The Role of Anthropogenic Roosting Ecology in Shaping Viral Outcomes in Bats

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory), Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 13, 2023

Abstract The ability of some wildlife to live in anthropogenic structures response rapid land-use change is widely observed across mammals. However, the influence this adaptation shaping viral hosting and diversity are not well understood, especially for order Chiroptera. Anthropogenic roosting may have important consequences predicting virus spillover spillback risk, particularly as propensity bats roost (e.g., buildings, bridges, homes, tunnels, etc.) directly relates human exposure. Here, we integrate novel ecology data with a machine learning approach assess importance outcomes evaluate if trait improves prediction undetected but likely host species. Our results show that varies moderately outcomes. most bats, followed by zoonotic ability, richness, proportion viruses zoonotic. status less than population density more family, diet, foraging traits bat species, models predict narrowed list hosts compared excluding trait. We identified 35 species virus, 18 which structures. Additionally, 51 30 roosting. Maps predicted distributions distinct spatial patterns between exclusively natural-roosting bats. These findings suggest has non-trivial role specifically ability.

Language: Английский

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Attempted Transmission of Marburg Virus by Bat-Associated Fleas Thaumapsylla breviceps breviceps (Ischnopsyllidae: Thaumapsyllinae) to the Egyptian Rousette Bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus)

Viruses, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(8), P. 1197 - 1197

Published: July 25, 2024

Egyptian rousette bats (ERBs) are implicated as reservoir hosts for Marburg virus (MARV), but natural mechanisms involved in maintenance of MARV ERB populations remain undefined. A number hematophagous ectoparasites, including fleas, parasitize bats. Subcutaneous (SC) inoculation ERBs with consistently results viremia, suggesting that infectious could be ingested by blood-sucking ectoparasites during feeding. In our study, RNA was detected fleas took a blood meal feeding on viremic days 3, 7, and 11 after SC inoculation. Virus concentration individual consistent detectable levels viremia the infected host There neither seroconversion nor control kept close contact MARV-infected infested up to 40 post-exposure. inoculated intracoelomically, 14 intracoelomic (IC) inoculation, lower than delivered inoculum. All had been inoculated, remained virologically serologically negative 38 infestation. Of 493 collected from wild colony Matlapitsi Cave, South Africa, where enzootic transmission occurs, all tested RNA. While findings seem demonstrate bat lack vectorial capacity transmit biologically, their role mechanical should not discounted. Regular blood-feeds, intra- interhost mobility, direct vessels resulting venous damage, roosting behaviour provide potential physical bridge dissemination densely populated cave-dwelling fleas. The transfer might take place through skin, mucosal membranes, wounds when contaminated squashed auto- allogrooming, eating, biting, or fighting.

Language: Английский

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Application of the MENTOR model to advance One Health by promoting bat conservation and reducing zoonotic spillover risk

Frontiers in Conservation Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 5

Published: Oct. 18, 2024

For few taxonomic groups do conservation efforts have such a disproportionate impact on biodiversity and human well-being as they with bats. Bats face significant challenges that affect their long-term viability, inhibit ecosystem functions services, increase zoonotic spillover risks. Protecting bat populations habitats ultimately reduces these threats, helps prevent pandemics, supports essential services. MENTOR-Bat is fellowship program focused strengthening technical research, leadership capacity in the Global South to promote healthy environments where bats humans can coexist reduced risks of pathogen transmission. Co-designed by United States Fish Wildlife Service (USFWS) Bat Conservation International (BCI), mirrors One Health framework featuring transdisciplinary team three mentors nine fellows from Cameroon, Colombia, Indonesia. Fellows receive academic field-based training ecology conservation, Health, dimensions behavior change, strategic communications, international policy, adaptive management, project planning, leadership, public health. will then design implement pilot projects advance respective countries. Program evaluation based Kirkpatrick’s Hierarchy focuses measuring development established core competences. By incorporating within its activities, become valuable programmatic template for programming advancing evidence-based strategies improving bats, humans, environment.

Language: Английский

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Dampened TLR2-mediated inflammatory signaling in bats

Molecular Biology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 42(1)

Published: Dec. 12, 2024

Abstract Bats are considered natural hosts for numerous viruses. Their ability to carry viruses that cause severe diseases or even death in other mammals without falling ill themselves has attracted widespread research attention. Toll-like receptor 2 forms heterodimers with 1 6 on cell membranes, recognizing specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns and playing a key role innate immune responses. Previous studies have shown moderate 2–mediated signals aid pathogen clearance, while excessive inappropriate can self-damage. In this study, we observed TLR2, unlike TLR1 TLR6, undergone relaxed selection bats compared mammals, indicating reduced functional constraint TLR2 specifically bats. Indeed, our cell-based assays demonstrated the of bind was significantly bats, leading dampened inflammatory signaling. We identified mutations unique were responsible observation. Additionally, found at residues 375 376 common ancestor also resulted response, suggesting reduction occurred early bat evolution. Together, study reveals response been which may be one reasons why they could harbor many ill.

Language: Английский

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