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 *
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil and Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Laboratory Investigation, Medicine School, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
Elisangela Santana de Oliveira Dantas
Institute of Biosciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
Gisela Lara da Costa
Taxonomy, Biochemistry and Fungal Bioprospecting Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Ronaldo Sousa Pereira
Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Laboratory Investigation, Medicine School, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
Mário Mendes Bonci
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Regina Teixeira Barbieri Ramos
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Rodrigo Antônio Araújo Pires
Department of Protection and Animal Welfare - Secretariat of Green Environment and Sustainable Development of Campinas, Prefecture of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Marcia de Souza Carvalho Melhem
Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brazil and Institute Adolfo Lutz (IAL), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Paulo Anselmo Nunes Felippe
Department of Protection and Animal Welfare - Secretariat of Green Environment and Sustainable Development of Campinas, Prefecture of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil and State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Claudete Rodrigues Paula
School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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.
Keywords: Epidemics, Chiroptera, conservation, virus, COVID-19