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Published on: August 2, 2011
What's the risk? Identifying potential human pathogens within grey-headed flying foxes faeces
Rebekah Henry1, Penelope Galbraith1, Scott Coutts2
1Environmental and Public Health Microbiology Laboratory (EPHM Lab), Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Pteropus poliocephalus (grey-headed flying foxes) are recognised vectors for a range of potentially fatal human pathogens. However, to date research has primarily focused on viral disease carriage, overlooking bacterial pathogens, which also represent a significant human disease risk. The current study applied 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, community analysis and a multi-tiered database OTU picking approach to identify faecal-derived zoonotic bacteria within two colonies of P. poliocephalus from Victoria, Australia. Our data show that sequences associated with Enterobacteriaceae (62.8% ± 24.7%), Pasteurellaceae (19.9% ± 25.7%) and Moraxellaceae (9.4% ± 11.8%) dominate flying fox faeces. Further colony specific differences in bacterial faecal colonisation patterns were also identified. In total, 34 potential pathogens, representing 15 genera, were identified. However, species level definition was only possible for Clostridium perfringens, which likely represents a low infectious risk due to the low proportion observed within the faeces and high infectious dose required for transmission. In contrast, sequences associated with other pathogenic species clusters such as Haemophilus haemolyticus-H. influenzae and Salmonella bongori-S. enterica, were present at high proportions in the faeces, and due to their relatively low infectious doses and modes of transmissions, represent a greater potential human disease risk. These analyses of the microbial community composition of Pteropus poliocephalus have significantly advanced our understanding of the potential bacterial disease risk associated with flying foxes and should direct future epidemiological and quantitative microbial risk assessments to further define the health risks presented by these animals.
Insights
Grey-headed flying foxes carry zoonotic bacteria, posing a human health risk. This study identified specific bacterial pathogens in their feces, like Haemophilus and Salmonella, highlighting potential disease transmission routes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Pteropus poliocephalus (grey-headed flying foxes) are known vectors for human pathogens, but research has mainly focused on viruses, neglecting bacterial risks.
- Bacterial zoonoses from flying foxes represent a significant, understudied public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize fecal-derived zoonotic bacteria in grey-headed flying foxes.
- To assess the potential human health risks associated with bacterial pathogens carried by these bats.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to analyze bacterial communities in flying fox feces.
- Community analysis and a multi-tiered database approach were employed for OTU picking.
- Two colonies of P. poliocephalus in Victoria, Australia, were sampled.
Main Results:
- Enterobacteriaceae, Pasteurellaceae, and Moraxellaceae were the dominant bacterial families found in feces.
- 34 potential bacterial pathogens from 15 genera were identified.
- Pathogenic species clusters like Haemophilus and Salmonella were present at high proportions, indicating a greater human disease risk.
Conclusions:
- Flying fox feces harbor diverse zoonotic bacteria, with specific genera posing a higher risk due to low infectious doses and transmission modes.
- This research advances understanding of bacterial disease risks from flying foxes, informing future risk assessments.
- Further epidemiological and quantitative microbial risk assessments are needed to fully define health risks.
