Article
Virology
Veronica Odinya Ameh, Guanghui Wu, Hooman Goharriz, Rebecca Shipley, Anthony R. Fooks, Claude T. Sabeta, Lorraine M. McElhinney
Summary: The study found that straw-colored fruit bats in Makurdi, Nigeria are commonly exposed to Lagos bat lyssavirus (LBV), with LBV-A likely circulating in the region. The majority of bat sera neutralized multiple LBV lineages, with reciprocal titers ranging from 9 to >420.89.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diego Montecino-Latorre, Tracey Goldstein, Terra R. Kelly, David J. Wolking, Adam Kindunda, Godphrey Kongo, Samuel O. Bel-Nono, Rudovick R. Kazwala, Richard D. Suu-Ire, Christopher M. Barker, Christine Kreuder Johnson, Jonna A. K. Mazet
Summary: The research focuses on the straw-colored fruit bat and its role in maintaining plant populations in tropical Africa. The study found that the bats are increasingly adapting to urban roosts, leading to potential human-bat contact and the spillover of coronaviruses. The research recommends reducing contact during the pup weaning period to mitigate exposure risk.
Review
Virology
Jessica Coertse, Marike Geldenhuys, Kevin le Roux, Wanda Markotter
Summary: Lagos bat virus is a viral species endemic to the African continent, with four lineages and genetic diversity that exceeds existing lyssavirus species demarcation criteria. Despite several exposures to rabid bats infected with LBV, no human cases have been reported to date. This review provides a history of LBV, summarizes previous knowledge, and re-evaluates genetic diversity, pathogenesis, and prevention.
Article
Ecology
Anna C. Fagre, Ausraful Islam, Will K. Reeves, Rebekah C. Kading, Raina K. Plowright, Emily S. Gurley, Clifton D. Mckee
Summary: This study investigated the dynamics of Bartonella bacteria in bat blood and bat flies in a roost in Faridpur, Bangladesh. The results showed a high prevalence of Bartonella DNA in both bat blood and bat flies, with an increase in infection rate over time in the bat blood, suggesting that bat flies may serve as vectors for this pathogen.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joshua Kamani, Javier Gonzalez-Miguel, Emmanuel G. G. Msheliza, Tony L. L. Goldberg
Summary: The study found that straw-colored fruit bats and their bat flies carry some new viruses, some of which are specific to bats or insects, while others may be transmitted between bats and arthropods.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samson Eneojo Abalaka, Idoko Sunday Idoko, Andrew Musa Adamu, Wesley Daniel Nafarnda, Salamatu Machunga-Mabunla, Zakariya Audu, Nuhu Abdulazeez Sani, Oremeyi Zaynab Tenuche, Sunday Augustine Ejeh
Summary: There is growing concern about the bioaccumulation and toxicity of heavy metals in the highly migratory bat species Eidolon helvum in sub-Saharan Africa. A study in Nigeria evaluated the levels of cadmium, lead, and zinc bioaccumulation in 24 E. helvum bats and their potential health risks to human consumers. While lead and cadmium exceeded critical threshold levels, the concentrations detected posed no lifelong non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks to humans. The presence of heavy metals suggests environmental contamination with potential health implications for both bats and humans.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shilin Tian, Jiaming Zeng, Hengwu Jiao, Dejing Zhang, Libiao Zhang, Cao-qi Lei, Stephen J. Rossiter, Huabin Zhao
Summary: Bats, especially fruit bats, have unique immunological adaptations that may explain their role as natural hosts of zoonotic viruses. Comparative analysis of 12 bat species, including six fruit bats, reveals that the evolutionary rates of immunity-related genes are higher in fruit bats. These bats share lineage-specific genetic changes in immune-related genes, resulting in dampened inflammatory responses. These findings shed light on why fruit bats are frequently identified as viral hosts.
Article
Virology
Elli Rosa Jolma, Louise Gibson, Richard D. Suu-Ire, Grace Fleischer, Samuel Asumah, Sylvester Languon, Olivier Restif, James L. N. Wood, Andrew A. Cunningham
Summary: In this study, a colony of straw-coloured fruit bats isolated from the outside world for 10 years was found to harbor a diversity of paramyxoviruses with seasonal shedding patterns. No significant associations were detected between sequence detection and birthing season or environmental conditions, and no signs of illness were observed in the bats.
Article
Virology
Said Mougari, Claudia Gonzalez, Olivier Reynard, Branka Horvat
Summary: Bats serve as natural hosts for many zoonotic viruses and have evolved mechanisms to tolerate and control viral infections, preventing both virus expansion and excessive immune response.
CURRENT OPINION IN VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Stefan Monecke, Frieder Schaumburg, Adebayo O. Shittu, Stefan Schwarz, Kristin Muehldorfer, Christian Brandt, Sascha D. Braun, Maximilian Collatz, Celia Diezel, Darius Gawlik, Dennis Hanke, Helmut Hotzel, Elke Mueller, Martin Reinicke, Andrea T. Fessler, Ralf Ehricht
Summary: A new species of Staphylococcus, named S. roterodami, closely related to S. argenteus and S. schweitzeri, has been discovered in this study. This species is widely distributed in West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Southern China, and has a zoonotic connection to bats. It has been shown to cause skin and soft tissue infections in humans and can be misidentified as S. aureus or S. argenteus based on routine procedures.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Valliyappan Mahandran, Haseeb Hakkim, Vinayak Sinha, Manjari Jain
Summary: Animal-mediated seed dispersal in the tropics is common, and some plants have developed special fruit traits to attract nocturnal frugivores like bats. This study examines the behavioral repertoires and scent compounds involved in fruit removal by fruit bats, shedding light on the chemical basis of their foraging behavior and seed dispersal.
Article
Ecology
Oluwatosin Ebenezer Atobatele, Iyabo Victoria Olatubi, Oyeshina Gideon Oyeku, Damilare Iyinkristi Ayokunle, Oladipo Olarinre Oladosu, Tolulope Mary Ogunnaike
Summary: We investigated ectoparasite diversity and interspecific infestation rates in roosting fruit bats in Nigeria. We found a significant female to male adult sex ratio and a high rate of ectoparasitic infestation. Phylogenetic analysis showed a distinct clade of ectoparasites with other species. The intensity of infestation was higher during the wet season, but did not vary between host sexes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Nico Joel Halwe, Marco Gorka, Bernd Hoffmann, Melanie Rissmann, Angele Breithaupt, Martin Schwemmle, Martin Beer, Ahmed Kandeil, Mohamed A. Ali, Ghazi Kayali, Donata Hoffmann, Anne Balkema-Buschmann
Summary: Egyptian fruit bats are not susceptible to avian H9N2 subtype, but can be infected with fruit bat-derived H9N2, potentially serving as a source for emerging novel viruses.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Iheanyi Kemdirim Peter-Ajuzie, Hannah Sarah Chukwu, Casmir Onwuaso Igbokwe
Summary: This study investigated the morphology and histochemistry of the skin and its glands in the African straw-coloured fruit bat. The results showed variations in the thickness of epidermis and dermis across different body regions, as well as differences in gland density and types.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Casmir Onwuaso Igbokwe, Umar Muhammed Bello, Felix Ejikeme Mbajiorgu
Summary: The morphology of the tongue in straw-coloured fruit bat showed adaptations to a diet mainly consisting of fruits, with various types of papillae identified. The study revealed similarities with other fruit bats, such as large flying fox and Egyptian fruit bat, while differing from insectivorous and nectivorous bats in terms of tongue structure and papillae distribution.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emma Taylor, Elsa Gladys Aguilar-Ancori, Ashley C. Banyard, Isis Abel, Clara Mantini-Briggs, Charles L. Briggs, Carolina Carrillo, Cesar M. Gavidia, Ricardo Castillo-Neyra, Alejandro D. Parola, Fredy E. Villena, Joaquin M. Prada, Brett W. Petersen, Nestor Falcon Perez, Cesar Cabezas Sanchez, Moises Sihuincha, Daniel G. Streicker, Ciro Maguina Vargas, Ana Maria Navarro Vela, Marco A. N. Vigilato, Hui Wen Fan, Rodney Willoughby, Daniel L. Horton, Sergio E. Recuenco
Summary: The Amazonian Tropical Bites Research Initiative (ATBRI) has been established to unify the control methods for neglected zoonotic diseases related to animal bites across Latin America, and provide evidence for policy-making.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Craig S. Ross, David Sutton, Paul Skinner, Sahar Mahmood, Felicity Wynne, Brandon Londt, Chad M. Fuller, Jo Mayers, Alejandro Nunez, Daniel J. Hicks, Sharon M. Brookes, Ashley C. Banyard, Ian H. Brown
Summary: Newcastle disease (ND) is a significant disease of poultry caused by virulent forms of avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1). Pigeon paramyxovirus 1 (PPMV-1) can also cause infections. A study investigated the pathogenesis and transmission of a specific APMV-1 strain in game birds and compared it to a contemporary PPMV-1 strain. The study suggested that game birds may play a role in the transmission and epidemiology of APMV-1 viruses.
Article
Virology
Samantha L. Letsholo, Joe James, Stephanie M. Meyer, Alexander M. P. Byrne, Scott M. Reid, Tirumala B. K. Settypalli, Sneha Datta, Letlhogile Oarabile, Obakeng Kemolatlhe, Kgakgamatso T. Pebe, Bruce R. Mafonko, Tebogo J. Kgotlele, Kago Kumile, Boitumelo Modise, Carter Thanda, John F. C. Nyange, Chandapiwa Marobela-Raborokgwe, Giovanni Cattoli, Charles E. Lamien, Ian H. Brown, William G. Dundon, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: Numerous outbreaks of high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) occurred in Africa, including in Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Senegal, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana. The detection of H5N1 virus in Botswana has significant implications for disease management, wildlife conservation, tourism, public health, vulnerable communities empowerment, and food security in the region.
Article
Virology
Rebecca Shipley, Edward Wright, Samuel P. Smith, David Selden, Anthony R. Fooks, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: Rabies is a neglected tropical disease, with the rabies virus causing tens of thousands of human fatalities each year. It belongs to the genus Lyssavirus, but the burden of other lyssaviruses is unclear. The emergence of novel lyssaviruses emphasizes the need to assess vaccine efficacy against these viruses, as standard rabies vaccines may not be effective against all lyssaviruses.
Article
Microbiology
Florent Kempf, Guido Cordoni, Anne-Marie Chausse, Rosanna Drumo, Helen Brown, Daniel L. Horton, Frederic Paboeuf, Martine Denis, Philippe Velge, Roberto La Ragione, Annaelle Kerouanton
Summary: By analyzing immune-associated markers and gut microbiota composition in pigs infected with Salmonella, we found that identifying high shedder pigs can help mitigate the risk of pathogen spread in the food chain.
Article
Virology
Joe James, Caroline J. Warren, Dilhani De Silva, Thomas Lewis, Katherine Grace, Scott M. Reid, Marco Falchieri, Ian H. Brown, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: Since October 2021, Europe has experienced a large-scale avian influenza (AIV) outbreak caused by the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high pathogenicity AIV. The virus has infected numerous poultry premises and led to the detection of H5N1-positive wild birds in Great Britain. It has been found that airborne particles carrying infectious HPAIV can be transmitted over short distances (<10 m) through the air, while macroscopic particles containing viral RNA may travel further (<= 80 m). However, the potential for airborne transmission between premises is considered low compared to other factors such as indirect contact with wild birds and biosecurity efficiency.
Article
Virology
Craig S. Ross, Paul Skinner, David Sutton, Jo Mayers, Alex Nunez, Sharon M. Brookes, Ashley C. Banyard, Ian H. Brown
Summary: Newcastle Disease (ND), caused by virulent forms of Avian orthoavulavirus serotype-1 (AOAV-1), is a globally significant avian disease. The study investigated the risk of AOAV-1-infected game birds to the UK poultry industry. It demonstrated that both chickens and pheasants are susceptible to infection, leading to high mortality and onward transmission, while partridges serve as intermediate hosts with reduced mortality and transmission.
Article
Virology
Marek J. Slomka, Scott M. Reid, Alexander M. P. Byrne, Vivien J. Coward, James Seekings, Jayne L. Cooper, Jacob Peers-Dent, Eric Agyeman-Dua, Dilhani de Silva, Rowena D. E. Hansen, Ashley C. Banyard, Ian H. Brown
Summary: During the early stages of the H5N1 avian influenza virus outbreak in commercial poultry in the UK, real-time reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) was used to confirm infected premises and identify the viral subtype and pathotype. Statistical analysis supported a three-test approach using M-gene, H5-HP, and N1 RRT-PCRs for swab testing, which proved to be effective in subsequent assessments. The sensitivity of the M-gene and H5-HP RRT-PCR was high, while the N1 RRT-PCR remained effective at flock level. Successful surveillance testing and epidemiological information were also obtained using serological testing and quantitative comparisons of shedding.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Emma Taylor, Katy George, Emily Johnson, Hannah Whitelegg, Joaquin M. Prada, Daniel L. Horton
Summary: This study investigates whether rabies incidence is an inevitable consequence of poverty and the relationship between economic development and rabies control. The findings suggest that economic growth alone may not be sufficient to achieve the 2030 goal, and other strategies such as targeting vulnerable populations and responsible pet ownership are needed in addition to economic investment.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Robert W. Furness, Sheila C. Gear, Kees C. J. Camphuysen, Glen Tyler, Dilhani de Silva, Caroline J. Warren, Joe James, Scott M. Reid, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: During the summers of 2021 and 2022, high pathogenicity avian influenza had a significant impact on seabird populations, causing unprecedented mortality. In one specific case at Foula, Shetland, 1500 adult great skuas died, leaving decomposing virus-laden material. The risk of further spread of infection was investigated through water sampling, and although no viral genetic material was detected after four months, limitations to the study need to be considered for future environmental monitoring.
Article
Virology
Samuel P. Smith, Rebecca Shipley, Pascal Drake, Anthony R. Fooks, Julian Ma, Ashley C. Banyard
Summary: The rabies virus is responsible for over 59,000 human deaths per year and is difficult to treat in endemic areas. To overcome this, researchers developed a live-attenuated recombinant rabies virus expressing a highly neutralizing antibody linked to a fluorescent marker. This approach shows promise for the development of a therapeutic live-attenuated virus-based treatment for rabies infection.
Article
Virology
Amanda H. Seekings, Caroline J. Warren, Saumya S. Thomas, Fabian Z. X. Lean, David Selden, Benjamin C. Mollett, Pauline M. van Diemen, Ashley C. Banyard, Marek J. Slomka
Summary: Clade 2.3.4.4 H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the goose/Guangdong lineage have caused a series of European epizootics since 2014. During autumn/winter 2020-2021, H5Nx subtypes, with H5N8 being the dominant subtype, were detected in the UK. The study shows that H5N8-2020 had higher infectivity while H5N1-2020 had faster transmission and greater virulence.
Article
Virology
Tamiru N. Alkie, Alexander M. P. Byrne, Megan E. B. Jones, Benjamin C. Mollett, Laura Bourque, Oliver Lung, Joe James, Carmencita Yason, Ashley C. Banyard, Daniel Sullivan, Anthony V. Signore, Andrew S. Lang, Meghan Baker, Beverly Dawe, Ian H. Brown, Yohannes Berhane
Summary: In December 2022 and January 2023, clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 avian influenza viruses were isolated from six American crows and a red fox in Canada. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these viruses belonged to two different clusters, indicating the continued transcontinental dissemination of the virus through migratory birds.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aurore C. Poirier, Ruben D. Riano Moreno, Leona Takaindisa, Jessie Carpenter, Jai W. Mehat, Abi Haddon, Mohammed A. Rohaim, Craig Williams, Peter Burkhart, Chris Conlon, Matthew Wilson, Matthew Mcclumpha, Anna Stedman, Guido Cordoni, Manoharanehru Branavan, Mukunthan Tharmakulasingam, Nouman S. Chaudhry, Nicolas Locker, Anil Fernando, Wamadeva Balachandran, Mark Bullen, Nadine Collins, David Rimer, Daniel L. Horton, Muhammad Munir, Roberto M. La Ragione
Summary: This study presents a rapid and inexpensive diagnostic platform for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) using the RT-LAMP assay and a portable smart diagnostic device. The platform utilizes automated image acquisition and an AI deep learning model to eliminate subjectivity in result interpretation. The AI-assisted diagnostics platform showed high specificity and sensitivity compared to the gold standard RT-qPCR test.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)