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Endemic Lagos bat virus infection in Eidolon helvum
D T S Hayman1, A R Fooks, J M Rowcliffe
1Cambridge Infectious Diseases Consortium, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. davidtshayman@gmail.com
Epidemiology and Infection
|February 29, 2012
Summary
Bat lyssaviruses, like Lagos bat virus (LBV), are endemic in Eidolon helvum bats, showing horizontal transmission. Infection does not significantly impact bat survival, suggesting acute, non-disease-causing transmission cycles.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Ecology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Phylogenetic studies suggest bats as the origin of lyssaviruses, including rabies virus.
- The ecological role of bats in lyssavirus maintenance, transmission, and evolution remains unclear.
- Africa harbors diverse bat lyssaviruses, with Lagos bat virus (LBV) being prevalent in Eidolon helvum bats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of Lagos bat virus (LBV) in Eidolon helvum bats.
- To determine the transmission dynamics and impact of LBV infection on bat survival.
- To estimate the force of infection across different age groups within the bat population.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal seroprevalence and age-specific seroprevalence data were analyzed.
- Capture-mark-recapture (CMR) analysis was employed to monitor 98 bats over 18 months.
- Force of infection was estimated for various age categories.
Main Results:
- High seroprevalence of LBV antibodies was observed in Eidolon helvum bats.
- Data indicated endemic infection with evidence of horizontal transmission.
- CMR analysis revealed no significant difference in survival probabilities between seronegative and seropositive bats.
- Estimated force of infection varied across age categories.
Conclusions:
- Bat lyssaviruses appear to be acutely transmitted within adapted bat hosts.
- Lyssavirus infection in Eidolon helvum bats does not lead to increased mortality, suggesting a non-pathogenic or subclinical infection.
- Transmission occurs at a higher rate than disease manifestation, highlighting efficient host-virus adaptation.
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