Full Genome of batCoV/MinFul/2018/SriLanka, a Novel Alpha-Coronavirus Detected in Miniopterus fuliginosus, Sri Lanka

Siriwardana

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Bats are described as the natural reservoir host for a wide range of viruses. Although an increasing number of bat-associated, potentially human pathogenic viruses were discovered in the past, the full picture of the bat viromes is not explored yet. In this study, the virome composition from Miniopterus fuliginosus bats inhabiting the Wavul Galge cave, Sri Lanka, was analyzed. To assess different possible shedding routes, oral swabs, feces and urine were collected and analyzed individually by using metagenomic NGS. The data obtained was further evaluated by using phylogenetic reconstructions. Two different alphacoronavirus strains were detected in feces and urine samples. Furthermore, a paramyxovirus was detected in urine samples. Sequences related to Picornaviridae, Retroviridae, Iflaviridae, unclassified Riboviria and Astroviridae were identified in feces samples, and further sequences related to Astroviridae in urine samples. No further viruses were detected in oral swab samples. The comparative virome analysis in this study revealed a diversity in the virome composition between the collected sample types which also represent different potential shedding routes for the detected viruses. At the same time, several viruses were detected for the first time in bats in Sri Lanka. The detection of two different coronaviruses in the samples indicates the potential general persistence of this virus species in M. fuliginosus bats. Based on phylogenetics, the identified viruses are closer related to bat-associated viruses with comparably low human pathogenic potential. In further studies, the seasonal variation of the virome will be analyzed to identify possible shedding patterns for particular viruses.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 73%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Comparative virome analysis of individual shedding routes of Miniopterus fuliginosus bats inhabiting the Wavul Galge Cave, Sri Lanka

Siriwardana

et al. 2022

Preprint

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“…Furthermore, the global interest of bats as potential reservoir hosts of zoonotic pathogens was highlighted recently as these flying mammals have been detected to be harboring coronaviruses [22]. In addition, recent studies revealed the presence of alpha-and betacoronaviruses in Miniopterus fuliginosus and Rousettus leschenaultii bats and paramyxoviruses in Miniopterus fuliginosus inhabiting the Wavulgalge cave, Sri Lanka [23][24][25]. Therefore, adequate PPE was worn during animal capturing, handling, and sample collection to reduce the potential risk of exposure to zoonotic or anthropozoonotic pathogens.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First Complete Cytochrome B Sequences and Molecular Taxonomy of Bat Species from Sri Lanka

Schwärz

et al. 2022

Animals

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This is the first report on the molecular identification and phylogeny of the Rousettus leschenaultii Desmarest, 1810, Rhinolophus rouxii Temminck, 1835, Hipposideros speoris Schneider, 1800, Hipposideros lankadiva Kelaart, 1850, and Miniopterus fuliginosus Kuhl, 1817, bat species in Sri Lanka, inferred from analyses by mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b gene sequences. Recent research has indicated that bats show enormous cryptic genetic diversity. Moreover, even within the same species, the acoustic properties of echolocation calls and morphological features such as fur color could vary in different populations. Therefore, we have used molecular taxonomy for the accurate identification of five bat species recorded in one of the largest cave populations in Sri Lanka. The bats were caught using a hand net, and saliva samples were collected non-invasively from each bat by using a sterile oral swab. Nucleic acids were extracted from the oral swab samples, and mitochondrial DNA was amplified by using primers targeting the mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b gene. This study reports the first molecular evidence for the identification of five bat species in Sri Lanka. Our findings will contribute to future conservation and systematic studies of bats in Sri Lanka. This study will also provide the basis for a genetic database of Sri Lankan bats which will contribute significantly to the investigation of potentially zoonotic bat viruses.

“…Liquid was added later during the preparation process of the samples in the laboratory. In terms of molecular biological analyses, this method did not impair the outcome of the analyses as we were able to detect different viruses via PCR and in NGS analyses [11, 12, 18]. The presence of intact virus particles has not been tested yet, and virus isolation in cell culture will be performed in future analyses.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

One Health Approach for the sampling of different bat species living in a sympatric colony

Siriwardana

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Bats are important contributors to the global ecosystems; at the same time, they are known to be a natural reservoir host for a number of human pathogenic viruses. These and many other unique features make them an interdisciplinary research object in the context of One Health, comprising zoology, ecology, virology, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology and public health issues. Performing field studies for bat research often aims to cover several of these topics and requires the combination of specific expertise in different fields. We carried out three individual field studies in Wavul Galge cave (Koslanda, Sri Lanka), where several bat species roost sympatrically. The main goals were to study the bat colony for ecological aspects and to sample bats for virological and molecular biological analyses. In the course of the field studies, we optimized the sampling procedure regarding safety aspects, a preferably low impact on the captured bats and an improved output of high-quality samples for further analysis. Different sampling methods and procedures were compared in order to establish a suitable strategy for frequent sampling and monitoring of these bats. In the present case study, we report on this process of optimizing our field work and provide suggestions for bat sampling methods that cause comparably less stress for the captured animals. We also report on constraints and obstacles encountered during the practical implementation and possible measures to overcome these. With these practical experiences, we hope to give support to other interdisciplinary research teams preparing for bat field work. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for the respectful treatment of the animals and minimized disturbance of their natural habitat when carrying out 50 sustainable bat research.