Abstract
BackgroundThe transmission cycles of the foodborne pathogens Campylobacter and Salmonella are not fully elucidated. Knowledge of these cycles may help reduce the transmission of these pathogens to humans.Methodology/principal findingsThe presence of campylobacters and salmonellas was examined in 631 fresh fecal samples of wild insectivorous bats using a specially developed method for the simultaneous isolation of low numbers of these pathogens in small-sized fecal samples (≤ 0.1 g). Salmonella was not detected in the feces samples, but thermotolerant campylobacters were confirmed in 3% (n = 17) of the bats examined and these pathogens were found in six different bat species, at different sites, in different ecosystems during the whole flying season of bats. Molecular typing of the 17 isolated strains indicated C. jejuni (n = 9), C. coli (n = 7) and C. lari (n = 1), including genotypes also found in humans, wildlife, environmental samples and poultry. Six strains showed unique sequence types.Conclusion/significanceThis study shows that insectivorous bats are not only carriers of viral pathogens, but they can also be relevant for the transmission of bacterial pathogens. Bats should be considered as carriers and potential transmitters of Campylobacter and, where possible, contact between bats (bat feces) and food or feed should be avoided.
Highlights
IntroductionThe authors confirm that the affiliation with Ad Hoc does not alter their adherence to all PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials and no competing interests exist
This study shows that insectivorous bats are carriers of viral pathogens, but they can be relevant for the transmission of bacterial pathogens
Campylobacter-confirmed strains were found in 17 out of 631 fecal samples (3%; Table 1), in six out of 14 different bat species from diverse habitats (Fig 1 and Table 2) throughout the flying season. These findings are in accordance with the study of Hatta et al [29], who found partial genomes of C. jejuni and C. coli in rectal swab samples of fruit bats
Summary
The authors confirm that the affiliation with Ad Hoc does not alter their adherence to all PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials and no competing interests exist. Since the transmission cycles of both bacteria are not fully revealed, it is useful to search for possible reservoirs in the environment since different species of wildlife, such as wild birds, are known to be potential carriers of Campylobacter [2,3,4] and Salmonella [5]. Bats are identified to be potential carriers of mainly viral pathogens [6, 7] but they might be relevant in the transmission cycles of Campylobacter and Salmonella. An opportunity arose to participate in an ongoing surveillance on viruses in bats In this investigation fresh fecal samples of wild bats were examined for the presence of Campylobacter and Salmonella. Knowledge of these cycles may help reduce the transmission of these pathogens to humans
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
