Abstract
The relationship among bats, ectoparasites and associated microorganisms is important to investigate how humans can become exposed to zoonotic agents. Even though the diversity of Bartonella spp. in bats and ectoparasites has been previously reported, the occurrence of gltA genotypes within hosts has not been assessed so far. We aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in non-hematophagous bats and associated ectoparasites by assessing cloned gltA Bartonella genotypes in intra- and inter-hosts levels, as well as by using three additional molecular markers. Overall, 13.5% (18/133) bat blood samples, 17.18% bat flies (11/64) and 23.8% (5/21) Macronyssidae mite pools showed to be positive for Bartonella spp. Seventeen positive samples were submitted to gltA-cloning and three clones were sequenced for each sample. We also obtained 11, seven and three sequences for nuoG, rpoB and ftsZ genes, respectively. None were positive for the other target genes. We found at least two genotypes among the three gltA-cloned sequences from each sample, and 13 between all the 51 sequences. Among the nuoG, rpoB and ftsZ sequences we found eight, five and three genotypes, respectively. In the phylogenetic analysis, the sequences were positioned mainly in groups related to Bartonella identified in rodents, bats and bat flies. Herein, we showed the genetic diversity of Bartonella in bat’s blood and associated ectoparasites samples at both intra- and inter-host levels.
Highlights
The interest in emerging and reemerging diseases has increased since the late 20th century
It has been suggested that bats are the most probable ancestral hosts for eubartonellae and that their ability to fly may have contributed to making these mammals ideal hosts for the spread of infectious agents, such as those caused by arthropod-borne bartonellae [29]
All the 34 positive samples were tested by cPCR to Bartonella spp. based on gltA, nuoG, rpoB and ftsZ genes
Summary
The interest in emerging and reemerging diseases has increased since the late 20th century. Bartonella spp. are gram-negative, fastidious and facultative intracellular bacteria that can be transmitted by arthropod vectors These bacteria primarily parasitize erythrocytes and endothelial cells, but can colonize dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes from different mammals and humans [2,3]. In Brazil, 9 families, 69 genera and 182 species of bats have been described so far in all morphoclimatic regions [5] Due to their high mobility, wide distribution, social behavior, longevity [6] and unique immunological system [7], these animals are frequently associated with several emerging infectious diseases and pointed out as reservoir hosts and the source of infection for potential zoonotic agents [8,9]. It has been suggested that bats are the most probable ancestral hosts for eubartonellae and that their ability to fly may have contributed to making these mammals ideal hosts for the spread of infectious agents, such as those caused by arthropod-borne bartonellae [29]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
