Adaptive evolution of traits for parasitism and pathogen transmission potential in bat flies.

ABSTRACT: Deciphering the mechanisms underlying the transmission and spillover of zoonoses from reservoir hosts is essential in preventing future global pandemics. Bat flies-obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of bats-are known carriers of diverse viruses. Here, we conducted a de novo assembly of a chromosome-level genome for the bat fly species Phthiridium sp. Comparative genomic analysis unveiled genes associated with specialized traits, such as the loss of eyes and wings, as well as elongated legs, which have adapted to parasitism on the dense fur of bats. Utilizing small RNA sequencing, we identified a spectrum of known and previously unclassified viruses in bat flies. Notably, experimental evidence indicated that bat flies can also feed on mammalian hosts other than bats, suggest

SUBMITTER: Huang G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11925017 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature