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Screening of yeasts in the oral microbiota of bats (Chiroptera) in Piauí, Brazil

Summary

Researchers collected oral samples from 47 bats in Brazil and found that over 40% carried yeast species, including some dangerous types like Candida albicans that cause infections in humans. The study identified that bats living near human settlements may serve as reservoirs for these disease-causing fungi, especially during rainy seasons when conditions favor yeast growth. This discovery highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife for infectious diseases to prevent them from spreading to humans.

Background

Bats in Brazil play crucial ecological roles but are known hosts of potential zoonotic pathogens and pathogenic fungi. The fungal microbiome of these animals has been little investigated in Brazil despite their significance for understanding disease transmission and ecological interactions.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the fungal microbiota of bats and identify potentially pathogenic yeasts in populations of the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes in Piauí, Brazil, using polyphasic taxonomy approaches.

Results

17 yeast samples were isolated from 47 bats (40.5% colonization rate), including pathogenic species Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, and Meyerozyma carphophila. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and C. albicans were detected in both rainy and dry seasons, with greater yeast diversity observed during the rainy season.

Conclusion

The Cerrado of Piauí harbors diverse yeast species including clinically relevant pathogens. The discovery of pathogenic Candida species in bat oral mycobiota indicates possible zoonotic threats at the human-bat interface, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance of fungal microbiota in wildlife populations.
  • Published in:New Microbes New Infect,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40980201, DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2025.101628
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