Development of a test to simultaneous detection of main RNA viruses (coronaviruses and rabies virus) and virome analysis in bats

• Grant number: 22/06134-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Helena Beatriz de Carvalho Ruthner Batista
• Grantee: Helena Beatriz de Carvalho Ruthner Batista
• Host Institution: Instituto Pasteur (IP). Coordenadoria de Controle de Doenças (CCD). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Bats are important animals for the maintenance of ecosystems, however, the importance of these mammals as reservoirs of different infectious agents, mainly viruses, represents a public health concern. The first works to describe the interaction between bats and viruses focused mainly on the rabies virus (RABV). The interaction between bats and coronaviruses (COVs) arouses interest and has been studied for years. In addition to RABV and COVs, several other viruses have already been identified in different bat species around the world. Considering the importance of RABV and COVs, the project described below seeks to develop and apply a technique for the simultaneous detection of RABV and COVs in free-living bats, as well as specimens sent for rabies diagnosis to the Pasteur Institute. In addition, this project seeks to identify the virome to identify other viruses that infect or co-infect these bats. (AU)