Detection and identification of bacteria from the family Bartonellaceae in spinturnicid mites (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) from the Southeastern Region of Brazil

• Grant number: 25/03059-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Bassini Silva
• Grantee: Renata Puckar Costa
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Bats, belonging to the order Chiroptera, play an essential role as hosts to various hematophagous ectoparasites, such as mites from the family Spinturnicidae. Although these mites are often overlooked as potential biological vectors of pathogens, their constant exposure to bat blood suggests they may be involved in the transmission of bacterial agents among these populations. This interaction holds significant epidemiological importance, considering that the presence of pathogens in mites can affect not only bat health but also contribute to the spread of diseases from animals to humans. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of DNA from bacteria of the family Bartonellaceae in mites of the family Spinturnicidae, addressing an often underestimated question about the vector capacity of these ectoparasites. Mite samples from this family will be obtained from the Acarological Collection of the Butantan Institute (IBSP) and from partner researchers. Extracted DNA will be individually assessed for endogenous control using conventional PCR with primers for the 18S and COI genes. Positive samples will be subjected to conventional PCR for the detection of the studied pathogen. The amplified products will be sequenced using the Sanger method, and the sequences will be analyzed. This study aims to expand the understanding of the role of Spinturnicidae mites in the transmission dynamics of pathogenic agents among bats and possibly to humans. (AU)