Diversity and Epidemiology of Bat Trypanosomes: A One Health Perspective

Bats (order Chiroptera) have been increasingly recognised as important reservoir hosts for human and animal pathogens worldwide. In this context, molecular and microscopy-based investigations to date have revealed remarkably high diversity of Trypanosoma spp. harboured by bats, including species of...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pathogens (Basel) 2021-09, Vol.10 (9), p.1148
Main Authors: Austen, Jill M., Barbosa, Amanda D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
bat
Bats
Biosecurity
Chagas disease
Chiroptera
Disease control
diversity
Domestic animals
Epidemiology
Evolution
Genetic diversity
molecular epidemiology
Parasites
Protozoa
Review
Surra
Taxonomy
transmission cycle
Trypanosoma
Trypanosome
Vector-borne diseases
Vectors
Wildlife
Zoonoses
zoonosis
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Bats (order Chiroptera) have been increasingly recognised as important reservoir hosts for human and animal pathogens worldwide. In this context, molecular and microscopy-based investigations to date have revealed remarkably high diversity of Trypanosoma spp. harboured by bats, including species of recognised medical and veterinary importance such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi (aetiological agents of Chagas disease and Surra, respectively). This review synthesises current knowledge on the diversity, taxonomy, evolution and epidemiology of bat trypanosomes based on both molecular studies and morphological records. In addition, we use a One Health approach to discuss the significance of bats as reservoirs (and putative vectors) of T. cruzi, with a focus on the complex associations between intra-specific genetic diversity and eco-epidemiology of T. cruzi in sylvatic and domestic ecosystems. This article also highlights current knowledge gaps on the biological implications of trypanosome co-infections in a single host, as well as the prevalence, vectors, life-cycle, host-range and clinical impact of most bat trypanosomes recorded to date. Continuous research efforts involving molecular surveillance of bat trypanosomes are required for improved disease prevention and control, mitigation of biosecurity risks and potential spill-over events, ultimately ensuring the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife globally.
ISSN:2076-0817
2076-0817
DOI:10.3390/pathogens10091148