Distribution of bat-borne viruses and environment patterns

Abstract

Environmental modifications are leading to biodiversity changes, loss and habitat disturbance. This in turn increases contacts between wildlife and hence the risk of transmission and emergence of zoonotic diseases. We analyzed the environment and land use using remote spatial data around the sampling locations of bats positive for coronavirus (21 sites) and astrovirus (11 sites) collected in 43 sites. A clear association between viruses and hosts was observed. Viruses associated to synanthropic bat genera, such as Myotis or Scotophilus were associated to highly transformed habitats with human presence while viruses associated to fruit bat genera were correlated with natural environments with dense forest, grassland areas and regions of high elevation. In particular, group C betacoronavirus were associated with mosaic habitats found in anthropized environments.

Bats, Bat-Borne Viruses, and Environmental Changes

“…A largescale study conducted worldwide on 282 bat species from 12 families demonstrated the presence of coronaviruses on 8.6% of bats whereas the ratio was only 0.2% on non-bat species [36]. A relationship between viral richness and bat species richness was demonstrated, suggesting that the diversity of bat CoVs has been driven primarily by host ecology [36,41]. Preferred association between viral subclade and bat family was also observed.…”

“…Even if the accumulation of knowledge through research works is probably influenced by these problems of perception of the risks, the example of coronavirus remains very interesting to tackle emergence phenomena. The increasing risk of pathogen transmission between bats, animals and humans in South East Asia is a consequence of the growing human population and of anthropization of environment (deforestation, agriculture) which have largely altered landscapes [41].…”

“…In places where bats are hunted and consumed such as Southeast Asia, there is no report of direct emergence of viral diseases coming from consumption or hunting. A more likely potential process of transfer of viruses from bats to humans might be the attractiveness of degraded environment for bats [41]. Indeed, a highest diversity of bat-borne viruses was demonstrated, as a consequence of a higher diversity of bats, in anthropized, degraded environments.…”

Nipah virus in India: past, present and future

“…South-East Asia host wide variety of bats and is habitat for 30% of the known global bat fauna. 38 Anthropogenic and environmental changes may impact the dynamic of virus transmission and public health. 38 India is facing rapid growth, economic development, speedy urbanization associated with massive deforestation, overcrowding of cities, movement of migrant workers.…”

“…38 Anthropogenic and environmental changes may impact the dynamic of virus transmission and public health. 38 India is facing rapid growth, economic development, speedy urbanization associated with massive deforestation, overcrowding of cities, movement of migrant workers. Political instability is associated with decrease in nations output, Economic crisis, currency devaluation, and inflation leading to decrease in funding for health care infrastructure.…”