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First report of pathogenic Leptospira in Sri Lankan bats: A potential reservoir risk?
Thejanee Perera1,2,3, Franziska Schwarz2, Therese Muzeniek2
1Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Background:
The genus Leptospira, classified under the phylum Spirochaetes, includes saprophytic, intermediate, and pathogenic species. Pathogenic Leptospira spp. are the causative agents of leptospirosis, a widespread and often neglected zoonotic disease that causes severe illness in humans, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In Sri Lanka, leptospirosis causes annual outbreaks, especially during the monsoon seasons. While rodents are recognized as primary reservoirs, bats have also been identified as potential reservoir hosts. This study aimed to detect and characterize Leptospira species in bats roosting in Wavulgalge cave, Sri Lanka.
Methodology/Principal Findings:
Urine samples (n = 148) were collected during natural urination from four bat species: Miniopterus fuliginosus (n = 117), Hipposideros speoris (n = 8), Rousettus leschenaultii (n = 10), and Rhinolophus rouxii (n = 13). DNA was extracted and screened for Leptospira using real-time PCR targeting the lipL32 gene. Sixteen samples tested positive, including 14 from M. fuliginosus, one from H. speoris, and one from R. leschenaultii. Positive samples were further analyzed by amplifying additional loci (flaB, secY, and rrs2) for Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Sequences were obtained from 12 samples. Leptospira borgpetersenii was identified in M. fuliginosus, while the sequence from R. leschenaultii represented a genetically distinct Leptospira species. Phylogenetic analysis showed clustering with sequences from the same bat host genera reported in other countries, and one L. borgpetersenii sequence clustered with strains previously detected in Sri Lankan hosts, including humans.
Conclusions/Significance:
This study provides the first molecular evidence of Leptospira in Sri Lankan bats and highlights their potential role as reservoirs contributing to the environmental circulation of pathogenic Leptospira.
Insights
This study found Leptospira bacteria in Sri Lankan bats, identifying Leptospira borgpetersenii in one species. Bats may play a role in spreading this pathogen, which causes leptospirosis in humans.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Ecology
Background:
- Leptospira are bacteria causing leptospirosis, a significant zoonotic disease prevalent in tropical regions like Sri Lanka.
- While rodents are known reservoirs, bats are increasingly recognized as potential hosts for pathogenic Leptospira.
- Leptospirosis outbreaks in Sri Lanka are common, particularly during monsoon seasons, necessitating research into all potential reservoirs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and diversity of Leptospira species in bats from Wavulgalge cave, Sri Lanka.
- To molecularly characterize any detected Leptospira strains and determine their phylogenetic relationships.
- To assess the potential role of bats in the environmental dissemination of pathogenic Leptospira in Sri Lanka.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples were collected from four bat species in Wavulgalge cave.
- Real-time PCR targeting the lipL32 gene was used for initial Leptospira screening.
- Positive samples underwent further PCR amplification of flaB, secY, and rrs2 genes, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- Out of 148 urine samples, 16 tested positive for Leptospira DNA.
- Leptospira borgpetersenii was identified in Miniopterus fuliginosus bats.
- A genetically distinct Leptospira species was found in Rousettus leschenaultii bats, with phylogenetic analysis showing links to bat-associated Leptospira globally and Sri Lankan strains.
Conclusions:
- This research provides the first molecular evidence of Leptospira in Sri Lankan bats.
- Bats, particularly M. fuliginosus and R. leschenaultii, are potential reservoirs for pathogenic Leptospira.
- The findings underscore the importance of bats in the environmental circulation of Leptospira, contributing to leptospirosis transmission cycles.
