Bat-man disease transmission: zoonotic pathogens from wildlife reservoirs to human populations

N Allocati1, A G Petrucci1, P Di Giovanni2

  • 1Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University 'G. d'Annunzio' , Chieti, Italy.

Cell Death Discovery
|August 24, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Bats harbor microorganisms that can infect humans, posing public health risks. This overview details key bat-associated pathogens with zoonotic potential, emphasizing disease transmission risks.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Bats serve as natural reservoirs for numerous microorganisms.
  • These microorganisms can cause severe diseases in humans.
  • Interspecies transmission from bats to other animals and humans is a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of major pathogens found in bats.
  • To highlight pathogens with the potential to cause human diseases.
  • To inform about the risks associated with bat-borne microorganisms.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications.
  • Identification and categorization of key pathogens isolated from bats.
  • Analysis of documented or potential disease-causing microorganisms.

Main Results:

  • Several clinically significant microorganisms have been isolated from bat populations.
  • These include viruses, bacteria, and fungi with known or suspected zoonotic capabilities.
  • The potential for spillover events and subsequent outbreaks is a critical consideration.

Conclusions:

  • Bats host a diverse range of pathogens transmissible to humans.
  • Understanding these pathogens is crucial for preventing zoonotic disease outbreaks.
  • Continued surveillance and research are necessary to mitigate public health risks.

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