Candida and Trichosporon species in urban bats from southeastern Brazil

Bats may act as carriers of opportunistic fungi of medical importance, although information regarding this interaction remains limited. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of fungi in urban and rural bats from southeastern Brazil. A total of 203 bats belonging to 13 species, originating from 17 municipalities in São Paulo State, were analyzed. Samples of spleen, liver, kidney, and intestine were subjected to PCR targeting the fungal ribosomal DNA ITS region, followed by gene sequencing. Overall, 8.37% (17/203) of the animals tested positive for yeast DNA. Candida species were detected in 6.40% (13/203) of the bats and Trichosporon species in 1.97% (4/203). The identified species were Diutina rugosa (formerly Candida rugosa) (n = 5), Pichia kudriavzevii (formerly Candida krusei) (n = 4), Candida tropicalis (n = 2), Candida palmioleophila (n = 2), Trichosporon asahii (n = 2), Trichosporon faecale (n = 1), and Trichosporon loubieri (n = 1). Yeasts were detected mainly in intestinal samples, but also in liver, spleen, and kidney tissues. All positive bats originated from urban areas. Significant associations were observed between fungal positivity and the species Molossus molossus and urban environments. In addition, C. palmioleophila, T. asahii, T. faecale, and T. loubieri are reported for the first time in bats in Brazil. These findings expand current knowledge of fungi associated with bats in southeastern Brazil and reinforce the potential role of these mammals as carriers of opportunistic yeasts of public health relevance.