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Bartonella spp. in different species of bats from Misiones (Argentina)
María N De Salvo1, Andrés Palmerio2, Isabel La Rosa1
1Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Av. Díaz Vélez 4821, C1405DCD, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to detect vector-borne pathogens (Anaplasmataceae family, Rickettsia genus, and Bartonella genus) in bats from Misiones (Argentina). Thirty-three specimens were captured over 8 days using mist nets. Twenty (60.6%) blood samples were positive (11/13 Artibeus lituratus, 4/10 Desmodus rotundus, 4/8 Carollia perspicillata, and 1/2 Myotis nigricans) by PCR for the gltA gene fragment of Bartonella. All samples were negative by PCR for the Anaplasmataceae family and Rickettsia genus. The phylogenetic analysis showed seven Bartonella genotypes. The three genotypes obtained from A. lituratus, 2 from C. perspicillata, and 1 from D. rotundus were related to Bartonella spp. from New World bats, while the sequence obtained from M. nigricans was related to Old World bats. We identified a considerable diversity of Bartonella genotypes in a small number of bats, thus further research is required to better understand the complex bat-pathogen interaction.
Insights
Bat blood samples from Argentina revealed Bartonella bacteria in over 60% of bats tested. Seven distinct Bartonella genotypes were identified, with most linked to New World bat strains, highlighting significant pathogen diversity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Disease Research
- Bat Ecology and Virology
Background:
- Bats are known reservoirs for various vector-borne pathogens.
- Understanding pathogen prevalence in bat populations is crucial for public health and ecological studies.
- Previous research on vector-borne pathogens in Argentinian bats is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsia, and Bartonella in bats from Misiones, Argentina.
- To characterize the genetic diversity of detected pathogens using phylogenetic analysis.
- To investigate potential bat-pathogen interactions within the study region.
Main Methods:
- Mist netting was employed to capture 33 bats of various species over 8 days.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to screen blood samples for specific pathogen gene fragments (gltA for Bartonella).
- Phylogenetic analysis was conducted on positive Bartonella sequences to determine genetic relationships.
Main Results:
- Bartonella infection was detected in 60.6% (20/33) of bats across multiple species (Artibeus lituratus, Desmodus rotundus, Carollia perspicillata, Myotis nigricans).
- No Anaplasmataceae or Rickettsia infections were found via PCR.
- Seven distinct Bartonella genotypes were identified; most were related to strains from New World bats, with one exception linked to Old World bats.
Conclusions:
- Bats in Misiones, Argentina, harbor a diverse range of Bartonella genotypes.
- The findings indicate a significant presence of Bartonella, with implications for bat health and potential zoonotic transmission.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the complex dynamics of bat-Bartonella interactions and their ecological significance.
