Dados do Trabalho

Título

Unmasking the Hidden World: Exploring Bat Microbiomes for Health Surveillance and Conservation

Introdução

Emerging and re-emerging viruses pose a significant global health concern. However, genome sequencing, which is crucial for monitoring circulating viruses, is currently hindered by complex and expensive methods. Untargeted metagenomic nanopore sequencing, on the other hand, offers a cost-effective approach to obtain genomic information, enabling the identification of pathogens and aiding in outbreak preparedness and prevention.

Objetivo (s)

This study aimed to identify the genetic sequences of microorganisms in bats from the state of Bahia.

Material e Métodos

Bats were captured in daytime roosts, and samples of oral and rectal swabs, as well as blood, were collected in viral transport medium and immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen. Samples from 17 animals were either pooled or kept separate, based on species and sample type. Total DNA and RNA extraction were performed using a semi-automated system and a commercial kit. For RNA sequencing, SMART-9N (Switching Mechanism at the 5′ end of RNA Template), a popular approach for RNA-Seq, was used. The sequencing itself utilized Oxford Nanopore Technologies and the R9.4.1 flowcell, with subsequent analysis of the reads using Genome Detective and EPI2ME. Taxonomic classification was generated by Kraken 2.

Resultados e Conclusão

In fecal samples of Eumops, more than 142 bacterial genera were identified, with Pelosinus being a frequently found genus. In the oral cavity of Molossus, Pasteurella multocida was detected, while rectal swabs revealed the presence of Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter. Desmodus oral swabs contained Escherichia coli and Mycoplasma neurolyticum, whereas rectal samples exhibited sequences of Edwardisiella and Helicobacter. Among the bats, Carolia was the only species to have blood samples examined, with Mycobacterium branderi being found. Additionally, oral samples showed a high abundance of Salmonella enterica.
These results underscore the diversity of microorganisms found in bats, including potentially pathogenic bacteria. Understanding this diversity can aid in preventing zoonotic disease outbreaks by facilitating appropriate surveillance and control measures. The significance of bat conservation and the preservation of their natural habitats is emphasized, as changes in the environment can impact microbial diversity, potentially increasing the risk of disease transmission among bats, other animals, and humans.

Palavras-chave

Metagenomics, bats, microbiome