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Published on: August 31, 2013
First detection of Bartonella spp. in bat bugs Cimex pipistrelli (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), Central Europe
Romana Kejíková1,2, Clifton McKee3, Petra Straková4
1Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
Bats are an important reservoir for many viral pathogens in humans. However, their role in the transmission of bacterial pathogens is neglected, as is that of their ectoparasites. This study focuses on the molecular detection of Bartonella spp. in bat bugs Cimex pipistrelli using partial sequences of gltA (citrate synthase), ssrA (transfer messenger RNA, tmRNA), and the 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region as targets. Bartonella DNA was detected in 2/112 (1.79% prevalence) samples from bat bugs. Due to the fact that bat bugs can sporadically bite humans, more extensive surveillance and vector competence studies are needed to ascertain zoonotic risk of bat-associated Bartonella spp.
Insights
Bartonella bacteria were detected in bat bugs, highlighting a potential, understudied risk for zoonotic transmission. Further research is needed to assess the public health implications of these findings.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Disease Research
- Parasitology
Background:
- Bats host numerous viral pathogens, but their role in bacterial pathogen transmission, including via ectoparasites, is often overlooked.
- Bartonella species are known zoonotic agents, with bats recognized as reservoirs for various strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Bartonella species in bat bugs (Cimex pipistrelli).
- To evaluate the potential zoonotic risk posed by bat-associated Bartonella through their ectoparasites.
Main Methods:
- Molecular detection of Bartonella spp. DNA was performed on bat bug samples.
- Partial gene sequences of gltA, ssrA, and the 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region were targeted for identification.
Main Results:
- Bartonella DNA was identified in 1.79% (2/112) of the tested bat bug samples.
- This study provides molecular evidence of Bartonella presence in Cimex pipistrelli.
Conclusions:
- Bat bugs can harbor Bartonella bacteria, indicating a potential vector role.
- Further studies on bat-associated Bartonella and bat bug vector competence are crucial to assess zoonotic risks.
