Serological and molecular investigation of Leptospira spp. In bats (Chiroptera, Mammalia) from Brazil

Bats play a crucial role in the ecosystem, yet concerns have arisen regarding their potential as carriers of zoonotic bacteria, including Leptospira spp. Due to the lack of knowledge about the carrier state of bats in Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of antibodies against Leptospira...

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Published in:Microbial pathogenesis 2025-01, Vol.198, p.107117, Article 107117
Main Authors: Nunes Batista, Juliana Maria, Barbosa Guedes, Israel, Messias Vila, Emmanuel, Rodrigues Jorge, Felipe, Bergmann Esteves, Stephanie, Cavalcanti Brito, João Eduardo, Carrillo Gaeta, Natália, Gagete Veríssimo de Mello, Beatriz, Mori, Enio, Cortez, Adriana, Augusto Dias, Ricardo, Soares Ferreira Neto, José, Bryan Heinemann, Marcos
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agglutination Tests
Animals
Antibodies, Bacterial - blood
Bacterial zoonoses
Brazil - epidemiology
Chiroptera
Chiroptera - microbiology
DNA, Bacterial - genetics
Female
Kidney - microbiology
Leptospira - classification
Leptospira - genetics
Leptospira - immunology
Leptospira - isolation & purification
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis - epidemiology
Leptospirosis - microbiology
Leptospirosis - veterinary
Male
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Prevalence
Public health
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Summary:Bats play a crucial role in the ecosystem, yet concerns have arisen regarding their potential as carriers of zoonotic bacteria, including Leptospira spp. Due to the lack of knowledge about the carrier state of bats in Brazil, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. and its DNA in bats from four Brazilian States (São Paulo, Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Ceará). Bats were captured using mist nets and categorized by sex, age, and species. Antibodies were searched in 22 bats via the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Additionally, 168 kidney and nine urine samples were subjected to PCR for Leptospira spp. Out of 177 samples tested, two (1.13 %) were positive in PCR, while none showed reactivity in MAT. These results suggest a low prevalence of Leptospira spp. infection in bats, indicating a limited role in transmitting leptospirosis to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife in the studied region. •Bats' role vital, yet zoonotic worries, including Leptospira spp.•Bats were directly and indirectly tested for Leptospira spp.•Pathogenic Leptospira was found in 1.13 % of samples by PCR.•No antibodies against Leptospira spp. were found.•The largest metropolitan region of São Paulo has a low prevalence of Leptospira spp.
ISSN:0882-4010
1096-1208
1096-1208
DOI:10.1016/j.micpath.2024.107117