An overview of bats microbiota and its implication in transmissible diseases

Abstract

Recent pandemic events have raised the attention of the public on the interactions between human and environment, with particular regard to the more and more feasible transmission to humans of micro-organisms hosted by wild-type species, due to the increasing interspecies contacts originating from human’s activities. Bats, due to their being flying mammals and their increasing promiscuity with humans, have been recognized as hosts frequently capable of transmitting disease-causing microorganisms. Therefore, it is of considerable interest and importance to have a picture as clear as possible of the microorganisms that are hosted by bats. Here we focus on our current knowledge on bats microbiota. We review the most recent literature on this subject, also in view of the bat’s body compartments, their dietary preferences and their habitat. Several pathogenic bacteria, including many carrying multidrug resistance, are indeed common guests of these small mammals, underlining the importance of preserving their habitat, not only to protect them from anthropogenic activities, but also to minimize the spreading of infectious diseases.

Effect of Fungi Presence on Wing Morphometry and Flight Behaviour in the Common Pipistrelle Bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)

“…7a and b). However, the distribution count for the left-wing RMS was higher significant changes in wing surface characteristics in bats with fungal infestation [45,46] . The sparse distribution at the initial count of RMS for both wings suggests that certain morphometric features may be less prevalent initially, regardless of the presence of fungi.…”

Antimicrobial resistance including extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemase in feacal <em>E. coli</em> isolates from bats

“…However, ecosystem may play a vital role in AMR, evolution, dissemination and persistence of AMR are being equally important to understand to mitigating such as overwhelming issue under the one health concept (Devnath et al, 2022). Furthermore, changes in dietary pattern may contribute changes of microflora in gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in bats, which has effect on dissemination of pathogen to the environment (Federici et al, 2022). Although it has not been well understood, gut micro flora of bats is believed to be preventing excretion of pathogenic organism into the environment .…”

The association between climate variables and tuberculosis in Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, 2013–2020: a Bayesian autoregressive model

“…Indeed, climatic conditions are one of the factors that can influence the development of disease-causing microorganisms. 18,35 Certain microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can thrive or struggle depending on the environmental conditions they are exposed to. Temperature, humidity, precipitation, and other climatic factors can directly or indirectly affect the survival, growth, reproduction, and transmission of these microorganisms.…”