A systematic review of vector-borne pathogens in bats of Mexico in the Antropocene Vector-borne zoonoses in bats of Mexico

Introduction: Trypanosoma spp. and Leishmania mexicana are protozoan parasites of major public health relevance. Bats can act as hosts or reservoirs, but available evidence for Mexico is fragmented and limited under a One Health framework. Methods We reviewed publications (2001–2025) reporting detection of trypanosomatids of the Trypanosoma spp. and L. mexicana in wild bats from Mexico. Epidemiological and spatial variables were included. We compiled 54 localities with individuals of bats testing positive of these pathogens, of which 14 provided site-level prevalence. These localities were analyzed in QGIS and related to distances to human settlements, paved roads, the Interoceanic train corridor (CIIT), the Maya train (Tren Maya), and decreed protected areas. Results Fourteen studies documented infection in 24 bat species, mostly phyllostomids from southeastern Mexico. Site-level prevalence ranged from 0.6 to 69.5%, with half of the records below 20%. Spatial analysis showed that most detections occurred within 0–2 km of human settlements and roads, whereas distances to the CIIT and the Maya train spanned the full gradient considered, and positive points tended to cluster within 10–40 km of a Protected area. Discussion Circulation of Trypanosoma spp. and L. mexicana in bats is concentrated in landscapes modified by infrastructure and land-use change, suggesting a strong link between human disturbance, host dynamics and zoonotic risk. These patterns highlight the need to integrate bat monitoring, land-use planning and disease surveillance within explicit One Health approach.