Bombali Virus in Mops condylurus Bat, Kenya

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Bat Ecology

Background:

• Bombali virus, a distinct Ebolavirus species, was first identified in insectivorous bats in Sierra Leone.
• The Angolan free-tailed bat (Mops condylurus) is a known reservoir for various viruses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and genetic characteristics of Bombali virus in bats in Kenya.
• To assess the potential risk of zoonotic transmission to humans following bat contact.

Main Methods:

• Viral RNA detection in bat organs and excreta using molecular methods.
• Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of detected Bombali virus.
• Serological and molecular testing for Ebola virus in humans with reported bat exposure.

Main Results:

• Bombali virus was detected in organs and excreta of Angolan free-tailed bats in Kenya.
• The Kenyan Bombali virus isolate showed 98% nucleotide sequence similarity to the Sierra Leone prototype.
• No Ebola virus-specific RNA or antibodies were found in febrile humans who had contact with bats.

Conclusions:

• This study confirms the presence of Bombali virus in bats in Kenya, expanding its known geographical range.
• Despite the presence of the virus in bats, no evidence of human infection was detected in the studied population.
• Further research is needed to understand the ecological dynamics and zoonotic potential of Bombali virus.