Amplification of Emerging Viruses in a Bat Colony
Author Information
Author(s): Drexler Jan Felix, Corman Victor Max, Wegner Tom, Tateno Adriana Fumie, Zerbinati Rodrigo Melim, Gloza-Rausch Florian, Seebens Antje, Müller Marcel A., Drosten Christian
Primary Institution: University of Bonn Medical Centre, Bonn, Germany
Hypothesis
Do maternity roosts in bats serve as compartments for the amplification of coronaviruses and astroviruses?
Conclusion
The study found that the concentration and prevalence of coronaviruses and astroviruses increase when bats form maternity roosts and bear young, but these viruses had little pathogenic influence on the bats.
Supporting Evidence
- Strong amplification of RNA viruses occurred during colony formation and after parturition.
- The breeding success of the colony was significantly better in 2010 than in 2008.
- 100% of collected fecal samples tested positive for CoV RNA after parturition in 2010.
Takeaway
Bats can get sick from viruses, but when they have babies, the viruses can spread more easily. This study looked at how this happens in a group of bats.
Methodology
The study involved monitoring a maternity colony of Myotis myotis bats over three years, collecting fecal samples to detect and quantify RNA and DNA viruses.
Limitations
The study was limited by the abandonment of the colony in 2009, resulting in incomplete data for that year.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on a maternity colony of Myotis myotis bats in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website