Author for Correspondence: D.V. Volokhov, dmitriy.volokhov@fda.hhs.gov
Summary Author: Trippe Ross, tross312@uga.edu
Bats are known reservoir hosts for viruses, but their potential for being hosts for non-viral pathogens is not yet well studied. Due to the high frequency of direct contact between vampire bats and animals, it is likely that their competence as hosts for non-viral pathogens is much higher than other species. In this study, Daniel Becker and his group surveyed saliva and blood samples from vampire bats in Peru and Belize for Mycoplasma spp. (hemoplasmas), bacteria that can cause acute and chronic anemia in wildlife, humans, and domesticated animals. These bacteria are thought to be transmitted directly through blood and saliva and possibly vector-borne contact. 16S rRNA gene amplification of blood revealed that 67% of common vampire bats were infected by hemoplasmas. Hemoplasma prevalence in vampire bats was highest among non-reproductive and adolescent individuals, did not vary by country, and appeared to be stable overtime. Metagenomics revealed non-hemotropic mycoplasmas among D. rotundus saliva in Peru and suggests possible direct transmission of hemoplasmas through biting or social contacts. This study reveals potential risk factors of infection and transmission routes. Considering the frequency of vampire bats interaction with humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife it is important that more research on the transmission of bacteria among species is done.
- Volokhov DV, Becker DJ, Bergner LM, Camus MS, Orton RJ, Chizhikov VE, Altizer SM, Streicker DG (2017). Novel hemotropic mycoplasmas are widespread and genetically diverse in vampire bats. Epidemiol. Infect 145(15): 3154-3167 [online]