First record of Leishmania braziliensis presence detected in bats, Mato Grosso do Sul, southwest Brazil.

Highlights: [•] We detected Leishmania (Vianna) braziliensis in two bats using PCR and PCR-RFLP. [•] This is the first register of L. (V.) braziliensis in bats. [•] This is the first register of Leishmania sp. in bats in Mato Grosso do Sul. [•] 2/5 tested positive; the parasite may have high prevalence in the region's bats. [•] Further studies on the prevalence of L. (V.) braziliensis in bats are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]