The existence of bats is crucial for all ecosystem units as they fulfil numerous ecological roles. However, they are also considered to be natural reservoirs of a wide range of zoonotic microorganisms, especially viruses. In this review article we briefly summarize current knowledge about various ecological factors that facilitate bat pathogen dispersal and about the current approaches to monitoring viral communities present within bat populations. On the basis of the cited papers, we suggest that the increased focus on complex viral populations in bats and their interactions with other populations and the environment is necessary to fully comprehend the relationship between emerging infectious diseases, the environment and their toll on human health.
Currently, Slovakia is a rabies-free country, but the epizootiological situation of rabies was not always favorable. The main reservoir species of rabies virus in the first half of the last century was the domestic dog. Since 1906, hundreds of cases were reported, of which approximately 90% were infected dogs. The disease had a typical urban character. Since 1929, the number of rabid domestic animals decreased due to the implementation of dog vaccination campaigns in particular parts of Slovakia. From the second half of 1950s, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have become an important reservoir of the RABV. In this time period urban rabies in Slovakia changed into sylvatic form. One effective method of prevention and control of wildlife rabies is an oral rabies vaccination of red foxes. It is carried out in Slovakia since 1993. A detailed development of the rabies epizootiological situation on the territory of the Slovak Republic until the application of oral antirabies immunisation of foxes and the current situation after its performance is the main object of this review.
Bats have been identified as reservoirs of zoonotic and potentially zoonotic pathogens. Significant progress was made in the field of molecular biology with regard to infectious diseases, especially those that infect more than one species. Molecular methods, sequencing and bioinformatics have recently become irreplaceable tools in emerging infectious diseases research and even outbreak prediction. Modern methods in the molecular biology field have shed more light on the unique relationship between bats and viruses. Here we provide readers with a concise summary of the potential and limitations of molecular methods for studying the ecology of bats and bat-related pathogens and microorganisms.
Introduction.Bats are considered natural reservoirs for lyssaviruses. A total of 17 out of 19 known lyssaviruses circulate in bat populations. Lyssaviruses cause rabies in animals and humans. The transmission of lyssaviruses from European bats to terrestrial animals and humans is rare, but the risk of infection still exists even in developed countries. Slovakia is currently a rabies-free country.Objective. The aim of the study was to assess the potential circulation of EBLV-1 in synanthropic bats present in human inhabited buildings, and to give an overview of human exposure to bats. Materials and method. A passive serological survey targeted the prevalence of antibodies to bat lyssaviruses in synanthropic bats between 2009 -2019. A total of 598 bats of the species Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Eptesicus serotinus, Nyctalus noctula and Vespertilio murinus were captured in buildings mainly in Eastern Slovakia, and examined by the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). Results. Lyssavirus-specific antibodies were detected in 2 (0.3%) of the 598 examined bats. Additionally, brain tissues of bats found dead were examined using the standard fluorescent antibody test (FAT) with negative results. An overview of available data on human exposure to bats recorded in Slovakia from 2007 -2019 is also included. Conclusions. The study confirmed the presence of lyssavirus antibodies in synanthropic bats in Slovakia, suggesting the active circulation of bat lyssaviruses in bat populations exploiting human buildings. Although the seroprevalence was found to be extremely low, the results show that any case of human exposure to bats must be treated with caution in order to protect public health.
Among emerging infectious diseases, 75 % are zoonotic. Migratory birds are important to public health because they carry emerging zoonotic pathogens or infected arthropod vectors. Disease is an important factor in the evolution of avian migrations and patterns of migratory connectivity. Research suggests that pathogen densities and diseases may influence the evolution of migratory behaviour. During the annual life cycle, European migratory birds spend: 2—4 months at the breeding locality, approximately 6 months on the wintering grounds, and several months (3 and more) on migration routes. There are many factors which determine when and where an outbreak of a disease may occur. Therefore, a complete understanding of the avian migratory systems has a high priority in the prevention of future outbreaks.
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