Screening of yeasts in the oral microbiota of bats (Chiroptera) in Piauí, Brazil

Bats in Brazil play a crucial ecological role; additionally, these mammals are known hosts of potential zoonotic pathogens and pathogenic fungi. The increase in their interactions with humans and other animals, caused by anthropogenic pressure, can lead to the dispersal of pathogens. Despite this, the fungal microbiome of these animals in Brazil has been little investigated. This project aims to analyze the fungal microbiota of bats and identify potentially pathogenic yeasts in populations of the Cerrado and Caatinga. The study included 47 bats captured in Piauí, Brazil. Samples were collected from the oral mucosa and the isolated yeasts were identified by a polyphasic taxonomy approach, using techniques such as partial sequencing of genes from the ITS region and MALDI-TOF MS. It was possible to isolate 17 yeast samples, including the pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis and Candida carphophila (Meyerozyma carphophila). The importance of continuous surveillance of the fungal microbiota of bats is highlighted, especially in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Cerrado and Caatinga. Detailed characterization of the oral microbiota of these animals contributes to the understanding of ecological interactions with fungi and provides essential data for strategies to prevent zoonoses and protect human and animal health.