Prevalence and phylogeny of Chlamydiae and hemotropic mycoplasma species in captive and free-living bats

Abstract

Background Bats are hosts for a variety of microorganisms, however, little is known about the presence ofChlamydialesand hemotropic mycoplasmas. This study investigated 475 captive and free-living bats from Switzerland, Germany, and Costa Rica forChlamydialesand hemotropic mycoplasmas by PCR to determine the prevalence and phylogeny of these organisms. Results Screening forChlamydialesresulted in a total prevalence of 31.4%. Positive samples originated from captive and free-living bats from all three countries. Sequencing of 15 samples allowed the detection of two phylogenetically distinct groups. These groups share sequence identities toChlamydiaceae, and toChlamydia-like organisms includingRhabdochlamydiaceaeand unclassifiedChlamydialesfrom environmental samples, respectively. PCR analysis for the presence of hemotropic mycoplasmas resulted in a total prevalence of 0.7%, comprising free-living bats from Germany and Costa Rica. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three sequences related to other unidentified mycoplasmas found in vampire bats and Chilean bats. Conclusions Bats can harborChlamydialesand hemotropic mycoplasmas and the newly described sequences in this study indicate that the diversity of these bacteria in bats is much larger than previously thought. Both,Chlamydialesand hemotropic mycoplasmas are not restricted to certain bat species or countries and captive and free-living bats can be colonized. In conclusion, bats represent another potential host or vector for novel, previously unidentified,Chlamydialesand hemotropic mycoplasmas.