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Bat Zoonoses

Potential Zoonoses Associated with Jamaican Fruit Bats

Scientific Name: Artibeus jamaicensis
Common Name: Jamaican Fruit Bat

Introduction

Jamaican Fruit Bats are medium-sized, frugivorous bats found in tropical and subtropical regions. They play an ecologically significant role as pollinators and seed dispersers.

This information sheet outlines key zoonotic risks, transmission routes, symptoms, and safety measures for those working with Jamaican Fruit Bats. Personnel must adhere to SOPs specific to their work environment, with Principal Investigators responsible for ensuring appropriate documentation. For assistance, contact EHS Research Safety or CARE.

Zoonotic Pathogens and Risk Assessment

Zoonotic Disease Risk

Wild bats present a high risk of harboring zoonotic diseases. However, the closed colony at Cornell is composed of captive-bred Jamaican Fruit Bats, which pose a negligible risk of rabies and other significant zoonoses due to over a decade of controlled breeding and health monitoring.

Rabies

Wild bats, including Jamaican Fruit Bats, can be potential reservoirs of rabies. However, there is minimal evidence directly linking Artibeus jamaicensis to rabies outbreaks. In captivity, the risk of rabies is negligible when bats are bred under controlled conditions with regular veterinary surveillance. The prevalence in frugivorous bats like Jamaican Fruit Bats is lower compared to insectivorous species (CDC, 2022; USDA, 2020).

  • Causative Agent: Rabies Virus
  • Clinical Signs:
    • Animal Symptoms: Neurological signs, aggression
    • Human Symptoms: Fever, paralysis, coma
  • Transmission: Saliva, bites, open wounds
  • Prevention: Vaccination, PPE

Histoplasmosis

Caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which thrives in bat guano. Although the disease is not transmitted directly by bats, handling or disturbing guano can aerosolize spores, leading to respiratory infections.

  • Organisms: Histoplasma capsulatum
  • Clinical Signs:
    • Bats – Usually asymptomatic carriers.
    • Humans – Fever, cough, fatigue, chills, headache, chest pain, and body aches.
  • Transmission: Inhalation of spores aerosolized by disruption of guano.
  • Prevention: PPE, particularly respiratory protection such as an N95.

Salmonellosis

An infection of Salmonella bacteria which may be present in bat feces. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps and can range from mild symptoms to rare cases that are severe or even life-threatening. Zoonotic transmission can occur through bites, scratches, or contact with bat saliva or guano.

  • Organisms: Salmonella spp.
  • Clinical Signs:
    • Bats – Usually asymptomatic carriers. In some cases, infected bats might exhibit depression, anorexia, or neurological symptoms.
    • Humans – Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; increased incidence in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Transmission: Fecal-oral route; handling contaminated objects; contact with contaminated surfaces.

Leptospirosis

An infection caused by the bacteria Leptospira spp. which may be present in bat guano. Presents with flu-like symptoms sometimes accompanied by jaundice, red eyes, or a rash. If left untreated, it can result in kidney or liver damage, meningitis, and difficulty breathing.

  • Causative Agent: Leptospira spp.
  • Clinical Signs:
    • Animals – Asymptomatic to decreased weight gain, anorexia, abortion, fever, diarrhea, and generalized neurological signs.
    • Humans – Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, vomiting); liver and kidney failure, meningitis, jaundice, red eyes, or a rash.
  • Transmission: Ingestion, direct contact with abraded skin or mucous membranes; aerosolization possible.

Other Viruses

Bats are a reservoir for many viruses that are either zoonotic or have infected humans through cross-species transmission. Examples include influenzas, coronaviruses, arenaviruses, and retroviruses. Respiratory protection should be used in wild bat populations.

Safe Work Practices

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    • Gloves: Waterproof gloves are essential when handling bats or cleaning enclosures.
    • Respiratory Protection: N95 or higher mask.
    • Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shields.
    • Long-Sleeved Clothing: To minimize skin exposure.
  2. Hygiene Protocols:
    • Wash hands thoroughly after handling bats or materials.
    • Avoid touching face, mouth, or eyes until hands are washed.
  3. Closed-Colony Captive Bats:
    • No respirator required.
    • PPE as posted: boots, disposable gown, gloves, surgical mask, and face shield.

Training

To work with captive bats in the closed colony, individuals must complete:

  • Lab Safety Training and Biosafety Level 2 Training
  • ABSL2 Training, Bat Handling Training
  • Lab-specific PI training (must be recorded)

For wild bats, an IACUC protocol and EHS consultation are required before fieldwork.

Emergency Procedures

  • Exposure to Bites or Scratches:
    • Wash area with soap and water.
    • Report to veterinarian and biosafety; seek medical care.
  • Respiratory Symptoms:
    • If coughing or fever develops post-exposure, seek prompt medical attention.

Surveillance and Reporting

  • Bat Colony Monitoring: Check for unusual morbidity or mortality.
  • Reporting: Report suspected zoonotic disease cases to vet and biosafety office.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Rabies: Bats and Rabies. Retrieved from CDC Rabies Resources: CDC Rabies
    1. Provides detailed data on rabies in wild bat populations, including regional prevalence.
  2. Streicker, D. G., Recuenco, S., Valderrama, W., et al. (2012). Ecological and Anthropogenic Drivers of Rabies Exposure in Vampire Bats: Implications for Transmission and Control. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. doi:10.1098/rspb.2012.0538
    1. Highlights the risk of rabies in different bat species, with a focus on frugivorous versus insectivorous species.
  3. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). (2020). Rabies in Wildlife: Surveillance Data and Implications for Public Health. Retrieved from USDA APHIS
    1. Discusses rabies prevalence in wild bats across the Americas, noting lower risks in fruit-eating species like Artibeus jamaicensis.
  4. Messenger, S. L., Smith, J. S., & Rupprecht, C. E. (2003). Emerging Epidemiology of Bat-Associated Cryptic Cases of Rabies in Humans in the United States. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 35(6), 738–747.
  5. Letko, Michael, et al. "Bat-borne virus diversity, spillover and emergence." Nature Reviews Microbiology 18.8 (2020): 461-471.

Version: 1.0
Date: April 10, 2025
Reviewer: J. Conyer