Abstract
The chiropterans constitute 25% of the world's mammal fauna. Due to the destruction of their natural ecosystem, the vampire bats have moved from nature to artificial roosts closer to man and domestic animals. This phenomenon has happened particularly in rural areas. Rabies is a viral anthropozoonosis, 100% lethal, and vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) represent an important role in its epidemiology. D. rotundus were captured at night with mesh nets in partnership with the Botucatu Defense Office and sent to the Zoonosis Diagnostic Service, at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, UNESP. Serum samples from 204 bats were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fluorescent antibody viral neutralization test (FAVN) for rabies antibody detection. The results showed 7.4% of sera with titers higher or equal to 0.5 U for rabies antibodies, which demonstrated viral flow circulation among the studied region. Data suggest a need for constant monitoring accomplished by epidemiological and sanitary measures.
Highlights
The chiropterans are one of the most distinguished mammals as they present special features that make them capable of true flight [19]
Serum samples from 204 bats were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fluorescent antibody viral neutralization test (FAVN) for rabies antibody detection
Due to the disease expansion, D. rotundus has interfered in the aerial cycle, causing countless rabies cases in non-vampire bats, as well as in the urban cycle, being responsible by eight out of fourteen cases of the disease recorded among dogs and cats [7]
Summary
The chiropterans are one of the most distinguished mammals as they present special features that make them capable of true flight [19] These animals play an important role in nature, in several tropical and subtropical areas, since they are responsible for spreading seeds, flower pollination and insect population control. An important fact regarding the epidemiological vigilance of this disease in Botucatu, and its surrounding cities, is the Castelo Branco highway that presents many embankments and, numerous areas of water drainage through large piping These places are favorable for developing bat colonies near rural residences and livestock. Due to the importance of vampire bats in South America, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of serum antibodies in healthy free-living bats from the Botucatu region of São Paulo State
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