Molecular evaluation of zoonotic bacterial pathogens in high diversity of bats from Brazil

Abstract

The bats have stood out for their flexibility and adaptation to urban centers; moreover, are described as potential carriers of pathogens, which altogether raises One health concerns. Therefore, the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella spp., Leptospira spp., Bartonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Staphylococcus aureus, Rickettsia spp., Pasteurella multocida, Coxiella burnetii, and Listeria monocytogenes) in bat species in Brazil was investigated. A total of 283 bat liver samples belonging to 78 bat species from six Brazilian states were retrieved from the Mammal Collection of the Federal University of Lavras. DNA was extracted from liver samples and tested for the presence of the described pathogens using PCR and qPCR techniques. The results showed that 5.65 % of the bats were positive for at least one pathogen, with the most commonly observed being Salmonella spp. and Y. enterocolitica. The positive samples were mainly from Minas Gerais state, with a higher prevalence in males and aerial insectivorous species. These results highlight the importance of monitoring these mammals as potential vectors/reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens and contribute to a broader understanding of the role of bats for public and animal health.