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Global Trends of Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Impacts on Biodiversity: Spillover, Diversity and the Role of Bats in Evolutionary Relationships as Zoonotic Virus Reservoirs

Diniz Pereira Leite Júnior, Elisangela Santana de Oliveira Dantas, Gisela Lara da Costa, Ronaldo Sousa Pereira, Mário Mendes Bonci, Regina Teixeira Barbieri Ramos, Rodrigo Antônio Araújo Pires, Marcia de Souza Carvalho Melhem, Paulo Anselmo Nunes Felippe, Claudete Rodrigues Paula

South Asian Journal of Research in Microbiology · pp. 1–26 · Published 13 Jan 2021

10.9734/sajrm/2020/v8i330192

Abstract

Introduction: It is possible that the evolution of man is associated with manifestations of microscopic beings that have accompanied him since ancient times. Emerging infectious diseases have been warning for decades that habitat fragmentation and degradation, antropization effects, animal trafficking increase the risk of diseases spreading from wildlife to human populations. Aims: The purpose of this study was to review the current events about the pandemics that occurred on the planet and the current situation of bat involvement, their high degree of ecological plasticity that these beings present with the emergence and spread of viruses. Methodology: Review the current knowledge about viral diversity, host condition and possible mammalian reservoirs in the face of pandemics and the close relationship of bats with humans and other possibly incriminated species. Given the epidemics of the last century, it is possible to observe that the increased interaction between humans and wild animals has facilitated the emergence of viral strains of importance for public health. Results: Given the reports argued by the scientific community, bats may be responsible for the air cycle of viral diseases, being considered of great importance in the study of epidemiology. Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic has come to test the ability of humans to face a threat that may be repeated in the future. As part of nature, bats cannot be framed as precursors of viral agents. The knowledge obtained, associated with investment in science, research and education, will put us one step ahead of future pandemic events.

Epidemics Chiroptera conservation virus COVID-19

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