Search Results (33)

Vampire bats likely first appeared in South America in the early Miocene (~20 Ma) and evolved to feed upon the blood of native South American mammals of medium to large body size, in particular, xenarthrans–ground sloths, armadillos, pampatheres, and glyptodonts, and native ungulates–notoungulates and litopterns. Following the formation of the Panamanian Isthmus (~5 Ma), vampire bats immigrated into North America as participants in the Great American Biotic Interchange, following their preferred prey species, probably xenarthrans. The earliest records of vampire bats are the extinct species Desmodus archaeodaptes from three early Pleistocene faunas in Florida. The large extinct vampire D. stocki occurs in 18 late Pleistocene faunas in the southern US and Mexico. The giant extinct vampire D. draculae is known from eight late Pleistocene faunas from Mexico and Belize south to Brazil and Argentina. The late Pleistocene extinction of D. draculae and D. stocki coincided with the extinction of their primary source of blood, the mammalian megafauna. The common vampire bat D. rotundus survived and now occurs throughout tropical America because it had a broader prey base, feeding on the blood of a variety of medium- to large-sized mammals, and currently preying preferentially on non-native domestic livestock. Full article

Bats are natural reservoirs for diverse viruses, yet they rarely develop disease, suggesting unique antiviral adaptations. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide analysis in the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), integrating comparative genomics, functional annotation, microRNA (miRNA) discovery, target prediction, and network-based analyses. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that Phyllostomus discolor exhibits the highest protein homology (97.4%) with D. rotundus. Alignment of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) indicated strong conservation of IRF1, IRF5, and IRF8, while IRF4 and IRF7 showed divergence, reflecting bat-specific modulation of interferon signaling. Functional annotation of previously uncharacterized proteins identified immune-related elements, including toll-like receptor 4, syncytin-1, and endogenous retroviral sequences, highlighting the integration of viral components into host immunity. We further identified 19 novel miRNAs in D. rotundus, with high-confidence target genes such as SOD2, TRIM28, and FGFR1 involved in antiviral defense, apoptosis regulation, and oxidative stress response. Functional enrichment analyses revealed processes associated with wound healing, apoptosis suppression, infection response, and longevity. Network entropy analysis highlighted central regulatory hubs, including MYC, BCL2, and KIF1B, influencing cell cycle, survival, and immune balance. Collectively, these results demonstrate that D. rotundus employs an integrated regulatory network combining conserved immune factors, lineage-specific gene divergence, and miRNA-mediated fine-tuning to achieve viral tolerance without pathology. This study expands our understanding of bat antiviral biology and provides candidate molecular targets for future functional and translational research. Full article

As a significant zoonotic disease, rabies poses substantial economic challenges for the livestock sector, highlighting the need for effective wildlife monitoring as part of a One Health approach. This study documents the first case of paralytic rabies in a lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) at the Guaycolec Wildlife Station in Formosa, Argentina. The 12-year-old male tapir exhibited neurological symptoms, including limb paralysis and dysphagia, leading to its death. The rabies virus was confirmed through direct immunofluorescence, virus isolation in BHK-21 cells, and molecular diagnostics via real-time RT-PCR and conventional PCR. Antigenic variant 3, associated with Desmodus rotundus, was identified. Histopathological examination revealed non-suppurative encephalitis with lymphocytic perivascular cuffs, neuronal vacuolization, and acidophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in the grey matter. This case underscores the importance of expanded surveillance for non-traditional hosts, as it demonstrates the potential for rabies transmission in changing environments. The findings highlight the need to maintain epidemiological surveillance systems at the wildlife–livestock–human interface and to develop targeted control strategies to mitigate the spread of rabies, particularly in areas where vampire bat populations are subject to anthropogenic pressures. Comprehensive monitoring and early detection are essential for effective rabies management in both wildlife and urban contexts. Full article

During the COVID-19 pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SC2) infection was confirmed in various animal species demonstrating a wide host range of the virus. Prior studies have shown that the ACE2 protein is the primary receptor used by the virus to gain cellular entry and begin the replication cycle. In previous studies, we demonstrated that human and various bat ACE2 proteins can be utilized by SC2 viruses for entry. Bats are a suspected natural host of SC2 because of genetic homology with other bat coronaviruses. In this work, we demonstrate that expression of ACE2 genes from the common vampire bat (CVB) (Desmodus rotundus) and the pallid bat (PB) (Antrozous pallidus), supports infection and replication of some SC2 viruses in cell culture. Two cell lines were produced, CVB-ACE2 and PB-ACE2, expressing ACE2 from these bat species along with human TMPRSS2, in a model previously established using a non-permissive chicken DF-1 cell line. Results demonstrate that the original Wuhan lineage (WA1) virus and the Delta variant were able to infect and replicate in either of the bat ACE2 cell lines. In contrast, the Lambda and Omicron variant viruses infected both cell lines, but viral titers did not increase following infection. Viral detection using immunofluorescence demonstrated abundant spike (S) protein staining for the WA1 and Delta variants but little signal for the Lambda and Omicron variants. These studies demonstrate that while ACE2 from CVB and PB can be utilized by SC2 viruses to gain entry for infection, later variants (Lambda and Omicron) replicate poorly in these cell lines. These observations suggest more efficient human adaption in later SC2 variants that become less fit for replication in other animal species. Full article

The genus Leptospira includes at least 69 Gram-negative, aerobic spirochetes, of which 25 are pathogenic and associated with a diverse range of mammals, including members of the order Chiroptera. On the American continent, there are six confirmed Leptospira species. Among these, the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), which ranges widely from northern Mexico to northern Argentina, has been reported to harbor four pathogenic taxa: Leptospira borgpetersenii, Leptospira interrogans, Leptospira weilii, and Leptospira cf. noguchii. All these species are frequently isolated from beef and dairy cattle, suggesting that contact with urine from infected cattle could serve as a potential source of infection for bats. However, previous studies have been limited by small sample sizes and low geographical representation among the countries where they were conducted. For this reason, the aim of this study was to identify the species of Leptospira associated with D. rotundus populations in five states within the Neotropical region of Mexico. Between 2015 and 2021, 54 bats were collected across five Mexican states. Our analysis identified the exclusive presence of L. interrogans in 13 specimens. The findings are discussed within the framework of a One Health perspective, emphasizing their relevance to understanding interspecies transmission dynamics. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are polymers smaller than five millimeters, are easily dispersed, and are considered a contaminant of emerging concern. The objective was to quantify and characterize, both by color and shape, the presence of MPs in the stomach, intestine, and lungs of vampire bats, analyzing the difference between organs and their morphometric measurements in relation to the abundance of MPs found in each organ. The bats were collected between 2017 and 2021. In the laboratory, the specimens were euthanized, and the organs of interest were extracted. After removal, the organs were chemically dissolved and then filtered through a suitable membrane. The membranes were inspected through visual analysis of the samples. Our result was significant, we found at least one MP in each organ analyzed, with all individuals being contaminated with particles only in fiber format, mostly white/transparent. The gastrointestinal system had greater contamination compared to the respiratory system. It is not yet known for sure how the ingestion of plastic waste has affected this population of bats, but the presence of plastic waste in the gastrointestinal tract of hematophagous individuals proves the effectiveness of the contagion of these particles. Full article

Bats are mammals with high biodiversity and wide geographical range. In Brazil, three haematophagous bat species are found. Desmodus rotundus is the most documented due to its role as a primary host of rabies virus in Latin America. Bats are known to harbor various emerging viruses causing severe human diseases. Beyond zoonotic viruses, these animals also harbor a diversity of non-zoonotic viruses. Papillomaviruses are circular double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) viruses that infect the epithelial and mucosal cells of many vertebrates, occasionally causing malignant lesions. High-throughput sequencing has enabled papillomaviruses discovery in different bat species. Here, 22 D. rotundus samples were collected through the rabies eradication program in Rio Grande do Sul. The DNA extracted from pooled intestines was amplified by the rolling-circle amplification (RCA) method and sequenced using the Illumina^® MiSeq platform (San Diego, CA, USA).Analysis revealed three contigs corresponding to the Papillomaviridae family, representing three novel viruses named DrPV-1, DrPV-2, and DrPV-3. Phylogenetic analysis suggests DrPV-1 may constitute a new species within the Dyophipapillomavirus genus, while DrPV-2 and DrPV-3 may represent different types within the same species from a novel genus. This is the first description of a papillomavirus in the D. rotundus species, contributing to the characterization of PVs in the Chiropteran order. Full article

Wild felids are vital to maintaining the ecological balance in natural environments as they regulate prey populations at different levels of the food chain. Changes in the dynamics of predator populations can impact the entire biodiversity of an ecosystem. There are few reports of Adenovirus infections in these animals, and little is known about their epidemiology. Therefore, a deeper understanding of these viruses within a One Health framework is essential, given their importance to animal, human, and environmental health. This study aimed to detect Adenovirus DNA in fecal samples of wild felids from a remnant of the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, renowned for its high biodiversity. A total of 43 fecal samples, 11 from jaguar (Panthera onca) and 32 from ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), were collected. The samples were subjected to viral nucleic acid extraction and genetic material amplification through PCR, followed by nucleotide sequencing. All phylogenetic analyses were based on the amino acid sequences of the DNA polymerase and IV2a genes. Adenovirus DNA was detected in the feces of both species, with two samples of each feline testing positive. This study reports, for the first time, the occurrence of Adenovirus associated with feces of Panthera onca and Leopardus pardalis. All detected sequences were grouped within the Mastadenovirus genus. Based solely on phylogenetic distance criteria, the identified sequences could be classified as Mastadenovirus bosprimum and Mastadenovirus from the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus. We hypothesize that Adenoviruses were associated with the prey consumed, which may allow the felines to act as eventual viral dispersing agents in the environment, in addition to the risk of being infected. This study provides new information on the association of Adenoviruses with wild felids and their prey, and offers important insights into the ecological dynamics of these viruses in natural environments. It suggests that wild felines may play a crucial role in viral surveillance programs. Full article

The growing population in Yucatan has led to the expansion of construction in the Mayan jungle for tourist spaces, residential areas, and agriculture. Recently, rabies cases in cats (Felis catus) have increased in the state. This study aimed to perform antigenic and genetic characterization of the rabies viruses in felines and to present the spatial distribution and environmental features of the areas where these cases were reported. The ArcGIS software and R were employed to generate maps depicting the geographic locations of rabies cases in cats. A total of nine feline rabies cases occurred during the period 2003–2022. Three antigenic variants were detected: dog-related RVV1 (n = 1); vampire bat variant RVV3 (n = 1); and the canine-originated atypical variant (n = 7). Cases reported in Merida (n = 4) and Muna (n = 4) were localized to urban areas, while Cuncunul (n = 1) was rural. This study highlights the concerning resurgence of rabies infections in cats, emphasizing the looming threat of its reintroduction in dogs should vaccination rates diminish. The genetic affinity between the atypical variant and the canine virus underscores the urgent need for vigilance in maintaining high vaccination coverage across all susceptible species. Full article

This paper addresses the potential for technology to support husbandry and enrichment opportunities that enhance the welfare of zoo and sanctuary-housed nocturnal and crepuscular species. This topic was investigated through the medium of a multidisciplinary workshop (Moon Jam) that brought together species experts, zoo designers, Animal-Computer Interaction researchers and post-graduate students in collaborative discussions and design sessions. We explain the context through an examination of existing research and current practices, and report on specific challenges raised and addressed during the Moon Jam, highlighting and discussing key themes that emerged. Finally, we offer a set of guidelines to support the integration of technology into the design of animal husbandry and enrichment that support wellbeing, to advance the best practices in keeping and managing nocturnal and crepuscular animals. Full article

Bats are a diverse and ecologically important group of mammals that exhibit remarkable diversity in their feeding habits. These diverse feeding habits are thought to be reflected in the composition and function of their gut microbiota, which plays important roles in nutrient acquisition, immune function, and overall health. Despite the rich biodiversity of bat species in South America, there is a lack of microbiome studies focusing on bats from this region. Such studies could offer major insights into conservation efforts and the preservation of biodiversity in South America. In this work, we aimed to compare the gut microbiota of four bat species with different feeding habits from Southern Brazil, including nectarivorous, frugivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous bats. Our findings demonstrate that feeding habits can have a significant impact on the diversity and composition of bat gut microbiotas, with each species exhibiting unique metabolic potentials related to their dietary niches. In addition, the identification of potentially pathogenic bacteria suggests that the carriage of microbial pathogens by bats may vary, depending on feeding habits and host-specific factors. These findings provide novel insights into the relationship between bat feeding habits and gut microbiota composition, highlighting the need to promote diverse habitats and food sources to support these ecologically important species. Full article

The causative agent of Chagas disease is Trypanosoma cruzi, which is widely distributed throughout the South American continent and extends into North America. Its occurrence in bats is poorly described and may impact the disease’s maintenance and epidemiology. The aim of this study was to detect the agent by PCR assays targeting kDNA and nuclear DNA in the organs of 203 urban bats and rural vampire bats from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, São Paulo state, during the pandemic period from 2020 to 2022. In total, 6 of the 203 bats (2.97%) were positive for T. cruzi. Infection was detected in 2% (2/101) of Desmodus rotundus, 33% (1/3) of Nyctinomops laticaudatus, 25% (1/4) of Artibeus lituratus, 4% (1/24) of Eumops glaucinus and in 2% (1/41) of Molossus molossus. The gene sequences obtained were assessed for quality and deposited in a public repository. Fruit bats were statistically associated with positivity for T. cruzi. To our knowledge, this study detected T. cruzi for the first time in bats from São Paulo state and in N. laticaudatus and E. glaucinus species. Full article

In this work, we examined the levels of vitamin E in the heart, liver, and kidneys of four species of adult male bats with distinct feeding habits. Our results indicate consistent vitamin E levels in the heart across all four bat species, suggesting the presence of regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, the liver displayed notably higher vitamin E levels in nectarivorous and frugivorous bats, while hematophagous bats exhibited lower levels, indicating a link between dietary intake and liver vitamin E levels. Furthermore, correlation analysis provided additional insights into the relationships between vitamin E and key antioxidant parameters in the livers of bats. On the other hand, no correlation was observed between vitamin E and key antioxidant parameters in the heart. Intriguingly, vitamin E was not detected in the kidneys, likely due to physiological factors and the prioritization of vitamin E mobilization in the heart, where it serves critical physiological functions. This unexpected absence of vitamin E in bat kidneys highlights the unique metabolic demands and prioritization of vitamin mobilization in wild animals like bats, compared to conventional animal models. These findings provide insight into the intricate distribution and utilization of vitamin E in bats, emphasizing the influence of dietary intake and metabolic adaptations on vitamin E levels in different organs. Full article

Although bats can serve as reservoirs for several viruses and bacteria, there is limited knowledge regarding the diversity of apicomplexan protozoan belonging to the Piroplasmida and Haemosporida orders within this group of mammals. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and phylogenetic assessment of piroplasmids and hemosporidians in spleen samples collected from 229 vampire bats (228 Desmodus rotundus and 1 Diaemus youngii) in the states of Pará, Roraima, Amapá, and Amazonas, northern Brazil. Out of 229 bat spleen samples, 43 (18.77%) tested positive in a nested PCR for piroplasmids based on the 18S rRNA gene. Thirteen sequences (ranging from 474 to 828 base pairs) of the partial 18S rRNA gene showed 91.04–100% identity to Theileria sp., Babesia sp., and Piroplasmida previously detected in deer, tapirs, opossums, and crab-eating raccoons. The phylogenetic analysis based on the near-complete 18S rRNA gene positioned the obtained sequences from three D. rotundus in distinct clades (Theileria sensu stricto, Tapirus terrestris, and “South America Marsupialia”). All bat spleen DNA samples tested negative in a nested PCR assay for hemosporidians based on the cytB gene. The present study reported, for the first time, the presence Babesia sp. and Theileria sp. DNA in D. rotundus. The distinct positioning of the 18S rRNA gene sequences within different clades demonstrates the occurrence of different piroplasmid species in vampire bats. Full article

Unlike most animals, most bats cannot synthesize vitamin C endogenously. Consequently, this vitamin must be obtained from the diet. Among the bat species, there are several food groups, such as frugivorous, nectarivorous, insectivorous, and hematophagous. In this work, we measured and compared vitamin C levels in different organs of four species of bats, all collected in southern Brazil. When analyzing and comparing the levels of vitamin C in the four bat species, (regardless of the organ), no significant differences were observed. However, when analyzing and comparing the levels of vitamin C in the four organs (regardless of the species), significant differences were observed, with the highest concentrations in the heart, followed by the liver and brain, while the lowest concentration was measured in the kidneys. Additional differences in the levels of Vitamin C were only observed when each organ was analyzed according to the species/diet. These results indicate a high degree of metabolic homeostasis in bats despite the marked difference in the type of diet. Full article