Article
Parasitology
Noel Gabiliga Thiombiano, Magloire Boungou, Bertrand Adechegoun Meschac Chabi, Adama Oueda, Oskar Werb, Juliane Schaer
Summary: Bats in Burkina Faso were investigated for the prevalence and phylogenetic relationships of protozoan blood parasites. Hepatocystis parasites were found in two species of epauletted fruit bats, while a high diversity of trypanosome parasites was identified in five bat species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the trypanosome parasites from Rhinolophus alcyone and Nycteris hispida were closely related to T. livingstonei, trypanosome infections in Scotophilus leucogaster were closely related to T. vespertilionis, and the trypanosomes from Pipistrellus nanulus and Epomophorus gambianus might be T. dionisii. This first investigation in Burkina Faso provides a snapshot of the diversity of protozoan blood parasites in bats in this country.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maya Weinberg, Omer Mazar, Adi Rachum, Xing Chen, Sophia Goutink, Nora Lifshitz, Rona Winter-Livneh, Gabor a. Czirjak, Yossi Yovel
Summary: The study reveals that free-ranging Rousettus aegyptiacus face challenges at the northern edge of their distribution, with significant increase in morbidity during winter and peak in abandoned pups during spring and summer. GPS tracking showed that harsh weather mainly drives winter morbidity, suggesting potential limitations on further northward spread for this tropical species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Chatree Chumnandee, Nawarat Pha-obnga, Oskar Werb, Kai Matuschewski, Juliane Schaer
Summary: Polychromophilus parasites, exclusively found in bats, do not multiply in red blood cells and do not cause clinical symptoms of malaria. Studies on these parasites will contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of malaria parasites.
Article
Virology
Janusz T. Paweska, Petrus Jansen van Vuren, Nadia Storm, Wanda Markotter, Alan Kemp
Summary: The study found that bat flies do not play a significant role in the transmission and enzootic maintenance of Marburg virus, but the mechanical transmission of the virus through exposure of damaged mucous membranes and/or skin to flies engorged with contaminated blood cannot be ruled out.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martina Amari, Federica Alessandra Brioschi, Vanessa Rabbogliatti, Federica Di Cesare, Alessandro Pecile, Alessia Giordano, Pierangelo Moretti, William Magnone, Francesco Bonato, Giuliano Ravasio
Summary: We compared the sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of two balanced anaesthetic protocols in bats undergoing gonadectomy. The results showed that both protocols were comparable and could be recommended for minor procedures in bats.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Pathology
Shannon G. M. Kirejczyk, Amy J. Schuh, Jian Zhang, Brian R. Amman, Jonathan C. Guito, Tara K. Sealy, James C. Graziano, Corrie C. Brown, Jonathan S. Towner
Summary: In this study, the pathological changes and virus clearance of KASV infection in ERBs were analyzed in depth using histopathology, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative digital image analysis. The results showed that ERBs have effective mechanisms to respond to the virus and clear it without clinical disease.
VETERINARY PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
K. J. A. Tsague, E. M. Bakwo Fils, J. P. Atagana, N. Dongue, D. W. Mbeng, J. Schaer, T. Tchuinkam
Summary: This study detected Hepatocystis and Nycteria parasites for the first time in bats from Cameroon and characterized them molecularly. It reveals evidence that habitat types may play a role in the local transmission of Hepatocystis parasites, and adds important information on the distribution and host specificity of the neglected haemosporidian genus Nycteria.
Article
Immunology
Therese Muzeniek, Thejanee Perera, Sahan Siriwardana, Dilara Bas, Fatimanur Kaplan, Mizgin Oeruc, Beate Becker-Ziaja, Franziska Schwarz, Gayani Premawansa, Sunil Premawansa, Inoka Perera, Wipula Yapa, Andreas Nitsche, Claudia Kohl
Summary: The study in Sri Lanka found that bats can carry coronaviruses, with Miniopterus bats excreting alphacoronaviruses and Rousettus bats excreting betacoronaviruses, indicating host specificity within bat species. This suggests the prevalence of coronaviruses in Sri Lankan bats and provides a basis for further research on particular bat species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kazuki Takeda, Kosuke Manago, Ayuko Morita, Yusuke K. Kawai, Nobuaki Yasuo, Masakazu Sekijima, Yoshinori Ikenaka, Takuma Hashimoto, Ryuichi Minato, Yusuke Oyamada, Kazuo Horikoshi, Hajime Suzuki, Mayumi Ishizuka, Shouta M. M. Nakayama
Summary: This study examined the sensitivity of the Bonin fruit bat to anticoagulant rodenticides and found that they are sensitive to diphacinone but relatively resistant to warfarin.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Asghar Khajeh, Zeinolabedin Mohammadi, Fatemeh Ghorbani, Hossein Jahantigh
Summary: The study examined the inter and intraspecific variation of fruit bats of the genus Rousettus in Iran. It identified two species, R. aegyptiacus and R. leschenaultii, and found that populations of R. aegyptiacus are divided into five lineages, with the Iranian population clustering with Middle East samples. Additionally, it revealed very low genetic variation between different populations of R. leschenaultii across its distribution range.
ZOOLOGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Melanie Rissmann, Virginia Friedrichs, Nils Kley, Martin Straube, Balal Sadeghi, Anne Balkema-Buschmann
Summary: The discovery of bats as reservoir hosts for highly pathogenic zoonotic agents has led to a growing interest in infectious disease research involving bats. In this study, breeding colonies of Rousettus aegyptiacus and Eidolon helvum fruit bats, which are reservoir hosts for Marburg virus and Lagos bat virus, were established for experimental studies. Their body core temperatures and hematological parameters were monitored, and differences were found between the two bat species. These findings highlight the importance of defining baseline profiles for each bat species before conducting experimental challenges.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Nicolas Nesi, Georgia Tsagkogeorga, Susan M. Tsang, Violaine Nicolas, Aude Lalis, Annette T. Scanlon, Silke A. Riesle-Sbarbaro, Sigit Wiantoro, Alan T. Hitch, Javier Juste, Corinna A. Pinzari, Frank J. Bonaccorso, Christopher M. Todd, Burton K. Lim, Nancy B. Simmons, Michael R. McGowen, Stephen J. Rossiter
Summary: The family Pteropodidae, also known as Old World fruit bats, consists of over 200 species distributed in the tropics and subtropics of the Old World. Most fruit bats feed on fruit, indicating an early origin of frugivory, but some lineages have shifted to nectar-based diets. Research has shown that Old World fruit bats have likely undergone at least seven independent dietary transitions from frugivory to nectarivory, demonstrating their dietary diversity. Additionally, a new genus was identified and described based on the phylogenetic analysis.
SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna C. Fagre, Juliette Lewis, Megan R. Miller, Eric C. Mossel, Julius J. Lutwama, Luke Nyakarahuka, Teddy Nakayiki, Robert Kityo, Betty Nalikka, Jonathan S. Towner, Brian R. Amman, Tara K. Sealy, Brian Foy, Tony Schountz, John Anderson, Rebekah C. Kading
Summary: Serological cross-reactivity among flaviviruses makes it challenging to determine prior arbovirus exposure in areas with multiple circulating strains. This study confirms the persistence of ZIKV sfRNA in bat tissues, supporting the hypothesis of sfRNA tissue persistence. ZIKV sfRNA was detected in East African bats, representing the first detection of ZIKV RNA in this region.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Francisca Cunha Almeida, Lucila Ines Amador, Norberto Pedro Giannini
Summary: This study reexamined the hypothesis of explosive diversification at the origin of Pteropodidae and found strong statistical signals of rapid diversification. Additionally, diversification-rate shifts were detected in Pteropus, as well as in crown Hipposideridae and Rhinolophidae. The results suggest a complex dynamics in the evolution of bat families, possibly influenced by key innovations, demographic factors, and global-scale climatic and geographic changes.
ORGANISMS DIVERSITY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Pierangelo Moretti, Giuliano Ravasio, William Magnone, Federica Di Cesare, Saverio Paltrinieri, Alessandro Pecile, Alessia Giordano
Summary: This study aimed to establish laboratory reference intervals for Egyptian fruit bats, providing valuable information for monitoring the health status of both wild and captive bats. The results revealed similarities and some differences in hematological and biochemical parameters compared to other bat species, with variations possibly attributed to stress, anaesthesia, and fasting. Serum protein electrophoresis showed distinct protein fractions, enhancing the understanding of bat biology and health.
LABORATORY ANIMALS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Francois Korbmacher, Benjamin Drepper, Theo Sanderson, Peer Martin, Thomas Stach, Alexander G. Maier, Kai Matuschewski, Joachim M. Matz
Summary: This study investigates the expression, subcellular localization, and function of folate transporter 2 (FT2) in the murine malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. Disruption of FT2 results in abnormal parasite development in the insect vector and complete blockage of sporozoite transmission. The findings highlight the critical role of FT2 in parasite maturation in the arthropod vector.
CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Imran Ejotre, DeeAnn M. Reeder, Kai Matuschewski, Juliane Schaer
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
K. J. A. Tsague, E. M. Bakwo Fils, J. P. Atagana, N. Dongue, D. W. Mbeng, J. Schaer, T. Tchuinkam
Summary: This study detected Hepatocystis and Nycteria parasites for the first time in bats from Cameroon and characterized them molecularly. It reveals evidence that habitat types may play a role in the local transmission of Hepatocystis parasites, and adds important information on the distribution and host specificity of the neglected haemosporidian genus Nycteria.
Article
Immunology
Maximilian Kordes, Louise Ormond, Sebastian Rausch, Kai Matuschewski, Julius Clemence R. Hafalla
Summary: Recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) through Toll-like receptors (TLRs) plays a crucial role in first-line pathogen defense. TLRs are likely triggered by parasite-derived components during in vivo Plasmodium infection. Research on the potential effects of enhanced TLR-signalling on Plasmodium infection discovered that stimulation with a TLR9 agonist can induce killing of pre-erythrocytic stages in the liver.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Kai Matuschewski, Alexander G. Maier
Summary: The molecular arms race in Africa between humans and Plasmodium falciparum led to the selection of sickle-cell disease, which protects heterozygous carriers against severe malaria. However, parasites can counter-adapt and overcome disease resistance by identifying parasite genome signatures, known as P. falciparum sickle associated (Pfsa) variants.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
J. Kamani, Y. J. Atuman, D. A. Oche, A. Shekaro, O. Werb, I Ejotre, J. Schaer
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and phylogenetic relationships of blood parasites in different bat species in Northern Nigeria using molecular methods. The findings suggest that trypanosomes of African bats are phylogenetically diverse and there might be several undescribed trypanosome species.
Article
Biology
Anne Gunther, Matthias Hose, Hanna Abberger, Fabian Schumacher, Ylva Veith, Burkhard Kleuser, Kai Matuschewski, Karl Sebastian Lang, Erich Gulbins, Jan Buer, Astrid M. Westendorf, Wiebke Hansen
Summary: This study demonstrates the involvement of acid ceramidase and ceramide in controlling P. yoelii infection, with a mechanism involving regulation of red blood cell development.
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Franziska Hildebrandt, Johan Ankarklev, Kai Matuschewski
Summary: The researchers conducted a high-resolution transcriptomic analysis of Plasmodium berghei liver-stage maturation and identified molecular signatures of heterogeneity during the pre-erythrocytic development of malarial parasites.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Joshua Kamani, Mike Shand, Audu Shekaro, Bukar Laminu, Olubade Toyin, Moses Samuel Abasiama, Juliane Schaer, Shimon Harrus
Summary: The presence, prevalence, and risk factors of hemotropic Mycoplasma infection in cattle in Nigeria were investigated using PCR and sequencing. The DNA of hemoplasmas was detected in 8.5% of the samples, with Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' being the most common species. Co-infection with both species was also observed. The risk of infection was associated with the sex of the cattle and packed cell volume, but not with other factors such as age, breed, body condition, sample source, or agro-ecological zones.
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Branka Bajic, Oskar Werb, Ivana Budinski, Jelena Blagojevic, Juliane Schaer, Jaap van Schaik
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of Polychromophilus parasites in European bats and their nycteribiid vectors. A total of 215 bat flies collected from two bat species in Serbia were screened for Polychromophilus infections and analyzed by gene sequencing. The results showed a high diversity of P. melanipherus parasites in Miniopterus hosts and suggested regular encounter with this parasite in secondary hosts.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Ylva Veith, Anna Luiza Wende, Kai Matuschewski, Juliane Schaer, Katja Mueller, Brigitte Bannert
Summary: Blood parasite Schellackia sp. was found in sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) from Berlin, Germany, with a prevalence of 14.5% and primarily subpatent infections. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship with Schellackia sp. parasites from different lizard species in Spain. Monitoring Schellackia parasite infections in free-ranging lizards contributes to understanding the distribution, diversity, and phylogenetic relationships of this neglected parasite taxon.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Kunjan Harit, Rituparna Bhattacharjee, Kai Matuschewski, Jennifer Becker, Ulrich Kalinke, Dirk Schlueter, Gopala Nishanth
Summary: This study reveals that the deubiquitinating enzyme OTUD7b prevents TNF-induced apoptosis of dendritic cells (DCs) during infection, resulting in efficient immune response. OTUD7b stabilizes the E3 ligase TNF-receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) by counteracting its K48-ubiquitination, facilitating the activation of NF-κB and MAP kinases, IL-12 production, and expression of anti-apoptotic cFLIP and Bcl-xL. Mice with DC-specific OTUD7b-deficiency showed DC apoptosis and failure to induce CD8(+) T cell-mediated brain pathology in a murine malaria infection model. These findings highlight the importance of OTUD7b as a central molecular switch for DC survival and provide insights for manipulating DC responses.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Biology
Natalie Weber, Martina Nagy, Wanda Markotter, Juliane Schaer, Sebastien J. Puechmaille, Jack Sutton, Liliana M. Davalos, Marie-Claire Dusabe, Imran Ejotre, M. Brock Fenton, Mirjam Knoernschild, Adria Lopez-Baucells, Rodrigo A. Medellin, Markus Metz, Samira Mubareka, Olivier Nsengimana, M. Teague O'Mara, Paul A. Racey, Merlin Tuttle, Innocent Twizeyimana, Amanda Vicente-Santos, Marco Tschapka, Christian C. Voigt, Martin Wikelski, Dina K. N. Dechmann, DeeAnn M. Reeder
Summary: This study reviewed the research on African bats and their role as hosts for viruses causing human diseases. The impact of scientific research communication on public perception was discussed, and recommendations were made to improve study metadata.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Imran Ejotre, DeeAnn M. Reeder, Kai Matuschewski, Robert Kityo, Juliane Schaer
Summary: This study examines the existing knowledge and perception of bats among different tribes in Northern Uganda. It finds that negative perceptions, limited knowledge, and media influence contribute to actions against bats. Habitat loss and changing landscapes have also negatively impacted human-bat relations. Additionally, the study highlights the effectiveness of sensitization campaigns in protecting bats in the short term.
