Detection of Histoplasma capsulatum in Bats from the Brazilian Western Amazon

TL;DR

This study found the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum in bats in the Western Amazon, highlighting the need for fungal disease surveillance in the region.

Contribution

First detection of Histoplasma capsulatum in bats in the Western Amazon and in six new bat species.

Findings

The fungus was detected in 32.29% of 96 analyzed bats.

This is the first record of the pathogen in six bat species.

The study emphasizes the importance of fungal surveillance in the context of One Health.

Abstract

Histoplasma capsulatum is a saprophytic dimorphic fungus that causes histoplasmosis, a systemic infectious disease of relevance to public health. Bats can be important agents in the epidemiological cycle of the disease since they act as reservoirs of microorganisms. The aim of this study was to detect Histoplasma capsulatum in the lung tissue of bats captured in urban forest fragments in the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre, in the Western Amazon. Twenty-two bat species were captured from five urban forest fragments. The samples taken were subjected to histopathological, mycological, and molecular analysis. Among the 96 animals analyzed, the fungus was detected in 32.29% (31/96). This was the first study to detect the pathogen in bats in the Western Amazon. It is also the first record of the fungus being detected in six bat species. The state of Acre is located in a region with a rich diversity of bats. Furthermore, this area is constantly suffering from climatic and environmental changes that can favor the emergence and re-emergence of diseases. Thus, active epidemiological research and surveillance of neglected fungal infections are essential, especially considering the concept of One Health.

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