Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Research Article
Bats and Zoonoses: A Pilot Study to Investigate Bats as a Potential Source of Zoonotic Mycoses
Author(s): Tilaye Shibbiru Mengistu*, Ilana van Wyk, Marinda Oosthuizen, Lientjie Cohen and Jeanette Wentzel
Background: Bats are mammals that are distributed everywhere in the world except in the hottest desert and polar
regions. Bats are involved in many ecosystem services that are important for the survival of a human being. Despite
their positive roles in the ecosystem, bats are potentially a source of zoonotic diseases. A pilot study was conducted in
selected villages within Mnisi traditional authority’s area, Manyeleti Game reserve and Hans Hoheisen wildlife
research station, in the Republic of South Africa from July to December 2018. The main objectives of the study were:
To phenotypically characterize and list the bat species, to determine positive and negative human-bats-environment
interaction and to microbiologically screen faecal samples for zoonotic mycotic diseases.
Methods: A structured questionnaire composed of.. View more»