First Report of Circulating in Cavernicolous Bats from Portugal

Overview

Journal Viruses

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2023 Jul 29

PMID 37515207

Authors

Mahima Hemnani

Priscilla Gomes da Silva

Gertrude Thompson

Patricia Poeta

Hugo Rebelo

Joao R Mesquita

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The emergence of novel coronaviruses (CoVs) has emphasized the need to understand their diversity and distribution in animal populations. Bats have been identified as crucial reservoirs for CoVs, and they are found in various bat species worldwide. In this study, we investigated the presence of CoVs of four cavernicolous bats in six locations in the centre and south of Portugal. We collected faeces, anal, and buccal swab samples, as well as air samples from the locations using a Coriolis air sampler. Our results indicate that CoVs were more readily detected in faecal samples compared to anal and buccal swab samples. No CoVs were detected in the air samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the detected viruses belong to the genus. This study represents the first report of Alphacoronaviruses circulating in bats in Portugal and highlights the importance of continuous surveillance for novel CoVs in bat populations globally. Ongoing surveillance for CoVs in bat populations is essential as they are a vital source of these viruses. It is crucial to understand the ecological relationships between animals, humans, and the environment to prevent and control the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases. Further ecological studies are needed to investigate the factors contributing to the emergence and transmission of zoonotic viruses.

Citing Articles

Detection and Prevalence of Coronaviruses in European Bats: A Systematic Review.

Hemnani M, Gomes da Silva P, Thompson G, Poeta P, Rebelo H, Mesquita J Ecohealth. 2024; 21(2-4):125-140.

PMID: 39580592 PMC: 11649736. DOI: 10.1007/s10393-024-01688-5.

Presence of in Tree- and Crevice-Dwelling Bats from Portugal.

Hemnani M, Gomes da Silva P, Thompson G, Poeta P, Rebelo H, Mesquita J Viruses. 2024; 16(3).

PMID: 38543799 PMC: 10976264. DOI: 10.3390/v16030434.

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