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081654. [PMID: 36016275 PMCID: PMC9415950 DOI: 10.3390/v14081654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing amounts of data indicate that bats harbor a higher viral diversity relative to other mammalian orders, and they have been recognized as potential reservoirs for pathogenic viruses, such as the Hendra, Nipah, Marburg, and SARS-CoV viruses. Here, we present the first viral metagenomic analysis of Pipistrellus pygmaeus from Uppsala, Sweden. Total RNA was extracted from the saliva and feces of individual bats and analyzed using Illumina sequencing. The results identified sequences related to 51 different viral families, including vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant viruses. These viral families include Coronaviridae, Picornaviridae, Dicistroviridae, Astroviridae, Hepeviridae, Reoviridae, Botourmiaviridae, Lispviridae, Totiviridae, Botoumiaviridae, Parvoviridae, Retroviridae, Adenoviridae, and Partitiviridae, as well as different unclassified viruses. We further characterized three near full-length genome sequences of bat coronaviruses. A phylogenetic analysis showed that these belonged to alphacoronaviruses with the closest similarity (78–99% at the protein level) to Danish and Finnish bat coronaviruses detected in Pipistrellus and Myotis bats. In addition, the full-length and the near full-length genomes of picornavirus were characterized. These showed the closest similarity (88–94% at the protein level) to bat picornaviruses identified in Chinese bats. Altogether, the results of this study show that Swedish Pipistrellus bats harbor a great diversity of viruses, some of which are closely related to mammalian viruses. This study expands our knowledge on the bat population virome and improves our understanding of the evolution and transmission of viruses among bats and to other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harindranath Cholleti
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (A.-L.B.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Johnny de Jong
- Swedish Biodiversity Centre (CBM), Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7016, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Anne-Lie Blomström
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (A.-L.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Mikael Berg
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7028, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (A.-L.B.); (M.B.)
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13
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Bueno LM, Rizotto LS, Viana ADO, Silva LMN, de Moraes MVDS, Benassi JC, Scagion GP, Dorlass EG, Lopes BLT, Cunha IN, Melinski R, de Alvarenga IF, Leitão GL, Rodrigues RC, Pereira IMDS, Santos LDND, Fisch F, Rocha AD, Port D, Pereira GS, Greatti A, Barnabé ACDS, Tsukamoto J, Hingst-Zaher E, Junior SMDA, Junior WRT, Branco JO, Ometto T, de Araujo J, Arns CW, Ferreira HL, Durigon EEL. High genetic diversity of alphacoronaviruses in bat species (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e2863-e2875. [PMID: 35729863 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14636] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bat coronaviruses (Bat-CoV) represent around 35% of all virus genomes described in bats. Brazil has one of the highest mammal species diversities, with 181 species of bats described so far. However, few Bat-CoV surveillance programs were carried out in the country. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the Bat-CoV diversity in the Atlantic Forest, the second biome with the highest number of bat species in Brazil. We analyzed 456 oral and rectal swabs and 22 tissue samples from Atlantic Forest bats, detecting Alphacoronavirus in 44 swab samples (9.64%) targeting the RdRp gene from seven different bat species, three of them that have never been described as Bat-CoV hosts. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid (aa) sequences coding the RdRp gene grouped the sequences obtained in our study with Bat-CoV previously detected in identical or congeneric bat species, with high aa identity (over 90%). The RdRp gene was also detected in three tissue samples from Diphylla ecaudata and Sturnira lilium, and the partial S gene was successfully sequenced in five tissues and swab samples of D. ecaudata. The phylogenetic analysis based on the partial S gene obtained here grouped with the sequence of D. ecaudata with CoV from Desmodus rotundus previously detected in Peru and Brazil, with aa identity ranging from 73.6% to 88.8%. Our data reinforce the wide distribution of Coronaviruses in bats from Brazil and the novelty of three bats species as Bat-CoV hosts and the co-circulation of four Alphacoronavirus subgenera in Brazil. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Mayumi Bueno
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, FZEA- USP, University of Sao Paulo, 225 Av Duque de Caxias Norte, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Laís Santos Rizotto
- Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, FMVZ-USP, University of São Paulo, 87 Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda de Oliveira Viana
- Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, 1374 Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Laura Morais Nascimento Silva
- Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, FMVZ-USP, University of São Paulo, 87 Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Vitória Dos Santos de Moraes
- Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, FMVZ-USP, University of São Paulo, 87 Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia Cristina Benassi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, FZEA- USP, University of Sao Paulo, 225 Av Duque de Caxias Norte, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pereira Scagion
- Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, 1374 Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Erick Gustavo Dorlass
- Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, 1374 Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Irineu Noberto Cunha
- Biological Museum, Instituto Butantan, 1500 Vital Brasil Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ramiro Melinski
- Biological Museum, Instituto Butantan, 1500 Vital Brasil Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Lins Leitão
- Biological Museum, Instituto Butantan, 1500 Vital Brasil Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberta Costa Rodrigues
- Biology Departament, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros Street, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fabiane Fisch
- School of Sea, Science and Technology, University of Vale do Itajaí, 458 Uruguai Street, Itajaí, SC, Brazil
| | - Alana Drielle Rocha
- School of Sea, Science and Technology, University of Vale do Itajaí, 458 Uruguai Street, Itajaí, SC, Brazil
| | - Dagoberto Port
- Brusque Educational Foundation, 123 Dorval Luz Street, Brusque, SC, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Stahelin Pereira
- School of Sea, Science and Technology, University of Vale do Itajaí, 458 Uruguai Street, Itajaí, SC, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Greatti
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Caroline de Souza Barnabé
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Junko Tsukamoto
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Erika Hingst-Zaher
- Biological Museum, Instituto Butantan, 1500 Vital Brasil Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Joaquim Olinto Branco
- School of Sea, Science and Technology, University of Vale do Itajaí, 458 Uruguai Street, Itajaí, SC, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Ometto
- Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, 1374 Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jansen de Araujo
- Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, 1374 Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Clarice Weis Arns
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Helena Lage Ferreira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, FZEA- USP, University of Sao Paulo, 225 Av Duque de Caxias Norte, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Experimental Epidemiology Applied to Zoonoses, FMVZ-USP, University of São Paulo, 87 Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - E Edison Luiz Durigon
- Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, 1374 Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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14
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Kearny VM, Perry RW, Risch TS, Rolland V. Distribution and Roost Site Selection of Eastern Small-Footed Bats (Myotis leibii) in Mountains of West-Central Arkansas. SOUTHEAST NAT 2022. [DOI: 10.1656/058.021.0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie M. Kearny
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467
| | - Roger W. Perry
- Forest Service Southern Research Station, Hot Springs, AR 71902
| | - Thomas S. Risch
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467
| | - Virginie Rolland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467
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15
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Silva-Ramos CR, Chala-Quintero SM, Faccini-Martínez ÁA, Hidalgo M, Pulido-Villamarín ADP, Pérez-Torres J, Cuervo C. Pathogenic Leptospira Species in Bats: Molecular Detection in a Colombian Cave. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7060084. [PMID: 35736963 PMCID: PMC9227167 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7060084] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., which can be found in nature among domestic and wild animals. In Colombia, the Macaregua cave is known for its bat richness; thus, because bats are reservoir hosts of human microbiological pathogens, we determined if the Macaregua cave bats harbored Leptospira in the wild. A total of 85 kidney samples were collected from three bat species (Carollia perspicillata, Mormoops megalophylla, and Natalus tumidirostris) to detect Leptospira spp. The 16S rRNA gene was targeted through conventional PCR and qPCR; in addition, the LipL32 gene was detected using conventional PCR. Obtained amplicons were purified and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The Leptospira spp. 16S rRNA gene was detected in 51.8% bat kidneys, of which 35 sequences were obtained, all clustering within the pathogenic group. Moreover, 11 sequences presented high-identity-values with Leptospiranoguchii, Leptospiraalexanderi, Leptospiraborgpetersenii, Leptospirakirschneri, and Leptospiramayottensis. From the 16S rRNALeptospira spp.-positive population samples, 28 amplified for the LipL32 gene, and 23 sequences clustered in five different phylogenetic groups. In conclusion, we detected the circulation of different groups of Leptospira spp. sequences among cave bats in the wild; some sequences were detected in more than one bat specimen from the same species, suggesting a conspecific transmission within the cave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (C.R.S.-R.); (S.M.C.-Q.); (M.H.)
| | - Sandra M. Chala-Quintero
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (C.R.S.-R.); (S.M.C.-Q.); (M.H.)
| | - Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez
- Instituto de investigaciones, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud—FUCS, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
- Servicios y Asesorías en Infectología – SAI, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
- Committee of Tropical Medicine, Zoonoses and Travel Medicine, Asociación Colombiana de Infectología, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Marylin Hidalgo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (C.R.S.-R.); (S.M.C.-Q.); (M.H.)
| | - Adriana del Pilar Pulido-Villamarín
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Unidad de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (UNIDIA), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
| | - Jairo Pérez-Torres
- Laboratorio de Ecología Funcional, Facultad de Ciencias, Unidad de Ecología y Sistemática (UNESIS), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia;
| | - Claudia Cuervo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (C.R.S.-R.); (S.M.C.-Q.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-1-320-8320 (ext. 4138)
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16
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Mwinyi AM, Nnko HJ. Seasonality of Pemba flying fox (
Pteropus voeltzkowi
) in selected habitats of Pemba Island, and its roles in seed dispersal and germination. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali M. Mwinyi
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies University of Dodoma Dodoma Tanzania
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17
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Escamilla Molgora JM, Sedda L, Diggle PJ, Atkinson PM. A taxonomic-based joint species distribution model for presence-only data. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20210681. [PMID: 35193392 PMCID: PMC8864348 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Species distribution models (SDMs) are an important class of model for mapping taxa spatially and are a key tool for tackling biodiversity loss. However, most common SDMs depend on presence–absence data and, despite the accumulation and exponential growth of biological occurrence data across the globe, the available data are predominantly presence-only (i.e. they lack real absences). Although presence-only SDMs do exist, they inevitably require assumptions about absences of the considered taxa and they are specified mostly for single species and, thus, do not exploit fully the information in related taxa. This greatly limits the utility of global biodiversity databases such as GBIF. Here, we present a Bayesian-based SDM for multiple species that operates directly on presence-only data by exploiting the joint distribution between the multiple ecological processes and, crucially, identifies the sampling effort per taxa which allows inference on absences. The model was applied to two case studies. One, focusing on taxonomically diverse taxa over central Mexico and another focusing on the monophyletic family Cactacea over continental Mexico. In both cases, the model was able to identify the ecological and sampling effort processes for each taxon using only the presence observations, environmental and anthropological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Escamilla Molgora
- Lancaster Environment Centre.,Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics (CHICAS), Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, and
| | - Luigi Sedda
- Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine
| | - Peter J Diggle
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics (CHICAS), Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, and
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18
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Kruszynski C, de Andrade Moral R, Míllan C, Diniz-Reis TR, Mello MAR, de Camargo PB. Diet Composition of Bats in a Human-Modified Tropical Landscape. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2021.23.2.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Kruszynski
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA), Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Centenário, 303, 13400-970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiane Míllan
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, 321/Travessa 14, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais R. Diniz-Reis
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA), Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Centenário, 303, 13400-970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Marco A. R. Mello
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo. Rua do Matão, 321/Travessa 14, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Plinio B. de Camargo
- Laboratório de Ecologia, Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA), Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Centenário, 303, 13400-970 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
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19
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Gómez-Sánchez EF, Ochoa-Díaz-López H, Espinoza-Medinilla EE, Velázquez-Ramírez DD, Santos-Hernandez NG, Ruiz-Castillejos C, Vidal-López DG, Moreno-Rodríguez A, Flores-Villegas AL, López-Argueta E, De Fuentes-Vicente JA. Mini-exon gene reveals circulation of TcI Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) in bats and small mammals in an ecological reserve in southeastern Mexico. Zookeys 2022; 1084:139-150. [PMID: 35177949 PMCID: PMC8816842 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1084.78664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of mammals are involved in the sylvatic cycle of Trypanosomacruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. In many areas in Latin America where T.cruzi is endemic, this cycle is poorly known, and its main reservoirs have not been identified. In this study we analyzed T.cruzi infection in bats and other small mammals from an Ecological Reserve in southeastern Mexico. From January through March 2021, we captured wild individuals to extract cardiac and peripheral blood, and infection was detected by PCR of the mini-exon gene. In bats, the prevalence of infection was 16.36%, while in small mammals the prevalence was 28.57%. All of the samples that were positive for T.cruzi were identified as the TCI genotype. Our findings suggest that this zone, situated at the periphery of urban zones might have epidemiological relevance in the sylvatic cycle of T.cruzi and needs to be monitored. The infection of bats in this area is particularly concerning since the flight pattern of this populations overlaps with human settlements. Despite being subject to conservation protections, there continue to be anthropogenic actions that disturb the study area, which could exacerbate risks to public health.
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20
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Deshpande K, Vanak AT, Devy MS, Krishnaswamy J. Forbidden fruits? Ecosystem services from seed dispersal by fruit bats in the context of latent zoonotic risk. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.08359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kadambari Deshpande
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura Bangalore Karnataka India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Madhav Nagar Manipal Karnataka India
| | - Abi T. Vanak
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura Bangalore Karnataka India
- DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Hyderabad India
- School of Life Sciences, Univ. of KwaZulu‐Natal Westville Durban South Africa
| | - M. Soubadra Devy
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura Bangalore Karnataka India
| | - Jagdish Krishnaswamy
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura Bangalore Karnataka India
- School of Environment and Sustainability, Indian Inst. for Human Settlements, Sadashiv Nagar Bangalore Karnataka India
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21
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Ramírez-Fráncel LA, García-Herrera LV, Losada-Prado S, Reinoso-Flórez G, Sánchez-Hernández A, Estrada-Villegas S, Lim BK, Guevara G. Bats and their vital ecosystem services: a global review. Integr Zool 2022; 17:2-23. [PMID: 34003577 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Bats play crucial ecosystem services as seed dispersers, pollinators, controllers of insects, and nutrient recyclers. However, there has not been a thorough global review evaluating these roles in bats across all biogeographical regions of the world. We reviewed the literature published during the last two decades and identified 283 relevant studies: 78 dealt with the control of potential insect pests by bats, 80 related to the suppression of other arthropods, 60 on the dispersal of native or endemic seeds, 11 dealt with the dispersal of seeds of introduced plants, 29 on the pollination of native or endemic plants, 1 study on pollination of introduced plants, and 24 on the use of guano as fertilizer. Our literature search showed that queries combining the terms "seed dispersal," "insectivorous bats," "nectarivorous bats," "use of guano," and "ecosystem services" returned 577 studies, but half were experimental in nature. We found that the evaluation of ecosystem services by bats has been mostly conducted in the Neotropical and Palearctic regions. To detect differences across relevant studies, and to explain trends in the study of ecosystem services provided by bats, we performed generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) fitted with a Poisson distribution to analyze potential differences among sampling methods. We identified 409 bat species that provide ecosystem services, 752 insect species consumed by bats and 549 plant species either dispersed or pollinated by bats. Our review summarizes the importance of conserving bat populations and the ecological services they provide, which is especially important during the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leidy Azucena Ramírez-Fráncel
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas & Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia.,Programa para la Conservación de los Murciélagos de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Leidy Viviana García-Herrera
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas & Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia.,Programa para la Conservación de los Murciélagos de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Sergio Losada-Prado
- Departamento de Biología & Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Gladys Reinoso-Flórez
- Departamento de Biología & Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Alfonso Sánchez-Hernández
- Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
| | - Sergio Estrada-Villegas
- Programa para la Conservación de los Murciélagos de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,Yale School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama
| | - Burton K Lim
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Giovany Guevara
- Departamento de Biología & Grupo de Investigación en Zoología (GIZ), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia
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22
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Cable AB, Willcox EV, Leppanen C. Contaminant exposure as an additional stressor to bats affected by white-nose syndrome: current evidence and knowledge gaps. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 31:12-23. [PMID: 34625892 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02475-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Bats are exposed to numerous threats including pollution and emerging diseases. In North America, the fungal disease white-nose syndrome (WNS) has caused declines in many bat species. While the mechanisms of WNS have received considerable research attention, possible influences of contaminants have not. Herein, we review what is known about contaminant exposure and toxicity for four species whose populations have been severely affected by WNS (Myotis sodalis, M. septentrionalis, M. lucifugus, and Perimyotis subflavus) and identify temporal and spatial data gaps. We determine that there is limited information about the effects of contaminants on bats, and many compounds that have been detected in these bat species have yet to be evaluated for toxicity. The four species examined were exposed to a wide variety of contaminants; however, large spatial and knowledge gaps limit our ability to evaluate if contaminants contribute to species-level declines and if contaminant exposure exacerbates infection by WNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh B Cable
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, 274 Ellington Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1610, USA
| | - Emma V Willcox
- Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, 274 Ellington Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1610, USA.
| | - Christy Leppanen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 569 Dabney Hall, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1610, USA
- The Center for Tobacco Products, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20993-0002, USA
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23
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Lundberg P, Meierhofer MB, Vasko V, Suutari M, Ojala A, Vainio A, Lilley TM. Next‐generation ultrasonic recorders facilitate effective bat activity and distribution monitoring by citizen scientists. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Piia Lundberg
- BatLab Finland Zoology Unit Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Melissa B. Meierhofer
- BatLab Finland Zoology Unit Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Ville Vasko
- BatLab Finland Zoology Unit Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Miina Suutari
- BatLab Finland Zoology Unit Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Ann Ojala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) Helsinki Finland
| | - Annukka Vainio
- Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Thomas M. Lilley
- BatLab Finland Zoology Unit Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
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24
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Ayolabi CI, Olusola BA, Lawal AA, Chibuike AD, Nzekwue BN. Detection of novel paramyxoviruses in Chaerephon bat species in Nigeria and phylogenetics of paramyxoviruses co-evolution with bats in Africa. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 69:117-135. [PMID: 34817117 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12900] [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: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bat paramyxoviruses (PmV) are a diverse group of viruses and include zoonotic viruses such as henipaviruses. Members of this group in other continents have been associated with severe respiratory and neurological infections in animals and humans. Furthermore, despite the richness of diverse bat species that can transmit this virus in African countries like Nigeria, there is very scanty information as to the presence and co-evolution of paramyxoviruses in bats. There is a need for continuous surveillance of zoonotic viruses and their biological reservoirs as this will help in the prevention and management of pathogens' spillovers. This study detected novel paramyxoviruses in Chaerephon nigeriae bat species found in Badagry, Lagos. Phylogenetic analyses of paramyxovirus sequences' co-evolution with frugivorous and insectivorous bats circulating in African countries were also performed using sequences of African origin available in the Database of Bat-Associated Viruses (DBatVir: http://www.mgc.ac.cn/DBatVir/). Oral swabs (n = 18) and blood samples (n = 32) were collected from C. nigeriae bats in Badagry, Lagos. The L gene of bat paramyxovirus was detected in all oral swabs using PCR techniques. Six of the amplicons were successfully sequenced. Estimated phylogenies placed the sequences in close relationship with those isolated from insectivorous bats. Phylogenetic analyses of previously sequenced isolates in the African region showed the likelihood of different co-evolution mechanisms of paramyxoviruses with frugivorous bats compared with insectivorous bats. This may be due to codon usage bias of the L gene. Spatial distribution of paramyxoviruses in African countries showed limited ongoing surveillance of this virus in the continent, especially in southern and northern countries. Extensive surveillance of paramyxoviruses with possible zoonotic potentials among bat species in the continent is recommended. This will provide further insights into co-evolution as well as prevent possible spillover into the human population.
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25
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Poofery J, Narapakdeesakul D, Riana E, Arnuphapprasert A, Nugraheni YR, Ngamprasertwong T, Wangthongchaicharoen M, Soisook P, Bhodhibundit P, Kaewthamasorn M. Molecular identification and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in 24 bat species from Thailand. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e717-e733. [PMID: 34755483 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14389] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The study of bacterial zoonoses has been under-pursued despite the fact that bacteria cause the majority of zoonotic diseases, of which 70% have a wildlife origin. More Bartonella species are being identified as the cause of human diseases, and several of them have been linked to domestic and wild animals. Bats are outstanding reservoirs for Bartonella species because of their wide distribution, mobility, roosting behaviour, and long life span. Here, we carried out a PCR-based survey on bats that were collected from 19 sampling sites in eight provinces of Thailand from February 2018 to April 2021. Bartonella infection was investigated in a total of 459 bats that belong to 24 different bat species (21 species of which had never been previously studied in Thailand). PCR diagnostics revealed that 115 out of 459 (25.5%) blood samples tested positive for Bartonella. The nucleotide identities of the Bartonella 16S rRNA sequences in this study were between 95.78-99.66% identical to those of known zoonotic species (Bartonella ancashensis, Bartonella henselae, Bartonella bacilliformis and Bartonella australis) as well as to an unidentified Bartonella spp. In addition, the citrate synthase (gltA) and RNA polymerase-beta subunit (rpoB) genes of Bartonella were sequenced and analyzed in positive samples. The gltA and rpoB gene sequences from Hipposideros gentilis and Rhinolophus coelophyllus bat samples showed low nucleotide identity (<95%) compared to those of the currently deposited sequences in the GenBank database, indicating the possibility of new Bartonella species. The phylogenetic inference and genetic diversity were generated and indicated a close relationship with other Bartonella species previously discovered in Asian bats. Overall, the current study demonstrates the primary evidence pointing to a potential novel Bartonella species in bats. This discovery also contributes to our current understanding of the geographical distribution, genetic diversity, and host ranges of bat-related Bartonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juthathip Poofery
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Duriyang Narapakdeesakul
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Veterinary Pathobiology Graduate Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth Riana
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,The International Graduate Program of Veterinary Science and Technology (VST), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Apinya Arnuphapprasert
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Veterinary Pathobiology Graduate Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yudhi Ratna Nugraheni
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,The International Graduate Program of Veterinary Science and Technology (VST), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | | | - Pipat Soisook
- Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Phanaschakorn Bhodhibundit
- Sai Yok National Park, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
| | - Morakot Kaewthamasorn
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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26
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Zielinska-Dabkowska KM, Szlachetko K, Bobkowska K. An Impact Analysis of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on Bats. A Case Study of the Historic Monument and Natura 2000 Wisłoujście Fortress in Gdansk, Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11327. [PMID: 34769843 PMCID: PMC8582723 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The artificial light at night (ALAN) present in many cities and towns has a negative impact on numerous organisms that live alongside humans, including bats. Therefore, we investigated if the artificial illumination of the historic Wisłoujście Fortress in Gdańsk, Poland (part of the Natura 2000 network), during nighttime events, which included an outdoor electronic dance music (EDM) festival, might be responsible for increased light pollution and the decline in recent years of the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme). An assessment of light pollution levels was made using the methods of geographical information system (GIS) and free-of-charge satellite remote sensing (SRS) technology. Moreover, this paper reviewed the most important approaches for environmental protection of bats in the context of ecological light pollution, including International, European, and Polish regulatory frameworks. The analysis of this interdisciplinary study confirmed the complexity of the problem and highlighted, too, the need for better control of artificial illumination in such sensitive areas. It also revealed that SRS was not the best light pollution assessment method for this particular case study due to several reasons listed in this paper. As a result, the authors' proposal for improvements also involved practical recommendations for devising suitable strategies for lighting research and practice in the Natura 2000 Wisłoujście Fortress site located adjacent to urban areas to reduce the potential negative impact of ALAN on bats and their natural habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katarzyna Bobkowska
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland;
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27
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Moiseienko M, Vlaschenko A. Quantitative evaluation of individual food intake by insectivorous vespertilionid bats (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae). Biol Open 2021; 10:269042. [PMID: 34096574 PMCID: PMC8214420 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Insectivorous bats provide important ecosystem services, especially by suppressing and controlling the insects’ biomass. To empirically quantify the number of insects consumed by European vespertilionid bats per night, we estimated their ratio of dry mass of feces to mass of consumed insects. This study combines the results of feeding in captivity and the data obtained in field surveys; dry mass of feces was measured in both cases. In captivity, we analyzed the effect of species, age and sex of bats, species of insects consumed and the mass of food portion on the dry mass of feces. Using coefficients of the regression model, we estimated the number of insects consumed by free-ranging bats based on dry mass of their feces. According to our estimates, on average, one individual of one of the largest European bat species, Nyctalusnoctula, consumes 2.2 g (ranging from 0.5 to 8.2 g) of insects per one feeding night, while the smallest European bats of genus Pipistrellus consume 0.4 g (ranging from 0.1 to 1.3 g), further confirming the importance of insectivorous bats for ecosystem services. This publication offers the novel method for the estimation of insects’ biomass consumed by bats. Summary: This study applies a combination of experiment in captivity and field survey that can be used as an easy methodological approach to estimate insect biomass consumed by bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marharyta Moiseienko
- Bat Rehabilitation Center of Feldman Ecopark, 62340 Lisne, Kharkiv Region, Ukraine
| | - Anton Vlaschenko
- Bat Rehabilitation Center of Feldman Ecopark, 62340 Lisne, Kharkiv Region, Ukraine.,H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, Institute of Natural Sciences, Valentynivska St., 2, Kharkiv, 61168, Ukraine.,NGO, Ukrainian Independent Ecology Institute, Plekhanivska St., 40/27, 61001 Kharkiv, Ukraine
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28
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Ramos-Nino ME, Fitzpatrick DM, Eckstrom KM, Tighe S, Dragon JA, Cheetham S. The Kidney-Associated Microbiome of Wild-Caught Artibeus spp. in Grenada, West Indies. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061571. [PMID: 34072244 PMCID: PMC8227013 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bats are increasingly being recognized as important integrants of zoonotic disease cycles. Studying bat microbiomes could potentially contribute to the epidemiology of emerging infectious diseases in humans. Furthermore, studying the bat’s microbiome gives us the opportunity to look at the microbiome evolution in mammals. Bat microbiome studies have focused mainly on the gut microbiome, but little is known of the microbiome of the kidney, another potential source of disease transmission. Furthermore, many studies on microbiome found in the literature are based on captive animals, which usually alters the natural microbiome. Here, we analyzed kidney samples of wild-caught Artibeus spp., a fructivorous bat species from Grenada, West Indies, using metagenomics. Abstract Bats are capable of asymptomatically carrying a diverse number of microorganisms, including human pathogens, due to their unique immune system. Because of the close contact between bats and humans, there is a possibility for interspecies transmission and consequential disease outbreaks. Herein, high-throughput sequencing was used to determine the kidney-associated microbiome of a bat species abundant in Grenada, West Indies, Artibeus spp. Results indicate that the kidney of these bats can carry potential human pathogens. An endogenous retrovirus, Desmodus rotundus endogenous retrovirus isolate 824, phylogenetically related to betaretroviruses from rodents and New World primates, was also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Ramos-Nino
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, St. George’s University, West Indies, Grenada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-802-8936358
| | - Daniel M. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, West Indies, Grenada; (D.M.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Korin M. Eckstrom
- Larner School of Medicine, University of Vermont Massively Parallel Sequencing Facility, Burlington, VT 05401, USA; (K.M.E.); (S.T.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Scott Tighe
- Larner School of Medicine, University of Vermont Massively Parallel Sequencing Facility, Burlington, VT 05401, USA; (K.M.E.); (S.T.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Julie A. Dragon
- Larner School of Medicine, University of Vermont Massively Parallel Sequencing Facility, Burlington, VT 05401, USA; (K.M.E.); (S.T.); (J.A.D.)
| | - Sonia Cheetham
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, West Indies, Grenada; (D.M.F.); (S.C.)
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29
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Ball S, Caravaggi A, Butler F. Runway roadkill: a global review of mammal strikes with aircraft. Mamm Rev 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ball
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, Distillery Fields University College Cork CorkT23 TK30Ireland
- Dublin Airport Authority, Airport Fire and Rescue Service DublinK67 CX65Ireland
| | - Anthony Caravaggi
- School of Applied Sciences University of South Wales 9 Graig Fach Glyntaff, PontypriddCF37 4BBUK
| | - Fidelma Butler
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, Distillery Fields University College Cork CorkT23 TK30Ireland
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30
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Hügel T, Goerlitz HR. Light might suppress both types of sound-evoked antipredator flight in moths. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:13134-13142. [PMID: 33304523 PMCID: PMC7713931 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Urbanization exposes wild animals to increased levels of light, affecting particularly nocturnal animals. Artificial light at night might shift the balance of predator-prey interactions, for example, of nocturnal echolocating bats and eared moths. Moths exposed to light show less last-ditch maneuvers in response to attacking close-by bats. In contrast, the extent to which negative phonotaxis, moths' first line of defense against distant bats, is affected by light is unclear. Here, we aimed to quantify the overall effect of light on both types of sound-evoked antipredator flight, last-ditch maneuvers and negative phonotaxis. We caught moths at two light traps, which were alternately equipped with loudspeakers that presented ultrasonic playbacks to simulate hunting bats. The light field was omnidirectional to attract moths equally from all directions. In contrast, the sound field was directional and thus, depending on the moth's approach direction, elicited either only negative phonotaxis, or negative phonotaxis and last-ditch maneuvers. We did not observe an effect of sound playback on the number of caught moths, suggesting that light might suppress both types of antipredator flight, as either type would have caused a decline in the number of caught moths. As control, we confirmed that our playback was able to elicit evasive flight in moths in a dark flight room. Showing no effect of a treatment, however, is difficult. We discuss potential alternative explanations for our results, and call for further studies to investigate how light interferes with animal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Hügel
- Acoustic and Functional EcologyMax Planck Institute for OrnithologySeewiesenGermany
| | - Holger R. Goerlitz
- Acoustic and Functional EcologyMax Planck Institute for OrnithologySeewiesenGermany
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31
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The Life Hidden Inside Caves: Ecological and Economic Importance of Bat Guano. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/9872532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Bats are emblematic hosts of caves. These small flying mammals deserve special attention because their presence has a great economic and ecological impact; they introduce organic matter, the guano, in the ecosystem they live in. Indeed, “guano” (a Quechua word meaning “fertilizer”) is the accumulation of their fecal matter (excreta); its deposition can reach several meters. The composition of guano is influenced by the bat’s food. In addition to its role within the caves, the bat guano is exploited for various purposes; it is used as an effective fertilizer for the cultivation of plants because of having exceptionally high content of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium and also for the improvement of detergents and other products of great value for humans. The bat guano hosts various classes of microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, and protists), which are adapted to the cave environment. Since guano is highly acidic, these microorganisms can be considered as extremophiles. They produce functional organic compounds in extreme conditions that could be of interest not only in the drug industry but also in different biotechnological areas. Here, we review already available information on the ecological and economic effects of bats and their guano. We report their food preferences, foraging behaviors, and environmental impacts. Information on these aspects may be useful in finding a solution about protection and preservation of bat populations.
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32
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Katunzi T, Soisook P, Webala PW, Armstrong KN, Bumrungsri S. Bat activity and species richness in different land‐use types in and around Chome Nature Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Afr J Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Katunzi
- Department of Biology Faculty of Science Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Thailand
- Same District Council Kilimanjaro Tanzania
| | - Pipat Soisook
- Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Thailand
| | - Paul W. Webala
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management Maasai Mara University Narok Kenya
| | - Kyle N. Armstrong
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
- South Australian Museum Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Sara Bumrungsri
- Department of Biology Faculty of Science Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Thailand
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33
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Understanding the Community Perceptions and Knowledge of Bats and Transmission of Nipah Virus in Bangladesh. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101814. [PMID: 33028047 PMCID: PMC7650626 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We assessed people’s knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding bat ecology, myths associated with bats, and their involvement in the transmission of Nipah virus (NiV). We found that community people in Bangladesh had inadequate knowledge of bat ecology and myths surrounding NiV. People’s demographic characteristics, such as sex, age, occupation, level of education, and exposure to a Nipah outbreak, were determined to be key factors influencing their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of bat ecology, myths, and their transmission of NiV. Educational interventions are recommended for targeted groups in the community to raise awareness and to improve people’s current knowledge of the role of bats in ecosystem services and their risky behavioral practices driving NiV transmission in Bangladesh. Abstract Bats are known reservoirs of Nipah virus (NiV) and some filoviruses and also appear likely to harbor the evolutionary progenitors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). While bats are considered a reservoir of deadly viruses, little is known about people’s knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of bat conservation and ecology. The current study aimed to assess community people’s knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of bat ecology, myths, and the role of bats in transmitting NiV in Bangladesh. Since 2001, NiV has been a continuous threat to public health with a mortality rate of approximately 70% in Bangladesh. Over the years, many public health interventions have been implemented to raise awareness about bats and the spreading of NiV among the community peoples of Nipah outbreak areas (NOAs) and Nipah non-outbreak areas (NNOAs). We hypothesized that people from both areas might have similar knowledge of bat ecology and myths about bats but different knowledge regarding their role in the spreading of NiV. Using a four-point Likert scale-based questionnaire, our analysis showed that most people lack adequate knowledge regarding the role of bats in maintaining the ecological balance and instead trust their beliefs in different myths about bats. Factor score analysis showed that respondents’ gender (p = 0.01), the outbreak status of the area (p = 0.03), and their occupation (p = 0.04) were significant factors influencing their knowledge of bat ecology and myths. A regression analysis showed that farmers had 0.34 times the odds of having correct or positive knowledge of bat ecology and myths than businesspersons (odds ratio (OR) = 0.34, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.15–0.78, p = 0.01). Regarding the spreading of NiV via bats, people had a lower level of knowledge. In NOAs, age (p = 0.00), occupation (p = 0.00), and level of education (p = 0.00) were found to be factors contributing to the amount of knowledge regarding the transmission of NiV, whereas in NNOAs, the contributing factors were occupation (p = 0.00) and level of education (p = 0.01). Regression analysis revealed that respondents who were engaged in services (OR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.07–8.54, p = 0.04) and who had completed primary education (OR = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.02–9.17, p < 0.05) were likely to have correct knowledge regarding the spreading of NiV. Based on the study results, we recommend educational interventions for targeted groups in the community, highlighting the ecosystem services and conservation of bats so as to improve people’s current knowledge and subsequent behavior regarding the role of bats in ecology and the spreading of NiV in Bangladesh.
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Colunga-Salas P, Hernández-Canchola G. Bats and humans during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak: The case of bat-coronaviruses from Mexico. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:987-992. [PMID: 32725795 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has attracted attention due to the high number of human cases around the world. It has been proposed that this virus originated in bats, possibly transmitted to humans by an intermediate host, making bats a group of great interest during this outbreak. Almost 10% of the world's bat species inhabit Mexico, and 14 previous novel CoVs have been recorded in Mexican bats. However, the phylogenetic relationships between these viruses and the novel coronavirus are unknown. The aim of this communication was therefore to describe the phylogenetic relationships between Mexican bat-CoVs and SARS-CoV-2. We showed that Mexican bat-CoVs sequences are grouped into two genera, Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus, and the new coronavirus is an independent clade within Betacoronavirus. Due to the diversity of CoVs in Mexican bats, the propensity of CoVs to shift hosts, the invasion mechanisms described for this new virus, and previous reports of animals infected by SARS-CoV-2, the risk of possible infection from humans to Mexican bats should not be discarded and warrants further analyses. To avoid future zoonotic infectious diseases and to limit persecution of bats, we urge researchers and the general population to take extreme precautions and avoid manipulation of bats during the current and future similar outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Colunga-Salas
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación en Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.,Posgrado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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Song S, Chang Y, Wang D, Jiang T, Feng J, Lin A. Chronic traffic noise increases food intake and alters gene expression associated with metabolism and disease in bats. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shengjing Song
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization Northeast Normal University Changchun China
- Key Laboratory for Vegetation Ecology Ministry of Education Northeast Normal University Changchun China
| | - Yang Chang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization Northeast Normal University Changchun China
| | - Daiping Wang
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics Max Planck Institute for Ornithology Seewiesen Germany
| | - Tinglei Jiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization Northeast Normal University Changchun China
| | - Jiang Feng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization Northeast Normal University Changchun China
- Key Laboratory for Vegetation Ecology Ministry of Education Northeast Normal University Changchun China
- College of Life Science Jilin Agricultural University Changchun China
| | - Aiqing Lin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and Utilization Northeast Normal University Changchun China
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Joffrin L, Goodman SM, Wilkinson DA, Ramasindrazana B, Lagadec E, Gomard Y, Le Minter G, Dos Santos A, Corrie Schoeman M, Sookhareea R, Tortosa P, Julienne S, Gudo ES, Mavingui P, Lebarbenchon C. Bat coronavirus phylogeography in the Western Indian Ocean. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6873. [PMID: 32327721 PMCID: PMC7181612 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63799-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats provide key ecosystem services such as crop pest regulation, pollination, seed dispersal, and soil fertilization. Bats are also major hosts for biological agents responsible for zoonoses, such as coronaviruses (CoVs). The islands of the Western Indian Ocean are identified as a major biodiversity hotspot, with more than 50 bat species. In this study, we tested 1,013 bats belonging to 36 species from Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion Island and Seychelles, based on molecular screening and partial sequencing of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene. In total, 88 bats (8.7%) tested positive for coronaviruses, with higher prevalence in Mozambican bats (20.5% ± 4.9%) as compared to those sampled on islands (4.5% ± 1.5%). Phylogenetic analyses revealed a large diversity of α- and β-CoVs and a strong signal of co-evolution between CoVs and their bat host species, with limited evidence for host-switching, except for bat species sharing day roost sites. These results highlight that strong variation between islands does exist and is associated with the composition of the bat species community on each island. Future studies should investigate whether CoVs detected in these bats have a potential for spillover in other hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Joffrin
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France.
| | - Steven M Goodman
- Association Vahatra, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, USA
| | - David A Wilkinson
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Beza Ramasindrazana
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
- Association Vahatra, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Beza Ramasindrazana, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, BP 1274, Ambatofotsikely, Antananarivo, 101, Madagascar
| | - Erwan Lagadec
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Yann Gomard
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Gildas Le Minter
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | | | - M Corrie Schoeman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Pablo Tortosa
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Simon Julienne
- Seychelles Ministry of Health, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles
| | | | - Patrick Mavingui
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France
| | - Camille Lebarbenchon
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical (PIMIT), INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, Sainte-Clotilde, La Réunion, France.
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Markotter W, Coertse J, De Vries L, Geldenhuys M, Mortlock M. Bat-borne viruses in Africa: a critical review. J Zool (1987) 2020; 311:77-98. [PMID: 32427175 PMCID: PMC7228346 DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In Africa, bat‐borne zoonoses emerged in the past few decades resulting in large outbreaks or just sporadic spillovers. In addition, hundreds of more viruses are described without any information on zoonotic potential. We discuss important characteristics of bats including bat biology, evolution, distribution and ecology that not only make them unique among most mammals but also contribute to their potential as viral reservoirs. The detection of a virus in bats does not imply that spillover will occur and several biological, ecological and anthropogenic factors play a role in such an event. We summarize and critically analyse the current knowledge on African bats as reservoirs for corona‐, filo‐, paramyxo‐ and lyssaviruses. We highlight that important information on epidemiology, bat biology and ecology is often not available to make informed decisions on zoonotic spillover potential. Even if knowledge gaps exist, it is still important to recognize the role of bats in zoonotic disease outbreaks and implement mitigation strategies to prevent exposure to infectious agents including working safely with bats. Equally important is the crucial role of bats in various ecosystem services. This necessitates a multidisciplinary One Health approach to close knowledge gaps and ensure the development of responsible mitigation strategies to not only minimize risk of infection but also ensure conservation of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Markotter
- Department of Medical Virology Centre for Viral Zoonoses Faculty of Health Sciences University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| | - J Coertse
- Department of Medical Virology Centre for Viral Zoonoses Faculty of Health Sciences University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| | - L De Vries
- Department of Medical Virology Centre for Viral Zoonoses Faculty of Health Sciences University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| | - M Geldenhuys
- Department of Medical Virology Centre for Viral Zoonoses Faculty of Health Sciences University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| | - M Mortlock
- Department of Medical Virology Centre for Viral Zoonoses Faculty of Health Sciences University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
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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.
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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
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Batista JMN, de Carvalho C, Pedro WA, Santana BN, Camargo VS, Ferrari ED, Nascimento IG, Meireles MV. Identification of Cryptosporidium bat genotypes XVI-XVIII in bats from Brazil. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2183-2191. [PMID: 31076871 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is an emergent zoonotic disease caused by the globally distributed protozoa Cryptosporidium spp. Although several Cryptosporidium studies related to humans and many animal species have been published, there are still limited studies on the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infection in bats. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and to perform the molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in fecal samples from bats in an urban area of the municipality of Araçatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA, actin, and HSP-70 genes was performed to screen 141 fecal samples from bats and detected Cryptosporidium spp. in 16.3% (23/141) of the samples. Bidirectional sequencing identified three novel Cryptosporidium bat genotypes (XVI, XVII, and XVIII) and a new genotype (18SH) genetically similar to Cryptosporidium avium in six species of bats. This is the first report on the occurrence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in Brazilian bats. Zoonotic Cryptosporidium species were not found in fecal samples from bats living in an urban area in the municipality of Araçatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Maria N Batista
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, Clóvis Pestana St., 793, 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiano de Carvalho
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, Clóvis Pestana St., 793, 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wagner A Pedro
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, Clóvis Pestana St., 793, 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna N Santana
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, Clóvis Pestana St., 793, 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinícius S Camargo
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, Clóvis Pestana St., 793, 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elis D Ferrari
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, Clóvis Pestana St., 793, 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabela G Nascimento
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, Clóvis Pestana St., 793, 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo V Meireles
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Araçatuba, Clóvis Pestana St., 793, 16050-680, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Charlton SJ, Nielsen MB, Pedersen CR, Thomsen L, Kristjansen MP, Sørensen TB, Pertoldi C, Strand J. Strong Heterogeneity in Advances in Cryopreservation Techniques in the Mammalian Orders. Zoolog Sci 2019; 35:1-22. [PMID: 29417894 DOI: 10.2108/zs170037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Between 1970 and 2012, vertebrate abundance has declined by 58% with an average annual decline of 2%, calling for serious action to prevent a mass extinction and an irreversible loss of biodiversity. Cryobanks and cryopreservation have the potential to assist and improve ex situ and in situ conservation strategies by storing valuable genetic material. A great deal of studies concerning cryopreservation have been performed within the class Mammalia, although no systematic overview has previously been presented. The objective of this study is therefore to evaluate the status, pattern and future of cryopreservation within Mammalia. A strong disproportional distribution of studies in examined orders is displayed. For the majority of examined orders less than 10% of species has been examined. However, the cryopreservation of germplasm has in several cases been successful and resulted in successful applications of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Various obstacles are associated with the development of cryopreservation protocols, and among them the most prominent is interspecific differences in cryotolerance. Extrapolation of protocols in closely related species is considered the most applicable procedure, and a future supplement to overcome this problem is the examination and comparison of cryobiological traits. Successful protocols have been developed for the vast majority of domesticated mammals, which gives incentive for the further extrapolation of protocols in threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian J Charlton
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mikkel B Nielsen
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Carina R Pedersen
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lisette Thomsen
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mads P Kristjansen
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Thomas B Sørensen
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark.,2 Aalborg Zoo, Aalborg, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Julie Strand
- 3 Randers Regnskov, Randers, Tørvebryggen 11, 8900 Randers, Denmark
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The Monumental Mistake of Evicting Bats from Archaeological Sites—A Reflection from New Delhi. HERITAGE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/heritage2010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
We highlight the importance of an integrated management policy for archaeological monuments and the insect-eating bats that roost inside them. We refer to India, but the issue is general and of worldwide significance. There is increasing evidence that the ecosystem services provided by insect-eating bats in agricultural fields are of vital economic importance, which is likely to increase as chemical pest-control methods become inefficient due to evolving multi-resistance in insects. We visited five archaeological sites in the city of New Delhi. We found bats at all five locations, and three of them harbored large colonies (many thousands) of mouse-tailed bats and tomb bats. These bats likely disperse over extensive areas to feed, including agricultural fields in the vicinity and beyond. All insect-eating bats should be protected and properly managed as a valuable resource at the archaeological sites where they occur. We firmly believe that “fear” of bats can be turned into curiosity by means of education and that their presence should instead enhance the value of the sites. We suggest some means to protect the bats roosting inside the buildings, while mitigating potential conflicts with archaeological and touristic interests.
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Swift JF, Lance RF, Guan X, Britzke ER, Lindsay DL, Edwards CE. Multifaceted DNA metabarcoding: Validation of a noninvasive, next-generation approach to studying bat populations. Evol Appl 2018; 11:1120-1138. [PMID: 30026801 PMCID: PMC6050187 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As multiple species of bats are currently experiencing dramatic declines in populations due to white-nose syndrome (WNS) and other factors, conservation managers have an urgent need for data on the ecology and overall status of populations of once-common bat species. Standard approaches to obtain data on bat populations often involve capture and handling, requiring extensive expertise and unavoidably resulting in stress to the bats. New methods to rapidly obtain critical data are needed that minimize both the stress on bats and the spread of WNS. Guano provides a noninvasive source of DNA that includes information from the bat, but also dietary items, parasites, and pathogens. DNA metabarcoding is a high-throughput, DNA-based identification technique to assess the biodiversity of environmental or fecal samples. We investigated the use of multifaceted DNA metabarcoding (MDM), a technique combining next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS), DNA barcodes, and bioinformatic analysis, to simultaneously collect data on multiple parameters of interest (bat species composition, individual genotype, sex ratios, diet, parasites, and presence of WNS) from fecal samples using a single NGS run. We tested the accuracy of each MDM assay using samples in which these parameters were previously determined using conventional approaches. We found that assays for bat species identification, insect diet, parasite diversity, and genotype were both sensitive and accurate, the assay to detect WNS was highly sensitive but requires careful sample processing steps to ensure the reliability of results, while assays for nectivorous diet and sex showed lower sensitivity. MDM was able to quantify multiple data classes from fecal samples simultaneously, and results were consistent whether we included assays for a single data class or multiple data classes. Overall, MDM is a useful approach that employs noninvasive sampling and a customizable suite of assays to gain important and largely accurate information on bat ecology and population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel F. Swift
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. LouisMissouri
| | - Richard F. Lance
- Environmental LaboratoryUS Army Engineer Research and Development CenterVicksburgMississippi
| | - Xin Guan
- Bennett AerospaceCaryNorth Carolina
| | - Eric R. Britzke
- Environmental LaboratoryUS Army Engineer Research and Development CenterVicksburgMississippi
| | - Denise L. Lindsay
- Environmental LaboratoryUS Army Engineer Research and Development CenterVicksburgMississippi
| | - Christine E. Edwards
- Center for Conservation and Sustainable DevelopmentMissouri Botanical GardenSt. LouisMissouri
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P. De Leon M, Montecillo AD, Pinili DS, Siringan MAT, Park DS. Bacterial diversity of bat guano from Cabalyorisa Cave, Mabini, Pangasinan, Philippines: A first report on the metagenome of Philippine bat guano. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200095. [PMID: 30024917 PMCID: PMC6053158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are highly diverse and ecologically valuable mammals. They serve as host to bacteria, viruses and fungi that are either beneficial or harmful to its colony as well as to other groups of cave organisms. The bacterial diversity of two bat guano samples, C1 and C2, from Cabalyorisa Cave, Mabini, Pangasinan, Philippines were investigated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. V3-V4 hypervariable regions were amplified and then sequenced using Illumina MiSeq 250 PE system. Reads were processed using Mothur and QIIME pipelines and assigned 12,345 OTUs for C1 and 5,408 OTUs for C2. The most dominant OTUs in C1 belong to the Proteobacteria (61.7%), Actinobacteria (19.4%), Bacteroidetes (4.2%), Firmicutes (2.7%), Chloroflexi (2.5%), candidate phylum TM7 (2.3%) and Planctomycetes (1.9%) while Proteobacteria (61.7%) and Actinobacteria (34.9%) dominated C2. Large proportion of sequence reads mainly associated with unclassified bacteria indicated possible occurrence of novel bacteria in both samples. XRF spectrophotometric analyses of C1 and C2 guano revealed significant differences in the composition of both major and trace elements. C1 guano recorded high levels of Si, Fe, Mg, Al, Mn, Ti and Cu while C2 samples registered high concentrations of Ca, P, S, Zn and Cr. Community structure of the samples were compared with other published community profiling studies from Finland (SRR868695), Meghalaya, Northeast India (SRR1793374) and Maharashtra State, India (CGS). Core microbiome among samples were determined for comparison. Variations were observed among previously studied guano samples and the Cabalyorisa Cave samples were attributed to either bat sources or age of the guano. This is the first study on bacterial diversity of guano in the Philippines through high-throughput sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian P. De Leon
- Microbial Culture Collection, Museum of Natural History, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew D. Montecillo
- Microbiology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Dale S. Pinili
- Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Division, International Rice Research Institute, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
- Microbiological Research and Services Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Doo-Sang Park
- Korean Collection for Type Cultures, Biological Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, South Korea
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Torres-Flores JW, Santos-Moreno A. Inventory, Features, and Protection of Underground Roosts Used by Bats in Mexico. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2017.19.2.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José Williams Torres-Flores
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Oaxaca, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Calle Hornos 1003, Código Postal 71230, Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca, México
| | - Antonio Santos-Moreno
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación para el Desarrollo Integral Regional, Unidad Oaxaca, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Calle Hornos 1003, Código Postal 71230, Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca, México
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Nicole Welch
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; University of Tennessee; 569 Dabney Hall, 1416 Circle Drive Knoxville TN 37996 USA
| | - Christy Leppanen
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology; University of Tennessee; 569 Dabney Hall, 1416 Circle Drive Knoxville TN 37996 USA
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Bat aggregation mediates the functional structure of ant assemblages. C R Biol 2015; 338:688-95. [PMID: 26302832 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the Guianese rainforest, we examined the impact of the presence of guano in and around a bat roosting site (a cave). We used ant communities as an indicator to evaluate this impact because they occupy a central place in the functioning of tropical rainforest ecosystems and they play different roles in the food web as they can be herbivores, generalists, scavengers or predators. The ant species richness around the cave did not differ from a control sample situated 500m away. Yet, the comparison of functional groups resulted in significantly greater numbers of detritivorous fungus-growing and predatory ant colonies around the cave compared to the control, the contrary being true for nectar and honeydew feeders. The role of bats, through their guano, was shown using stable isotope analyses as we noted significantly greater δ(15)N values for the ant species captured in and around the cave compared to controls.
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Regan EC, Santini L, Ingwall-King L, Hoffmann M, Rondinini C, Symes A, Taylor J, Butchart SH. Global Trends in the Status of Bird and Mammal Pollinators. Conserv Lett 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenie C. Regan
- United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre; 219 Huntingdon Road Cambridge CB3 0DL UK
| | - Luca Santini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza Università di Roma; Zoology Building - Viale dell'Università 32; Rome 00185 Italy
| | - Lisa Ingwall-King
- United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre; 219 Huntingdon Road Cambridge CB3 0DL UK
| | - Michael Hoffmann
- United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre; 219 Huntingdon Road Cambridge CB3 0DL UK
- IUCN Species Survival Commission; International Union for Conservation of Nature; 28 rue Mauverney Gland CH-1196 Switzerland
| | - Carlo Rondinini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza Università di Roma; Zoology Building - Viale dell'Università 32; Rome 00185 Italy
| | - Andy Symes
- BirdLife International; Wellbrook Court; Girton Road Cambridge CB3 0NA UK
| | - Joseph Taylor
- BirdLife International; Wellbrook Court; Girton Road Cambridge CB3 0NA UK
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