Monitoring of ectoparasites and viroses in an urban fragment of Atlantic forest

Author(s)

Amanda de Oliveira Viana

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2020-09-28

Examining board members

Edison Luiz Durigon; Maria Luisa Barbosa; Paulo Eduardo Brandão; Lucio Holanda Gondim de Freitas Júnior

• Advisor: Edison Luiz Durigon; Elizabete Captivo Lourenço

Abstract

Bats are known as important reservoirs of several viruses with emerging potential. Ecological characteristics, gregarious habits and evolutionary mechanisms are characteristics that form ideal conditions for maintenance and transmission of the virus to other species. The aim of the present study was to verify the presence of Herpesvirus and Coronavirus in samples of oral and rectal swab bats and ectoparasite samples. The catches took place at the Instituto Butantan Park between 2017 and 2018. When collected, the samples were conserved in VTM and stored in ultra-freezer -70°C. For the molecular detection of the virus, steps were taken to extract the genetic material, RT PCR - in each RNA, PCR, NESTED-PCR virus, agarose gel electrophoresis, purification of the amplified fragments, sequencing and analysis of the obtained sequences. We obtained 9 species of bats belonging to 3 guilds, all species have already been registered for the State of São Paulo. About 10 species of ectoparasites were recorded, being P. euthysternum and Chirnyssoides sp. the first record for the state of São Paulo. We found 7 samples of oral and rectal swab, from 10 bats, positive for herpesvirus. Herpesviruses, belonging to the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, had a prevalence of 12.5%. Although bat hespesvirus is not of emerging importance, studies of herpes in bats are scarce. In addition, cytopathic effects have been demonstrated in Vero cells and can replicate in some human cell lines. About coronaviruses, we obtained sequences of 10 samples, from 7 chiropterans. Among these samples, 9 were from swab and 1 from ectoparasite bat mite. The sequence found in the mite was similar to the sequence found in the rectal swab of its host. We observed that usually the coronavirus found in a bat of a certain species is similar to coronas found in the same species or belonging to the same guild. Considering that the work was developed in a region of great concentration and circulation of people, as well as the remarkable results, we emphasize the need for long-term monitoring of bats in this region. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/25123-9 - Monitoring of ectoparasites and viruses in bats in urban Atlantic Forest fragment
• Grantee: Amanda de Oliveira Viana
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master