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Babesia sp. in Colombian bats (Microchiroptera)
1Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical, Universidad de los Andes, Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|July 1, 1996
Summary
This study reports the first documented case of Babesia sp. infection in bats in the Americas. Two leaf-chinned bats in Colombia showed signs of this parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Bat Ecology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Babesia species are tick-borne protozoan parasites known to infect various vertebrates.
- Bat populations can harbor diverse pathogens, impacting their health and potentially serving as reservoirs.
- Previous research has not documented Babesia infections in bats within the Americas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the presence of Babesia sp. infection in bats in Central America.
- To identify the specific Babesia species, if possible, and note associated clinical signs.
- To establish a baseline for future surveillance of bat-borne diseases.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of two Mormoops megalophylla bats collected in Colombia.
- Microscopic identification of intraerythrocytic parasites consistent with Babesia.
- Assessment of gross pathological findings, including organomegaly.
Main Results:
- Two Mormoops megalophylla bats exhibited heavy infections with Babesia sp., likely Babesia vesperuginis.
- Both infected bats displayed significant splenomegaly (enlarged spleens).
- This represents the first recorded instance of Babesia sp. infection in bats in the Americas.
Conclusions:
- Babesia sp. infections, potentially Babesia vesperuginis, occur in Neotropical bat populations.
- Splenomegaly is a notable clinical sign associated with this bat-Babesia infection.
- This finding highlights the need for further investigation into bat-borne protozoan diseases in the Americas.