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Environmental conditions favoring bat infection with Histoplasma capsulatum in Mexican shelters

M L Taylor1, C B Chávez-Tapia, R Vargas-Yañez

  • 1Departamento de Microbiología-Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|February 16, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Histoplasma capsulatum was found in 17 bats across six species in Mexico. This study reports the first-ever bat infections with Histoplasma in three species, highlighting a high risk in Mexican caves.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Zoonotic Diseases

Background:

  • Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus causing histoplasmosis, a potentially serious infection in humans and animals.
  • Bats are known reservoirs for various pathogens, but their role in Histoplasma transmission requires further investigation.
  • Previous studies have not extensively documented Histoplasma infections in Mexican bat populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and identify species of bats infected with Histoplasma capsulatum in Mexico.
  • To document novel bat species infected with Histoplasma.
  • To assess the risk of Histoplasma transmission in Mexican cave environments.

Main Methods:

  • Fungal isolation and identification from bat tissues (gut, lung, liver, spleen).
  • Morphological analysis of mycelial and yeast phases.
  • Exoantigen testing and double immunodiffusion assays for confirmation.
  • Histopathological examination of infected tissues.

Main Results:

  • Histoplasma capsulatum was isolated from 17 out of 208 captured bats (6 genera/species).
  • Infections were concentrated in Morelos State, with three species (Natalus stramineus, Artibeus hirsutus, Leptonycteris nivalis) showing first-time documented infections.
  • Histopathology revealed intracellular yeast-like cells in bat macrophages, particularly in lungs, with minimal host reaction.

Conclusions:

  • This study confirms a high prevalence of Histoplasma capsulatum in Mexican bats, especially in Morelos.
  • It establishes new world records for Histoplasma infection in N. stramineus, A. hirsutus, and L. nivalis.
  • Mexican cave environments pose a significant risk for bat Histoplasma infections, necessitating further research and public health awareness.

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