Detection of hemoparasites in bats, Bangladesh

A cross sectional study was conducted (2010-2013) to determine the diversity of hemoprotozoa among bats of Bangladesh. Microscopic examination of blood smears (N=533; Pteropus medius (377), Rousettus leschenaultii (111), Megaderma lyra (45) revealed 9% of bats (95% confidence interval CI: 7-12%) were positive for hemoprotozoa. The overall prevalence of hemoparasites among P. medius was 5% (n=20, 95% CI: 3-8%); where Babesia sp. was 3% (n=12, 95% CI: 2-5%) and Hepatocytis sp. was 2% (n=8, 95% CI: 1-4%). Moreover, 13% of R. leschenaultii were positive (n=14, 95% CI: 7-20%) where prevalence of Babesia sp. was 10% (n=11, 95% CI: 5-17%) and prevalence of Hepatocystis sp. was 3% (n=3, 95% CI: 1-8%). Twenty-nine percent (n=13, 95% CI: 16-44%) of M. lyra harbored hemoparasites, among which 20% (n=9, 95% CI: 10-35%) were Babesia sp. and 9% (n=4, 95% CI: 2-21%) were Hepatocystis sp. The study indicates bats remain important hosts for various zoonotic parasites and suggests further research.