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[Chiroptera and zoonosis: an emerging problem on all five continents]
P Hance1, E Garnotel, M Morillon
1Service de biologie, HIA Laveran, Marseille, France. biologie.alaveran@mageos.com
Medecine Tropicale : Revue Du Corps De Sante Colonial
|June 17, 2006
Summary
Bats are a significant source of emerging zoonotic diseases, transmitting viruses like coronaviruses and fungi. Human activities are increasingly linking bats to disease transmission, posing a growing public health risk.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Context:
- Zoonotic diseases represent the majority of emerging infectious diseases globally.
- Bats, comprising the second-largest mammal group, are frequently implicated in pathogen transmission.
- Human activities, including environmental modification and habitat encroachment, are altering bat ecology and their role in disease spread.
Purpose:
- To highlight the significant role of bats in the transmission of various zoonotic pathogens.
- To underscore the impact of human intervention on the emergence of novel infectious diseases linked to bats.
Summary:
- Bats harbor numerous pathogens, including viruses (Lyssavirus, Hepanivirus, coronaviruses, Ebola virus) and fungi (histoplasmosis).
- These pathogens can be transmitted to humans, causing significant public health concerns.
- Human encroachment into bat habitats increases the likelihood of bats entering epidemiological chains, facilitating disease emergence.
Impact:
- Understanding bat-borne zoonoses is crucial for preventing future epidemics.
- Mitigating human impact on bat environments can help reduce the risk of novel pathogen emergence.
- This research emphasizes the need for One Health approaches to monitor and control zoonotic diseases.
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