# Identification and Characterization of Viral and Bacterial Pathogens in Free-Living Bats of Kopaonik National Park, Serbia

## TL;DR

This study looked for viruses and bacteria in bats from Serbia and found some coronaviruses and bacteria that could potentially spread to humans.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the presence of alphacoronaviruses and Mycoplasma spp. in bat populations in Serbia.

## Key findings

- Alphacoronavirus genomes were confirmed in four bats with high similarity to European strains.
- Mycoplasma spp. genomes were detected in 45% of the sampled bats.
- Rickettsia spp. were found in 12.5% of the individuals, though species-level identification was not possible.

## Abstract

Globalization, climate change, and increasing human-driven environmental changes have elevated the risk of zoonotic disease emergence—diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Bats, while playing vital ecological roles, are recognized as natural reservoirs of numerous pathogens, including over 200 viruses, such as lyssaviruses, filoviruses, coronaviruses, and henipaviruses, some of which are linked to serious diseases like rabies, Ebola, and SARS-CoV. Although viral diversity in bats is well-documented, bacterial pathogens remain underexplored, despite growing evidence of their presence. This pilot study investigated 40 individuals from 12 bat species in Serbia’s Kopaonik National Park using microbiological and molecular methods. While no high-risk pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, lyssaviruses, or Salmonella spp., were found, alphacoronavirus genomes were confirmed in four bats. Additionally, genomes of Mycoplasma spp. were present in 45% and Rickettsia spp. in 12.5% of individuals, although species-level identification of these pathogens was not possible. These findings highlight the need for continued surveillance of bat-associated microorganisms, particularly in areas where human–wildlife interactions are increasing. Understanding the microbial diversity in bat populations is essential for anticipating potential zoonotic threats and informing public health strategies.

This pilot study investigated the presence of potentially zoonotic microorganisms in bat species from Kopaonik National Park, Serbia. A total of 40 individuals from 12 bat species were sampled and screened using microbiological and molecular methods. Salmonella spp., Chlamydia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Leptospira spp., Lyssavirus, Filoviridae, henipaviruses, and SARS-CoV-2 were not detected in any bats. Coronavirus genomes were confirmed in four bats—one Myotis brandtii, two Myotis daubentonii, and one Myotis cf. mystacinus. Sequence analysis identified the presence of alphacoronavirus genomes with high similarity to strains previously found in Europe. Mycoplasma spp. genomes were found in 18 bats (45%), and Rickettsia spp. were detected in five bats (12.5%), although species-level identification was not possible. The findings highlight the presence of certain bacteria and viruses in bats that could have implications for public health, especially in areas with close human–wildlife interaction. Although no direct evidence of high-risk pathogens was found, the results support the importance of continued surveillance and ecological studies on bats, given their role as potential reservoirs. Monitoring bat-associated microorganisms is essential to better understand possible transmission routes and improve the prevention of emerging zoonotic diseases.