Enteropathogenic bacteria isolated in Sturnira hondurensis from central México

Abstract

About 45 % of human deaths from infectious diseases are caused by enteropathogens, among them Salmonella, Shigella and Escherichia stand out.  This group of bacteria has been poorly studied in bats and their ecosystem.  The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of enterobacteria in bats associated with a contaminated body of water in Xalapa, México.  Two mist nets were placed along the stream bank of the Honduras River.  The bat species were identified, and fecal samples were obtained from them, which were grown in triplicate in Salmonella-Shigella medium, incubated at 35 °C for 48 hr.  Additionally, a sample of water from the stream was isolated, also in triplicate.  The bacterial species were identified by colorimetry.  Four specimens of Sturnira hondurensis were collected.  Strains from Salmonella enterica (2 individuals), Shigella flexneri (2 individuals), and colony-forming unit (CFU) suspected of Escherichia coli (3 individuals) were isolated.  Two coinfections of S. enterica - CFU suspected of E. coli was reported.  All these enterobacteria were isolated from the stream water.  This study represents the first report of the isolation of S. enterica and S. flexneri in Mexican bats, specifically in S. hondurensis.  Finally, the importance of good wastewater management is highlighted to prevent bodies of water from being potential sources of infection for wildlife, as well as the need for multidisciplinary studies with the “One Health” approach.