Influenza A Virus and Neotropical Bats: Molecular Findings and Serological Evidence of Infection in Mexico

With the first evidence of the association between bats and influenza A viruses, there are some various studies have begun to be generated to understand this interesting and important association around bats conservation, animal health and public health. This study aimed to verify the presence of anti-influenza A vipothesrus antibodies, as well as the molecular identification of these viruses in bats distributed in forest fragments located in southeastern Mexico. Blood samples were obtained from 600 bats belonging to 24 different species, using an enzyme immunoassay to detect antibodies against the nucleoprotein antigen of the avian influenza A virus. Likewise, oropharyngeal swabs, rectal swabs and organs were taken for the molecular diagnosis of these viruses. We were able only six bats (1%) tested positive to serology and molecular tests. Although this suggests a very low prevalence of influenza A viruses in Mexican bats, it is the first study to address this association and, following the precautionary principle, we consider it necessary to establish systematic monitoring of the presence of influenza A in bats, since they are known to harbor infectious agents with zoonotic potential. Furthermore, it is possible that the association of influenza A viruses circulating in Latin American bats has an important coevolutionary component with some bat species with exclusive distribution in the American continent.