Description

To better understand the role of bats as reservoirs of Bartonella spp., we estimated Bartonella spp. prevalence and genetic diversity in bats in Guatemala during 2009. We found prevalence of 33% and identifi ed 21 genetic variants of 13 phylogroups. Vampire bat–associated Bartonella spp. may cause undiagnosed illnesses in humans.

Multiple studies have indicated that bats might serve as natural reservoirs to a variety of pathogens, including rabies virus and related lyssaviruses, Nipah and Hendra viruses, Marburg virus, and others (1,2). Bats’ high mobility, broad distribution, social behavior (communal roosting, fi ssion–fusion social structure), and longevity make them ideal reservoir hosts and sources of infection for various etiologic agents. In addition to viruses, bacteria and ectoparasites have been detected in bats (3–5) and can potentially cause human infection (6). Bartonella spp. have been found in rodents, insectivores, carnivores, ungulates, and many other mammals. Naturally infected hematophagous arthropods, such as fl eas, fl ies, lice, mites, and ticks are frequently implicated in transmitting Bartonella spp. (3–5,7). Detection of Bartonella DNA in the saliva of dogs suggests the possibility that Bartonella spp. can be transmitted through biting (8). Increasing numbers of Bartonella spp. have been identifi ed as human pathogens (9,10). However, a mammalian reservoir has not been determined for some newly identifi ed species, such as B. tamiae (9). Extensive surveillance for Bartonella spp. among diverse groups of animals, including bats, has become crucial. To our knowledge, Bartonella spp. in bats have been studied only in the United Kingdom and Kenya (11,12). To better understand the role of bats as reservoir hosts