Alpha and Betacoronavirus Detection in Neotropical Bats from Northeast Brazil Suggests Wide Geographical Distribution and Persistence in Natural Populations.

ABSTRACT: The emergence of zoonotic viral diseases, notably exemplified by the recent coronavirus disease pandemic in 2019 (COVID-19), underscores the critical need to understand the dynamics of viruses circulating in wildlife populations. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of coronaviruses in bat populations from northeastern Brazil, particularly in the state of Ceará, where little research on bat pathogens has been conducted previously. Bat sampling was performed between March 2021 and March 2022 across three municipalities, resulting in the collection of oral and rectal swabs from 298 captured individuals. Molecular analyses revealed alphacoronaviruses in multiple bat species. Additionally, a novel Betacoronavirus was identified in Artibeus planirostris, which did not fal

SUBMITTER: Figueiroa T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11816360 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature