Authors: Harald Brüssow
Year: 2025
Journal: Microbial Biotechnology
Summary#
This paper discusses the role of bats as pivotal sources for viral zoonosis, providing examples such as Nipah virus transmission in Malaysia and Marburg virus transmission in Africa.
Key Findings#
- Bats are viral reservoir species for various virus families.
- Bats have evolved mechanisms that tolerate virus replication but suppress the associated pathology, making them healthy carriers for many viruses.
- It is speculated that bats excrete highly pathogenic viruses as a defense mechanism against intrusion by mammalian competitors.
Methodology#
- Study Type: Review
Topics#
Epidemiology, Virology, Ecology
Relevance#
The paper provides insights into the role of bats in emerging infectious diseases, including Nipah and Marburg viruses.