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Presence of Alphacoronavirus in Tree- and Crevice-Dwelling Bats from Portugal

Authors :
Mahima Hemnani
Priscilla Gomes da Silva
Gertrude Thompson
Patrícia Poeta
Hugo Rebelo
João R. Mesquita
Source :
Viruses, Vol 16, Iss 3, p 434 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are RNA viruses capable of infecting a wide range of hosts, including mammals and birds, and have caused significant epidemics such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Bats, the second most diverse mammalian order, are hosts for various CoVs due to their unique immune responses and ecological traits. This study investigates CoV prevalence in crevice- and tree-dwelling bats in Portugal, a country with limited prior research on bat CoVs. Using nested RT-PCR and sequencing, we screened 87 stool samples from bats, identifying one sample (1.15%) that was positive for Alphacoronavirus, belonging to Pipistrellus pipistrellus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close genetic relationships with Alphacoronavirus strains from the same bat species in Europe. The low prevalence suggests habitat-specific differences in viral transmission, with cave-dwelling bats exhibiting higher CoV prevalence due to population density and behaviour. These findings underscore the necessity for sustained surveillance efforts aimed at comprehending CoV dynamics within bat populations, especially concerning the risk of spillover events and viral evolution. Vital to this understanding is the monitoring of bat migration patterns, which serves as a crucial tool for elucidating CoV ecology and epidemiology. Such efforts are essential for ongoing research endeavours aimed at mitigating the potential for future zoonotic disease outbreaks.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19994915
Volume :
16
Issue :
3
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Viruses
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.fa1024597f624f57883396cf6de55add
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/v16030434