Isolation of Histoplasma capsulatum from bats in the urban area of São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract

The presence of bats in caves, attics, ceilings, and roofs is important epidemiologically as they can increase the chance of human acquisition of pathogens, including Histoplasma capsulatum. Brazilian urban areas contain many species of bats, especially insectivorous bats, that are attracted by a wide range of readily available food and shelter. From August 2003 to December 2008, we analysed 2427 bats in the São Paulo State region. Homogenates of the livers and spleens of the bats were plated on specific medium to identify animals infected with H. capsulatum. The fungus was isolated from 87 bats (3·6%). The infected bats were identified as Molossus molossus (74), Nyctinomops macrotis (10), Tadarida brasiliensis (1), Molossus rufus (1) and Eumops glaucinus (1), all insectivorous species. The data presented are a relevant contribution to the epidemiology of H. capsulatum in densely populated urban areas such as in São Paulo State, especially since histoplasmosis is not included in the mandatory disease notification system.

Molecular detection of Histoplasma capsulatum in insectivorous and frugivorous bats in Southeastern Brazil

“…The occurrence of the disease has been related to specific environmental conditions, that is, caves, abandoned or wrecked houses and buildings, 1 as well as places where bird and bat feces are accumulated. 2 It is usually asymptomatically in humans. However, the acute infections have been reported as outbreaks, character-ized with intense clinical manifestations, that is, fever and respiratory problems.…”

Molecular detection of fungi of public health importance in wild animals from Southern Brazil

“…A large number of studies using molecular methods or isolation of H. capsulatum have demonstrated the infection in different species of wild and domestic animals …”

“…50,51 A large number of studies using molecular methods or isolation of H. capsulatum have demonstrated the infection in different species of wild and domestic animals. 37,[52][53][54][55][56] None of the samples analysed in this study were positive for that fungus, since Santa Catarina is not an endemic region for the disease. The first report of histoplasmosis microepidemics in the state occurred in 2006, with two cases, when the fungus was isolated for the first time in Santa Catarina.…”

Histoplasmosis en el sistema nervioso central en una paciente pediátrica inmunocompetente

“…Las razones exactas para su distribución endémica son desconocidas, pero se piensa que el clima templado, los excrementos de pájaros y murciélagos, y características específicas de la tierra la favorecen. [1][2][3][4] Se han aislado cepas del HC del noroeste de Argentina, cuyo genotipo tendría tropismo por el SNC. 5,6 A c t u a l m e n t e , n o e x i s t e n e s t u d i o s prospectivos con respecto al diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico de neurohistoplasmosis, pero sí recomendaciones de expertos.…”