Bats are a potential reservoir of pathogenic Leptospira species in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Bats have become an epidemiologically significant source of pathogenic microorganisms, such as leptospires, the causative agents of leptospirosis. However, little information exists about bats and their potential role as a reservoir of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in Colombia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in the kidneys of bats from the Caribbean region of Colombia deposited in the collection of mammals of the Museo Javeriano de Historia Natural (MPUJ-MAMM).
 Methodology: DNA was extracted from twenty-six kidney samples from a total of 13 species of bats captured in Colombia. First, 16S ribosomal RNA conventional PCR was performed to detect the presence of Leptospira spp. Then, in samples that tested positive, LipL32 PCR was performed to detect pathogenic Leptospira spp. by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
 Results: The presence of Leptospira spp. was observed in 7/26 (26.9%) bats from the following 6 species: Carollia perspicillata, Glossophaga soricina, Dermanura phaeotis, Uroderma bilobatum, Desmodus rotundus, and Lophostoma silvicolum, and pathogenic Leptospira spp. were detected in 4/26 samples (15.4%).
 Conclusions: This study suggests that bats present in the Caribbean region of Colombia could be potential reservoirs of pathogenic Leptospira spp.

Phylogenetic relationships and diversity of bat-associated Leptospira and the histopathological evaluation of these infections in bats from Grenada, West Indies

“…Importantly, Leptospira infection rates differed greatly between AS and GL bats (16% vs. 65%). Bat Leptospira infection rates based on molecular techniques or culture from other studies also show marked variation from 0% to over 80% depending on bat species and location [14][15][16][17]20,22,[39][40][41]. Some speculate that the primary bat feeding habits (fruit, nectar, and insect) represented in most studies also explain some of the infection rate differences, but no statistically significant data have been published to confirm this.…”

High Diversity of <em>Leptospira</em> Species Infecting Bats Captured in the Uraba Region (Antioquia-Colombia)

“…In the first study, bats captured in schools belonging to the municipality of Sincelejo-Colombia were found positive for Leptospira infection [39]. In the second study, bats deposited in the Museum of Natural History of Colombia were analyzed by PCR and their kidneys were positive for Leptospira infection [40]. Few studies have been conducted in Colombia and is necessary to carry out the identification and characterization of infected bats with Leptospira in other regions of the country to decipher the biological role played by bats in the transmission cycle of leptospirosis in Colombia.…”

“…Although two of these bats, G. soricine and M. molossus, have been found roosting nearby people's houses [57], direct interactions with people are rarely reported. Bats roosting in human spaces present risks because these are the places where bats spend most of their activities, and it may include deposition of urine and droppings that may carry the pathogen and contaminate water or food sources [58][59].…”

“…In Colombia, two studies have reported the presence of bats naturally infected with Leptospira. [39][40]. Due to the above characteristics, bats could act as excellent spillover of Leptospira species to the environment, favoring contamination of water and soil, serving as a direct or indirect source of infection for other animals which are the main reservoirs and disseminators of the bacteria.…”

High Diversity of Leptospira Species Infecting Bats Captured in the Urabá Region (Antioquia-Colombia)

“…Currently, more than 50 species of infected bats with Leptospira have been reported in different countries, including Peru [ 23 ], Brazil [ 24 ], Argentina [ 25 ], Australia [ 26 ], Comoros island and Madagascar [ 27 ], Reunion Island [ 28 ], Mayotte Island [ 29 ], Indonesia [ 30 ], Malaysia [ 31 ], Tanzania [ 32 ], Trinidad [ 33 ], Sudan [ 34 ], Democratic Republic of Congo [ 35 ], Africa [ 36 ], and Azerbaijan [ 37 ]. In Colombia, two studies have reported the presence of bats naturally infected with Leptospira [ 38 , 39 ]. Due to the above characteristics, bats could act as excellent spillover of Leptospira species to the environment, favoring contamination of water and soil, serving as a direct or indirect source of infection for other animals, which are the main reservoirs and disseminators of the bacteria.…”