# Paramyxoviruses in Bats in Poland—The First Detection

## TL;DR

This study reports the first detection of paramyxoviruses in bats in Poland, expanding our understanding of these viruses in new bat species.

## Contribution

The study identifies paramyxoviruses in previously unrecognized bat species in Poland and provides phylogenetic insights into their host and geographic correlations.

## Key findings

- Paramyxoviruses were first detected in Poland in four bat species, including two new hosts.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed strong correlations between paramyxoviruses and their host species and geographic origin.
- Haplotype network analysis supported the close relationship between viruses and their hosts.

## Abstract

Bats are hosts to many diseases that emerge in humans and livestock. Knowledge about the diversity and circulation of paramyxoviruses in European bat populations, despite their recognized importance, remains limited. Here, we present data on the first detection of paramyxoviruses in Poland in the new bat species of Cnephaeus serotinus and Cnephaeus nilsonii, which have never been previously recognized as paramyxovirus hosts, as well as in Myotis daubentonii and two unknown bat species. Viral RNA was detected in fecal and intestinal samples using the semi-nested RT-PCR protocol followed by Sanger sequencing. A widespread comprehensive phylogenetic study supported by haplotype network analyses of 376 nt sequences of paramyxoviruses detected in bats worldwide revealed that paramyxoviruses are closely related to the host and strongly correlate to the area of origin.