Viral Hyperparasitism in Bat Ectoparasites: Implications for Pathogen Maintenance and Transmission
Alexander Tendu1,2, Alice Catherine Hughes3, Nicolas Berthet4,5
1Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Research Unit, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
Microorganisms
|June 24, 2022
Summary
Bat ectoparasites, like ticks and dipterans, carry medically important viruses. This review highlights their potential role in pathogen maintenance within bat populations, crucial for understanding zoonotic disease risks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Ecology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human encroachment on wildlife habitats increases the risk of zoonotic disease spillover.
- Bats are known reservoir hosts for many viruses, but the role of their ectoparasites in pathogen transmission is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review viruses, viral genes, and sequences found in bat ectoparasites over the past four decades.
- To establish the potential role of bat ectoparasites in the spread and maintenance of viral pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive literature review of studies on viruses in bat ectoparasites.
- Included data from the last 40 years, covering seven virus families.
Main Results:
- Bat ectoparasites, including dipterans and ticks, harbor viruses from seven families: Paramyxoviridae, Reoviridae, Flaviviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Nairoviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Filoviridae.
- Medically important viruses were frequently detected in these ectoparasites.
Conclusions:
- Bat ectoparasites may play a significant role in the maintenance and potential spread of viral pathogens within bat populations.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of bat ectoparasites in zoonotic disease dynamics.
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