Abstract
Bats (order Chiroptera) have been increasingly recognised as important reservoir hosts for human and animal pathogens worldwide. In this context, molecular and microscopy-based investigations to date have revealed remarkably high diversity of Trypanosoma spp. harboured by bats, including species of recognised medical and veterinary importance such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi (aetiological agents of Chagas disease and Surra, respectively). This review synthesises current knowledge on the diversity, taxonomy, evolution and epidemiology of bat trypanosomes based on both molecular studies and morphological records. In addition, we use a One Health approach to discuss the significance of bats as reservoirs (and putative vectors) of T. cruzi, with a focus on the complex associations between intra-specific genetic diversity and eco-epidemiology of T. cruzi in sylvatic and domestic ecosystems. This article also highlights current knowledge gaps on the biological implications of trypanosome co-infections in a single host, as well as the prevalence, vectors, life-cycle, host-range and clinical impact of most bat trypanosomes recorded to date. Continuous research efforts involving molecular surveillance of bat trypanosomes are required for improved disease prevention and control, mitigation of biosecurity risks and potential spill-over events, ultimately ensuring the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife globally.
Highlights
One Health is an approach that recognizes that the health of people is connected to the health of animals and their shared environment
Cimicid bugs are frequently found infected with trypanosomes with reports of T. dionisii, T. vespertilionis and Trypanosoma incertum identified in C. pipistrelle, T. hedricki identified in C. brevis, and T. cruzi found in C. lectularius [32,79,80,104]
In contrast to T. cruzi and other closely related Trypanosoma spp., the replication of trypanosomes belonging to the T. brucei complex in the vertebrate host occurs extracellularly in peripheral blood, where they transform into trypomastigotes
Summary
One Health is an approach that recognizes that the health of people is connected to the health of animals and their shared environment. The application of molecular techniques has greatly improved the understanding of the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of the genus Trypanosoma, a range of bat trypanosomes have been characterised based solely on morphological and parasitological features This lack of genetic information has hindered further investigations into the phylogeneny, evolution, diversity and epidemiology of these parasites. Descriptions of the remaining species are based on morphological analysis of the parasite from blood films with the validity of some species uncertain, given the limited number of blood forms and lack of information on life-cycles with the exception of T. evansi and T. vegrandis which have been molecularly characterised
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