Fifty Years of the National Rabies Control Program in Brazil under the One Health Perspective.

In 1973, the National Rabies Program was created in Brazil through an agreement between the Ministry of Health and Agriculture. Since its beginning, it developed integrated action through access to free post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for people at risk, dog vaccination campaigns, a joint surveillance system, and awareness. This study aims to describe human rabies in Brazil under the One Health perspective in recent decades, including achievements in the control of dog-mediated cases and challenges in human cases transmitted by wild animals. This paper also explores possible drivers of human rabies in the Northeast Region with half of the cases. The first part of this study was descriptive, presenting data and examples by periods. Statistical analysis was performed in the last period (2010-2022) to explore possible drivers. Dog-mediated human cases decreased from 147 to 0, and dog cases decreased from 4500 to 7. A major challenge is now human cases transmitted by wild animals (bats, non-human primates, and wild canids). Most current human cases occur in municipalities with a tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest biome and a Gini index higher than 0.5. In the multivariable analysis, an association with temperature was estimated (OR = 1.739; CI95% = 1.181-2.744), and primary healthcare coverage (OR = 0.947; CI95% = 0.915-0.987) was identified as a protector. It is possible to significantly reduce the number of dog-mediated human rabies cases through the efforts presented. However, Brazil has wildlife variants of the rabies virus circulating. The association of human cases with higher temperatures in the Northeast is a concern with climate change. To reduce human cases transmitted by wild animals, it is important to continue distributing free PEP, especially in remote at-risk areas in the Amazon Region, and to increase awareness.

Defining New Pathways to Manage the Ongoing Emergence of Bat Rabies in Latin America.

Rabies transmitted by common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) has been known since the early 1900s but continues to expand geographically and in the range of species and environments affected. In this review, we present current knowledge of the epidemiology and management of rabies in D. rotundus and argue that it can be reasonably considered an emerging public health threat. We identify knowledge gaps related to the landscape determinants of the bat reservoir, reduction in bites on humans and livestock, and social barriers to prevention. We discuss how new technologies including autonomously-spreading vaccines and reproductive suppressants targeting bats might manage both rabies and undesirable growth of D. rotundus populations. Finally, we highlight widespread under-reporting of human and animal mortality and the scarcity of studies that quantify the efficacy of control measures such as bat culling. Collaborations between researchers and managers will be crucial to implement the next generation of rabies management in Latin America.

Feeding behavior and activity period of three Neotropical bat species (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) on Musa paradisiaca inflorescences (Zingiberales: Musaceae)

We studied the feeding behavior and the activity period of three phyllostomid bat species on Musa paradisiaca inflorescences in an orchard located in southeastern Brazil. Glossophaga soricina (Pallas, 1766), Anoura caudifer (É. Geoffroy, 1818), and Phyllostomus discolor (Wagner, 1843) were frequently observed, videotaped, and mist-netted visiting banana inflorescences. Three approaching strategies on banana inflorescences were performed by bats: hovering (glossophagine species), upside landing (G. soricina), and downside landing (P. discolor). A new feeding behavior that consisted in hovering and licking the nectar that dripped from the distal part of a closed bract was observed for glossophagines. Visits occurred throughout the night (from 18:00 h to 05:00 h). However, activity pattern of nectarivorous bat species was significantly different from the omnivorous bat species, with the formers presenting visiting peaks at 21:00 hs and 23:30 hs, and the second at 23:45 hs and 02:30 hs. Dietary specialization, body size, and foraging behavior are important features that are linked to kind of approaching strategies to flowers and activity period of bats. Although bat visits on M. paradisiaca inflorescences are not reproductively important to banana plant, its nectar is a frequent and abundant food source for bats from the family Phyllostomidae, at least in Southeastern Brazil.(AU)

Nós estudamos o comportamento alimentar e o período de atividade de três espécies de morcegos filostomídeos sobre as inflorescências de Musa paradisiaca em um pomar no sudeste do Brasil. Glossophaga soricina (Pallas, 1766), Anoura caudifer (É. Geoffroy, 1818) e Phyllostomus discolor (Wagner, 1843) foram frequentemente observados, filmados e capturados com redes de neblina visitando as inflorescências de banana. Três estratégias de abordagens as inflorescências de banana foram realizadas pelos morcegos: o adejo (espécies glossofagíneas), o pouso de cabeça para cima (G. soricina) e o pouso de cabeça para baixo (P. discolor). Um novo comportamento alimentar que consistiu em adejar e lamber o néctar que gotejava da parte distal de uma bráctea fechada foi observado para glossophagíneos. As visitas ocorreram ao longo de toda noite (das 18:00 hs às 05:00 hs). No entanto, o período de atividade das espécies de morcegos nectarívoros foi significativamente diferente da espécie de morcego onívoro, com as primeiras apresentando picos de visitação às 21:00 hs e às 23:30 hs, e a onívora, às 23:45 hs e às 02:30 hs. A especialização na dieta, o tamanho corporal e o comportamento de forrageio são importantes características que estão relacionadas ao tipo de estratégia de abordagem às flores e ao período de atividade dos morcegos. Embora as visitas dos morcegos às inflorescências de M. paradisiaca não sejam reprodutivamente importantes para esta planta, seu néctar é um recurso alimentar frequente e abundante para os morcegos da família Phyllostomidae, ao menos na região sudeste do Brasil.(AU)

Feeding behavior and activity period of three Neotropical bat species (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) on Musa paradisiaca inflorescences (Zingiberales: Musaceae)

We studied the feeding behavior and the activity period of three phyllostomid bat species on Musa paradisiaca inflorescences in an orchard located in southeastern Brazil. Glossophaga soricina (Pallas, 1766), Anoura caudifer (É. Geoffroy, 1818), and Phyllostomus discolor (Wagner, 1843) were frequently observed, videotaped, and mist-netted visiting banana inflorescences. Three approaching strategies on banana inflorescences were performed by bats: hovering (glossophagine species), upside landing (G. soricina), and downside landing (P. discolor). A new feeding behavior that consisted in hovering and licking the nectar that dripped from the distal part of a closed bract was observed for glossophagines. Visits occurred throughout the night (from 18:00 h to 05:00 h). However, activity pattern of nectarivorous bat species was significantly different from the omnivorous bat species, with the formers presenting visiting peaks at 21:00 hs and 23:30 hs, and the second at 23:45 hs and 02:30 hs. Dietary specialization, body size, and foraging behavior are important features that are linked to kind of approaching strategies to flowers and activity period of bats. Although bat visits on M. paradisiaca inflorescences are not reproductively important to banana plant, its nectar is a frequent and abundant food source for bats from the family Phyllostomidae, at least in Southeastern Brazil.

Nós estudamos o comportamento alimentar e o período de atividade de três espécies de morcegos filostomídeos sobre as inflorescências de Musa paradisiaca em um pomar no sudeste do Brasil. Glossophaga soricina (Pallas, 1766), Anoura caudifer (É. Geoffroy, 1818) e Phyllostomus discolor (Wagner, 1843) foram frequentemente observados, filmados e capturados com redes de neblina visitando as inflorescências de banana. Três estratégias de abordagens as inflorescências de banana foram realizadas pelos morcegos: o adejo (espécies glossofagíneas), o pouso de cabeça para cima (G. soricina) e o pouso de cabeça para baixo (P. discolor). Um novo comportamento alimentar que consistiu em adejar e lamber o néctar que gotejava da parte distal de uma bráctea fechada foi observado para glossophagíneos. As visitas ocorreram ao longo de toda noite (das 18:00 hs às 05:00 hs). No entanto, o período de atividade das espécies de morcegos nectarívoros foi significativamente diferente da espécie de morcego onívoro, com as primeiras apresentando picos de visitação às 21:00 hs e às 23:30 hs, e a onívora, às 23:45 hs e às 02:30 hs. A especialização na dieta, o tamanho corporal e o comportamento de forrageio são importantes características que estão relacionadas ao tipo de estratégia de abordagem às flores e ao período de atividade dos morcegos. Embora as visitas dos morcegos às inflorescências de M. paradisiaca não sejam reprodutivamente importantes para esta planta, seu néctar é um recurso alimentar frequente e abundante para os morcegos da família Phyllostomidae, ao menos na região sudeste do Brasil.

Feeding behavior and activity period of three Neotropical bat species (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) on Musa paradisiaca inflorescences (Zingiberales: Musaceae)

ABSTRACT We studied the feeding behavior and the activity period of three phyllostomid bat species on Musa paradisiaca inflorescences in an orchard located in southeastern Brazil. Glossophaga soricina (Pallas, 1766), Anoura caudifer (É. Geoffroy, 1818), and Phyllostomus discolor (Wagner, 1843) were frequently observed, videotaped, and mist-netted visiting banana inflorescences. Three approaching strategies on banana inflorescences were performed by bats: hovering (glossophagine species), upside landing (G. soricina), and downside landing (P. discolor). A new feeding behavior that consisted in hovering and licking the nectar that dripped from the distal part of a closed bract was observed for glossophagines. Visits occurred throughout the night (from 18:00 h to 05:00 h). However, activity pattern of nectarivorous bat species was significantly different from the omnivorous bat species, with the formers presenting visiting peaks at 21:00 hs and 23:30 hs, and the second at 23:45 hs and 02:30 hs. Dietary specialization, body size, and foraging behavior are important features that are linked to kind of approaching strategies to flowers and activity period of bats. Although bat visits on M. paradisiaca inflorescences are not reproductively important to banana plant, its nectar is a frequent and abundant food source for bats from the family Phyllostomidae, at least in Southeastern Brazil.

RESUMO Nós estudamos o comportamento alimentar e o período de atividade de três espécies de morcegos filostomídeos sobre as inflorescências de Musa paradisiaca em um pomar no sudeste do Brasil. Glossophaga soricina (Pallas, 1766), Anoura caudifer (É. Geoffroy, 1818) e Phyllostomus discolor (Wagner, 1843) foram frequentemente observados, filmados e capturados com redes de neblina visitando as inflorescências de banana. Três estratégias de abordagens as inflorescências de banana foram realizadas pelos morcegos: o adejo (espécies glossofagíneas), o pouso de cabeça para cima (G. soricina) e o pouso de cabeça para baixo (P. discolor). Um novo comportamento alimentar que consistiu em adejar e lamber o néctar que gotejava da parte distal de uma bráctea fechada foi observado para glossophagíneos. As visitas ocorreram ao longo de toda noite (das 18:00 hs às 05:00 hs). No entanto, o período de atividade das espécies de morcegos nectarívoros foi significativamente diferente da espécie de morcego onívoro, com as primeiras apresentando picos de visitação às 21:00 hs e às 23:30 hs, e a onívora, às 23:45 hs e às 02:30 hs. A especialização na dieta, o tamanho corporal e o comportamento de forrageio são importantes características que estão relacionadas ao tipo de estratégia de abordagem às flores e ao período de atividade dos morcegos. Embora as visitas dos morcegos às inflorescências de M. paradisiaca não sejam reprodutivamente importantes para esta planta, seu néctar é um recurso alimentar frequente e abundante para os morcegos da família Phyllostomidae, ao menos na região sudeste do Brasil.

Geographical Analysis for Detecting High-Risk Areas for Bovine/Human Rabies Transmitted by the Common Hematophagous Bat in the Amazon Region, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The common hematophagous bat, Desmodus rotundus, is one of the main wild reservoirs of rabies virus in several regions in Latin America. New production practices and changed land use have provided environmental features that have been very favorable for D. rotundus bat populations, making this species the main transmitter of rabies in the cycle that involves humans and herbivores. In the Amazon region, these features include a mosaic of environmental, social, and economic components, which together creates areas with different levels of risk for human and bovine infections, as presented in this work in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. METHODOLOGY: We geo-referenced a total of 175 cases of rabies, of which 88% occurred in bovines and 12% in humans, respectively, and related these cases to a number of different geographical and biological variables. The spatial distribution was analyzed using the Kernel function, while the association with independent variables was assessed using a multi-criterion Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. FINDINGS: The spatiotemporal analysis of the occurrence of rabies in bovines and humans found reduction in the number of cases in the eastern state of Pará, where no more cases were recorded in humans, whereas high infection rates were recorded in bovines in the northeastern part of the state, and low rates in the southeast. The areas of highest risk for bovine rabies are found in the proximity of rivers and highways. In the case of human rabies, the highest concentration of high-risk areas was found where the highway network coincides with high densities of rural and indigenous populations. CONCLUSION: The high-risk areas for human and bovine rabies are patchily distributed, and related to extensive deforested areas, large herds of cattle, and the presence of highways. These findings provide an important database for the generation of epidemiological models that could support the development of effective prevention measures and controls.

VIROLOGICAL AND SEROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF RABIES IN BATS FROM AN URBAN AREA IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON / Diagnóstico virológico e sorológico de raiva em morcegos de uma área urbana na Amazônia Brasileira

The outbreaks of rabies in humans transmitted by Desmodus rotundus in 2004 and 2005, in the northeast of the Brazilian State of Para, eastern Amazon basin, made this a priority area for studies on this zoonosis. Given this, the present study provides data on this phenomenon in an urban context, in order to assess the possible circulation of the classic rabies virus (RABV) among bat species in Capanema, a town in the Amazon basin. Bats were collected, in 2011, with mist nets during the wet and dry seasons. Samples of brain tissue and blood were collected for virological and serological survey, respectively. None of the 153 brain tissue samples analyzed tested positive for RABV infection, but 50.34% (95% CI: 45.67-55.01%) of the serum samples analyzed were seropositive. Artibeus planirostris was the most common species, with a high percentage of seropositive individuals (52.46%, 95% CI: 52.31 52.60%). Statistically, equal proportions of seropositive results were obtained in the rainy and dry seasons (c2 = 0.057, d.f. = 1, p = 0.88). Significantly higher proportions of males (55.96%, 95% CI: 48.96-62.96%) and adults (52.37%, 95% CI: 47.35-57.39%) were seropositive. While none of the brain tissue samples tested positive for infection, the high proportion of seropositive specimens indicates that RABV may be widespread in this urban area.

Os surtos de raiva em humanos transmitida por Desmodus rotundus em 2004 e 2005 no nordeste do estado do Pará, Brasil, Amazônia Oriental, fizeram desta uma área prioritária para estudos sobre essa zoonose. Diante disso, o presente estudo fornece dados sobre esse fenômeno em contexto urbano, afim de avaliar uma possível circulação do vírus clássico da raiva (RABV) entre espécies de morcegos em Capanema, cidade localizada na bacia Amazônica. Os morcegos foram coletados em 2011, com auxílio de redes de espera durante as estações seca e chuvosa. Amostras de encéfalo e de sangue foram coletadas para o diagnóstico virológico e sorológico, respectivamente. Das 153 amostras de encéfalo analisadas, nenhuma encontrou-se positiva para infecção pelo RABV, porém, 50,34% (95% CI: 45,67-55,01) das amostras de soro analisadas estavam soropositivas. Artibeus planirostris foi a espécie mais comum, e seu percentual de indivíduos soropositivos foi bem elevado (52.46%, 95% CI: 52,31-52,60). Porções estatisticamente iguais de soropositivos foram registrados nas estações (c2 = 0,057, d.f. = 1, p = 0,88). Uma porção significativamente elevada de machos (55,96%, 95% CI: 48,96%-62,96%), e adultos (52,37%, 95% CI: 47,35%-57,39%) foram soropositivos. Apesar de nenhuma das amostras de encéfalo terem sido positivas para raiva, a alta proporção de espécimes soropositivos indica uma possível circulação do RABV nessa área urbana.

Preferential consumption of larger fruits of Piper arboreum (Piperaceae) by Carollia perspicillata (Phyllostomidae) in the brazilian tropical dry forest / Consumo preferencial de frutos maiores de Piper arboreum (Piperaceae) por Carollia Perspicillata (Phyllostomidae) em uma floresta tropical brasileira

Frugivorous animals may use morphological traits of food items such as size, hardness, shape, color and smell as cues that allow them to assess cost-benefit relationship of foraging activity. Fruit size is an important trait that influences feeding behavior of most frugivores, since there is a functional correlation between fruit size and frugivores' body size. Therefore, size-based preference is fundamental to understand plant-frugivore interactions and seed dispersal. In this sense, we tested the hypothesis of preferential consumption of larger fruits of Piper arboreum by the short-tailed fruit bat Carollia perspicillata in the Brazilian tropical dry forest. Results showed considerable variation in fruit size among and within plants. There was also significant difference in fruit ripening time among plants, which was not related to fruit size. Average size of remaining fruits reduced as they were removed from plants by the bats, which indicates preferential consumption of larger fruits. On the other hand, plant phenology constrained consumption of bigger fruits. Only a small fraction of plant crop was available for consumption each night, regardless of fruit size, which probably coerced bats to feed on smaller fruits as the availability of larger ones decreased. Results suggest that bat preference on fruit size is mediated by plant phenological strategies.

Os frugívoros utilizam as características morfológicas dos frutos tais como tamanho, dureza, forma, cor e cheiro, como pistas para avaliar o custo-benefício da atividade de forrageio. O tamanho dos frutos é uma característica importante que influencia o comportamento alimentar dos frugívoros, já que existe uma correlação funcional entre tamanho do fruto e o do tamanho do frugívoro. Por isso, a seleção do fruto a partir do seu tamanho é um elemento fundamental para a compreensão das interações frugívoro-planta e da dispersão de sementes. Neste sentido, nós testamos a hipótese de consumo preferencial de frutos maiores de Piper arboreum pelo morcego Carollia perspicillata em uma floresta tropical brasileira. Os resultados mostraram ampla variação no tamanho do fruto entre e dentro das plantas parentais. Também houve diferença significativa no tempo de maturação dos frutos entre as plantas, o qual não esteve relacionado com o tamanho do fruto. O tamanho médio dos frutos restantes na planta após a remoção pelos morcegos decresceu, o que indicou o consumo preferencial dos frutos maiores. Por outro lado, a fenologia da planta restringiu o consumo destes frutos. Um número pequeno de frutos maduros esteve disponível para o consumo por noite, independentemente de seu tamanho, o que provavelmente limitou a escolha dos morcegos, obrigando-os a se alimentarem dos frutos menores conforme a disponibilidade dos maiores reduziu-se. Os resultados sugerem que a preferência dos morcegos pelo tamanho dos frutos é mediada pelas estratégias fenológicas das plantas.

VIROLOGICAL AND SEROLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF RABIES IN BATS FROM AN URBAN AREA IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON.

The outbreaks of rabies in humans transmitted by Desmodus rotundus in 2004 and 2005, in the northeast of the Brazilian State of Para, eastern Amazon basin, made this a priority area for studies on this zoonosis. Given this, the present study provides data on this phenomenon in an urban context, in order to assess the possible circulation of the classic rabies virus (RABV) among bat species in Capanema, a town in the Amazon basin. Bats were collected, in 2011, with mist nets during the wet and dry seasons. Samples of brain tissue and blood were collected for virological and serological survey, respectively. None of the 153 brain tissue samples analyzed tested positive for RABV infection, but 50.34% (95% CI: 45.67-55.01%) of the serum samples analyzed were seropositive. Artibeus planirostris was the most common species, with a high percentage of seropositive individuals (52.46%, 95% CI: 52.31 52.60%). Statistically, equal proportions of seropositive results were obtained in the rainy and dry seasons (c2 = 0.057, d.f. = 1, p = 0.88). Significantly higher proportions of males (55.96%, 95% CI: 48.96-62.96%) and adults (52.37%, 95% CI: 47.35-57.39%) were seropositive. While none of the brain tissue samples tested positive for infection, the high proportion of seropositive specimens indicates that RABV may be widespread in this urban area.

Estrutura da comunidade de morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) da Estação Experimental de Itirapina, estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The structure of Brazilian bat communities is poor studied and they have been modified due to the loss of part of their habitats. Here we studied bat community in Estação Experimental de Itirapina, state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. In addition to the cultivated species of Eucalyptus and Pinus in this place, native and exotic plants supply food to the bats. Four to twelve mist nets were opened in 58 nights, from July 2001 to July 2006. A total of 720 individuals of 16 bat species were caught: Five species (Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus, Carollia perspicillata and Sturnira lilium) accounted for 80% of the captures. All of them are abundant in disturbed areas and feed on pioneer species, such as Cecropia pachystachya, Solanum spp. and Piper spp. Estação Experimental de Itirapina is an important place for supplying roosting and food sources for bats.(AU)

A estrutura de comunidades de morcegos no Brasil ainda é pouco estudada e vêm sofrendo sérias modificações devido à perda de habitats. O principal objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar a comunidade de morcegos da Estação Experimental de Itirapina, município de Itirapina, Estado de São Paulo. Nesta Estação, além das espécies cultivadas de Eucalyptus e Pinus, há diversas plantas que podem fornecer alimento aos morcegos. Entre julho de 2001 e julho de 2006, foram realizadas 58 sessões noturnas de captura de morcegos com 4 a 12 redes-de-neblina dispostas a cada sessão. Nesse período, foram capturados 720 indivíduos de 16 espécies de morcegos dos quais 13 pertencem à família Phyllostomidae, duas à Vespertilionidae e uma à Molossidae. A curva cumulativa de espécies atingiu o equilíbrio, no qual apenas espécies raras são acrescentadas. Cinco espécies (Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus, Carollia perspicillata, Glossophaga soricina e Sturnira lilium) representaram 80% dos morcegos capturados na Estação Experimental, onde se alimentavam de frutos de plantas pioneiras, tais como Cecropia pachystachya, Solanum spp. e Piper spp. A prevalência do vírus rábico foi zero na amostragem das 10 espécies analisadas. Apesar de estar muito modificada, a Estação Experimental de Itirapina pode ser uma importante área de abrigo e alimento para os morcegos e tem potencial de atuar como corredor entre áreas de Cerrado e Mata Atlântica.(AU)

Estrutura da comunidade de morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) da Estação Experimental de Itirapina, estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The structure of Brazilian bat communities is poor studied and they have been modified due to the loss of part of their habitats. Here we studied bat community in Estação Experimental de Itirapina, state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. In addition to the cultivated species of Eucalyptus and Pinus in this place, native and exotic plants supply food to the bats. Four to twelve mist nets were opened in 58 nights, from July 2001 to July 2006. A total of 720 individuals of 16 bat species were caught: Five species (Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus, Carollia perspicillata and Sturnira lilium) accounted for 80% of the captures. All of them are abundant in disturbed areas and feed on pioneer species, such as Cecropia pachystachya, Solanum spp. and Piper spp. Estação Experimental de Itirapina is an important place for supplying roosting and food sources for bats.

A estrutura de comunidades de morcegos no Brasil ainda é pouco estudada e vêm sofrendo sérias modificações devido à perda de habitats. O principal objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar a comunidade de morcegos da Estação Experimental de Itirapina, município de Itirapina, Estado de São Paulo. Nesta Estação, além das espécies cultivadas de Eucalyptus e Pinus, há diversas plantas que podem fornecer alimento aos morcegos. Entre julho de 2001 e julho de 2006, foram realizadas 58 sessões noturnas de captura de morcegos com 4 a 12 redes-de-neblina dispostas a cada sessão. Nesse período, foram capturados 720 indivíduos de 16 espécies de morcegos dos quais 13 pertencem à família Phyllostomidae, duas à Vespertilionidae e uma à Molossidae. A curva cumulativa de espécies atingiu o equilíbrio, no qual apenas espécies raras são acrescentadas. Cinco espécies (Artibeus lituratus, Platyrrhinus lineatus, Carollia perspicillata, Glossophaga soricina e Sturnira lilium) representaram 80% dos morcegos capturados na Estação Experimental, onde se alimentavam de frutos de plantas pioneiras, tais como Cecropia pachystachya, Solanum spp. e Piper spp. A prevalência do vírus rábico foi zero na amostragem das 10 espécies analisadas. Apesar de estar muito modificada, a Estação Experimental de Itirapina pode ser uma importante área de abrigo e alimento para os morcegos e tem potencial de atuar como corredor entre áreas de Cerrado e Mata Atlântica.

Serological investigation of rabies virus neutralizing antibodies in bats captured in the eastern Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: In 2004 and 2005 a total of 38 cases of human rabies transmitted by the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus were registered in the Brazilian state of Pará; 23 (60.5%) cases occurred in the northeastern region. Because of this, a serological investigation for the antibodies of rabies virus was performed in municipalities of the northeastern state of Pará, in order to assess whether the virus was circulating among different bat species. METHODS: Bats were collected in 2009 with mist-nets during the rainy and dry seasons and blood samples were collected for the serological survey. RESULTS: A total of 307 serum samples were obtained representing 28 bat species. The number of seropositives was high (50.8%, 156/307) and was significantly higher during the rainy season (67.4%, 95/141). No significant difference in rates was found between male and female or adult and juvenile. Seropositive individuals were recorded in 24 species sampled, the most prominent being Artibeus planirostris, with 52.2% (24/46) positive individuals. CONCLUSION: The serological proportion reported in this paper in a large numbers of individuals indicates that the rabies virus circulates quite actively in the study region, but, because of the production of antibodies, the expression of the disease in these individuals is low.

Exposure to rabies virus in a population of free-ranging capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella nigritus) in a fragmented, environmentally protected area in southeastern Brazil.

The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of rabies antibodies in free-ranging capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella nigritus) in a fragmented, environmentally protected, rural area of southeastern Brazil. Thirty-six free-ranging monkeys were tested by the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test for detection of antibodies against rabies virus. Four individuals (11.11 %) had neutralizing antibody titers ≥ 0.25 IU/mL, demonstrating rabies virus exposure.

Predação oportunística do bem-te-vi (Pitangus sulphuratus) em Eumops patagonicus (Molossidae) na região do pantanal de Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul

Morcegos possuem poucos predadores eficientes que seriam capazes de provocar perdas expressivas em suas populações (Altringham 1996). Na grande maioria dos estudos sobre a predação em morcegos observa-se que essa interação ocorre de modo ocasional e oportunístico. Segundo Altringham (1996), apenas aves e serpentes parecem ser predadores regulares de morcegos com capacidade de afetar as populações deste grupo.

Predação oportunística do bem-te-vi (Pitangus sulphuratus) em Eumops patagonicus (Molossidae) na região do pantanal de Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul

Morcegos possuem poucos predadores eficientes que seriam capazes de provocar perdas expressivas em suas populações (Altringham 1996). Na grande maioria dos estudos sobre a predação em morcegos observa-se que essa interação ocorre de modo ocasional e oportunístico. Segundo Altringham (1996), apenas aves e serpentes parecem ser predadores regulares de morcegos com capacidade de afetar as populações deste grupo.

First record of Chiroderma doriae (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil

Chiroderma doriae Thomas, 1891 has been considered a rare and vulnerable bat. This study reports its first occurrence in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Three adults were mist netted in a urban park in the city of Salvador between November 2005 and January 2006 The fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest may have isolated populations of C. doriae in urban parks and other protected areas.

First record of Chiroderma doriae (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil

Chiroderma doriae Thomas, 1891 has been considered a rare and vulnerable bat. This study reports its first occurrence in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Three adults were mist netted in a urban park in the city of Salvador between November 2005 and January 2006 The fragmentation of the Atlantic Forest may have isolated populations of C. doriae in urban parks and other protected areas.

Rabies transmitted by vampire bats to humans: an emerging zoonotic disease in Latin America?

Human rabies transmitted by vampire bats reached new heights in Latin America in 2005. A total of 55 human cases were reported in several outbreaks, 41 of them in the Amazon region of Brazil. Peru and Brazil had the highest number of reported cases from 1975 to 2006. In Peru, outbreaks involving more than 20 cases of bat-transmitted human rabies were reported during the 1980s and 1990s. During this period, a smaller number of cases were reported from outbreaks in Brazil. A comparison of data from field studies conducted in Brazil in 2005 with those from the previous decade suggests similar bat-bite situations at the local level. The objective of this study was to review the epidemiological situation and, on the basis of this information, discuss possible factors associated with the outbreaks. Prevention and control measures already recommended for dealing with this problem are also reviewed, and some further suggestions are provided.