Identification and characterization of novel alphacoronaviruses in Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera, Molossidae) from Argentina: insights into recombination as a mechanism favoring bat coronavirus cross-species transmission.

Bats are reservoirs of various coronaviruses that can jump between bat species or other mammalian hosts, including humans. This article explores coronavirus infection in three bat species (Tadarida brasiliensis, Eumops bonariensis, and Molossus molossus) of the family Molossidae from Argentina using whole viral metagenome analysis. Fecal samples of 47 bats from three semiurban or highly urbanized areas of the province of Santa Fe were investigated. After viral particle enrichment, total RNA was sequenced using the Illumina NextSeq 550 instrument; the reads were assembled into contigs and taxonomically and phylogenetically analyzed. Three novel complete Alphacoronavirus (AlphaCoV) genomes (Tb1-3) and two partial sequences were identified in T. brasiliensis (Tb4-5), and an additional four partial sequences were identified in M. molossus (Mm1-4). Phylogenomic analysis showed that the novel AlphaCoV clustered in two different lineages distinct from the 15 officially recognized AlphaCoV subgenera. Tb2 and Tb3 isolates appeared to be variants of the same virus, probably involved in a persistent infectious cycle within the T. brasiliensis colony. Using recombination analysis, we detected a statistically significant event in Spike gene, which was reinforced by phylogenetic tree incongruence analysis, involving novel Tb1 and AlphaCoVs identified in Eptesicus fuscus (family Vespertilionidae) from the U.S. The putative recombinant region is in the S1 subdomain of the Spike gene, encompassing the potential receptor-binding domain of AlphaCoVs. This study reports the first AlphaCoV genomes in molossids from the Americas and provides new insights into recombination as an important mode of evolution of coronaviruses involved in cross-species transmission. IMPORTANCE This study generated three novel complete AlphaCoV genomes (Tb1, Tb2, and Tb3 isolates) identified in individuals of Tadarida brasiliensis from Argentina, which showed two different evolutionary patterns and are the first to be reported in the family Molossidae in the Americas. The novel Tb1 isolate was found to be involved in a putative recombination event with alphacoronaviruses identified in bats of the genus Eptesicus from the U.S., whereas isolates Tb2 and Tb3 were found in different collection seasons and might be involved in persistent viral infections in the bat colony. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the global diversity of bat coronaviruses in poorly studied species and highlight the different evolutionary aspects of AlphaCoVs circulating in bat populations in Argentina.

Viral Metagenomic Data Analyses of Five New World Bat Species from Argentina: Identification of 35 Novel DNA Viruses.

Bats are natural reservoirs of a variety of zoonotic viruses, many of which cause severe human diseases. Characterizing viruses of bats inhabiting different geographical regions is important for understanding their viral diversity and for detecting viral spillovers between animal species. Herein, the diversity of DNA viruses of five arthropodophagous bat species from Argentina was investigated using metagenomics. Fecal samples of 29 individuals from five species (Tadarida brasiliensis, Molossus molossus, Eumops bonariensis, Eumops patagonicus, and Eptesicus diminutus) living at two different geographical locations, were investigated. Enriched viral DNA was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq, and the reads were trimmed and filtered using several bioinformatic approaches. The resulting nucleotide sequences were subjected to viral taxonomic classification. In total, 4,520,370 read pairs were sequestered by sequencing, and 21.1% of them mapped to viral taxa. Circoviridae and Genomoviridae were the most prevalent among vertebrate viral families in all bat species included in this study. Samples from the T. brasiliensis colony exhibited lower viral diversity than samples from other species of New World bats. We characterized 35 complete genome sequences of novel viruses. These findings provide new insights into the global diversity of bat viruses in poorly studied species, contributing to prevention of emerging zoonotic diseases and to conservation policies for endangered species.

A database of common vampire bat reports.

The common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) is a sanguivorous (i.e., blood-eating) bat species distributed in the Americas from northern Mexico southwards to central Chile and Argentina. Desmodus rotundus is one of only three mammal species known to feed exclusively on blood, mainly from domestic mammals, although large wildlife and occasionally humans can also serve as a food source. Blood feeding makes D. rotundus an effective transmissor of pathogens to its prey. Consequently, this species is a common target of culling efforts by various individuals and organizations. Nevertheless, little is known about the historical distribution of D. rotundus. Detailed occurrence data are critical for the accurate assessment of past and current distributions of D. rotundus as part of ecological, biogeographical, and epidemiological research. This article presents a dataset of D. rotundus historical occurrence reports, including >39,000 locality reports across the Americas to facilitate the development of spatiotemporal studies of the species. Data are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.15025296 .

A Novel Genotype and First Record of Trypanosoma lainsoni in Argentina.

Trypanosomes are a group of parasitic flagellates with medical and veterinary importance. Despite many species having been described in this genus, little is known about many of them. Here, we report a genetic and morphological characterization of trypanosomatids isolated from wild mammals from the Argentine Chaco region. Parasites were morphologically and ultrastructurally characterized by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, 18s rRNA and gGAPDH genes were sequenced and analyzed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Morphological characterization showed clear characteristics associated with the Trypanosoma genus. The genetic characterization demonstrates that the studied isolates have identical sequences and a pairwise identity of 99% with Trypanosoma lainsoni, which belongs to the clade of lizards and snakes/rodents and marsupials. To date, this species had only been found in the Amazon region. Our finding represents the second report of T. lainsoni and the first record for the Chaco region. Furthermore, we ultrastructurally described for the first time the species. Finally, the host range of T. lainsoni was expanded (Leopardus geoffroyi, Carenivora, Felidae; and Calomys sp., Rodentia, Cricetidae), showing a wide host range for this species.

Description of two new species of Ectinorus (Ectinorus) (Siphonaptera, Rhopalopsyllidae) from Argentina, including a morphometric approach.

Two new species of fleas of genus Ectinorus (Siphonaptera: Rhopalopsyllidae) are described from sigmodontine rodents (Rodentia: Cricetidae) collected during a survey of small mammals in northwestern Argentina.The new species belong to the subgenus Ectinorus and can be distinguished from all other species of the subgenus by the characteristics of the modified abdominal segments and by the genitalia. Moreover, the male of Ectinorus (Ectinorus) disjugis is described for the first time and the finding of this flea parasitizing the rodent Akodon spegazzinii, constitutes a new flea-host association. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus Ectinorus, using traditional morphological characters and morphogeometric data, is presented to support the erection of the new species of Ectinorus. An identification key for all species of Ectinorus is also provided. Our study increases to 38 the total number of species of the subgenus Ectinorus, and to 20 the number for Argentina. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that Ectinorus is monophyletic but the subgenera are not. This study offers a new interpretation of morphological diversity within the genus as well as an evaluation of hypotheses about their relationships.

A Preliminary Study of the Virome of the South American Free-Tailed Bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) and Identification of Two Novel Mammalian Viruses.

Bats provide important ecosystem services as pollinators, seed dispersers, and/or insect controllers, but they have also been found harboring different viruses with zoonotic potential. Virome studies in bats distributed in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America have increased dramatically over the past decade, whereas information on viruses infecting South American species is scarce. We explored the virome of Tadarida brasiliensis, an insectivorous New World bat species inhabiting a maternity colony in Rosario (Argentina), by a metagenomic approach. The analysis of five pooled oral/anal swab samples indicated the presence of 43 different taxonomic viral families infecting a wide range of hosts. By conventional nucleic acid detection techniques and/or bioinformatics approaches, the genomes of two novel viruses were completely covered clustering into the Papillomaviridae (Tadarida brasiliensis papillomavirus type 1, TbraPV1) and Genomoviridae (Tadarida brasiliensis gemykibivirus 1, TbGkyV1) families. TbraPV1 is the first papillomavirus type identified in this host and the prototype of a novel genus. TbGkyV1 is the first genomovirus reported in New World bats and constitutes a new species within the genus Gemykibivirus. Our findings extend the knowledge about oral/anal viromes of a South American bat species and contribute to understand the evolution and genetic diversity of the novel characterized viruses.

Fleas of the genus Tetrapsyllus (Siphonaptera:Rhopalopsyllidae) associated with rodents from Northwestern Argentina.

A new species of flea (Siphonaptera: Rhopalopsyllidae) is described from sigmodontine rodents collected during a survey of small mammals in northwestern Argentina. The new species belongs to the subgenus Tetrapsyllus and can be distinguished from all species of the subgenus by characteristics of the modified abdominal segments and genitalia. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus Tetrapsyllus using morphological characters is presented and the analysis supports the erection of this new Tetrapsyllus species in the subgenus Tetrapsyllus. The unique occurrence of a sinus in the caudal margin of the sixth sternite of females that is present only in the subgenus Tetrapsyllus (also unique across the Order Siphonaptera) is provided with a discussion of how this adaptation is mirrored in the parallel development of a spur on the sclerotized inner tube of males. Additional host and locality data are recorded for Tetrapsyllus (P.) bleptus. A key to the genus Tetrapsyllus is provided. The increased diversity of flea fauna bordering a known plague endemic area in northwestern Argentina may prove useful in implementing sustainable control measures in the future.

The pattern of color change in small mammal museum specimens: is it independent of storage histories given museum-specific conditions?

OBJECTIVE: Determination of color and evaluating its variation form the basis for a broad range of research questions. For studies on taxonomy, systematics, etc., resorting to mammal specimens in museum collections has a number of advantages over using field specimens. However, if museum specimens are to be for studying color, they should accurately represent the color of live animals, or we should understand how they differ. Basically, this study addresses this question: How does coat color vary when dealing with specimens of Akodon budini (Budin's grass mouse, Thomas 1918), stored in one museum collection for different periods of time? RESULTS: We measured color values through a spectroradiometer and a diffuse illumination cabin and used the reflectance values in the form of CIELab tri-stimulus values, considering CIE standard illuminant A. We observed that there is a relationship between specimen storage antiquity and pelage color and it seems that it is general for at least a number of small mammals and this could indicate a universal phenomenon across several mammal species and across several storage conditions. Our results, as others, emphasize the importance of considering storage time, among other circumstances, in research studies using mammal skins and where color is of importance.

Anatomy and histology of the prostate and glands of Cowper in three species of neotropical bats.

The reproductive accessory glands (RAG) are essential components in reproduction because their secretion products ensure survival, viability, and sperm motility. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the morphological and histological structure of the RAG in three species of bats of the genus Sturnira (S. erythromos, S. lilium, and S. oporaphilum). The RAG complex comprise a compact gland (prostate), which surrounds the urethra, and a pair of Glands of Cowper at the base of penis. Anatomical and histologically, the prostate are differentiated in two regions, ventral and dorsal. The dorsal region has tubuloalveolar glands with secretions fine granular or accumulations of a gel-like substance with bubbles and the ventral region, has alveolar glands with secretory cells form a single-layer of small cells. The seminal vesicles are absent. The prostatic morphology of the three species is similar to that of other studied Stenodermatinae and Desmodontinae, but differs from other subfamilies of Phyllostomidae (Carollinae, Glossophaginae, and Phyllostominae) as that of Molossidae and Vespertilionidae. The RAG complex has no annual variation in relation to functionality or size, but it is variable depending on age (subadults and adults). This agrees with the annual reproductive pattern described for these species in these latitudes, where adult males are reproductively active throughout the year.

Morphology of the axial skeleton of seven bat genera (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae).

Here we present detailed descriptions and comparisons of the axial skeleton of seven species of bats belonging to five subfamilies of Phyllostomidae of different trophic guilds. The material examined consisted of 34 complete skeletons of seven species. For five of the studied species, previous descriptions have not been conducted, and for the vampires only limited information is available, so that descriptions for these species are here completed. The axial skeleton has characters that allow grouping of the species phylogenetically of the same subfamily and by feeding habits. At the same time, there are characters that associate species from different subfamilies with different types of diet or ways to obtain food.

Morphology of the limbs in the semi-fossorial desert rodent species of Tympanoctomys (Octodontidae, Rodentia).

Here, a detailed description of the forelimbs and hindlimbs of all living species of the genus Tympanoctomys are presented. These rodents, highly adapted to desert environments, are semi-fossorial with capacity to move on the surface as well as to build burrows. The shape, structure, and size of the limbs are described. Contrary to what was expected for scratch digging semi-fossorial species, Tympanoctomys have slender humerus, radius and ulna; with narrow epicondyles of the humerus and short olecranon of the ulna with poorly developed processes. Following our descriptions, no intrageneric morphological variation regarding to the configuration of the limbs was detected, probably due to phylogenetic proximity, and not related to specific variations in response to different use of substrates or habits. The obtained results constitute a source of previously unpublished information as well as an important base for future analysis in different studies, such as morphometric, morpho-functional, or phylogenetic researches.

An update on the distribution and nomenclature of fleas (Order Siphonaptera) of bats (Order Chiroptera) and rodents (Order Rodentia) from La Rioja Province, Argentina.

The mammalian and flea fauna of La Rioja Province is one of the least known from northwestern Argentina. In this study, the distribution and nomenclature of 13 species of fleas of bats and rodents from La Rioja Province are updated. Four species of fleas are recorded for the first time in La Rioja Province including a new record for northwestern Argentina, and two new flea-host associations. An identification key and distribution map are included for all known species of Siphonaptera of bats and rodents from La Rioja Province, Argentina.

Morphology of the axial skeleton of seven bat genera (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae)

ABSTRACT Here we present detailed descriptions and comparisons of the axial skeleton of seven species of bats belonging to five subfamilies of Phyllostomidae of different trophic guilds. The material examined consisted of 34 complete skeletons of seven species. For five of the studied species, previous descriptions have not been conducted, and for the vampires only limited information is available, so that descriptions for these species are here completed. The axial skeleton has characters that allow grouping of the species phylogenetically of the same subfamily and by feeding habits. At the same time, there are characters that associate species from different subfamilies with different types of diet or ways to obtain food.

A new flea of the genus Ctenidiosomus (Siphonaptera, Pygiopsyllidae) from Salta Province, Argentina.

A new species of flea of the genus Ctenidiosomus Jordan, 1931 (Siphonaptera: Pygiopsyllidae) is described from Phyllotisosilae J. A. Allen, 1901, from Salta Province, Argentina. This is the first time that Ctenidiosomus has been recorded in Argentina. A key to species of males of Ctenidiosomus is presented.

ResumenUna nueva especie de pulga del género Ctenidiosomus Jordan, 1931 (Siphonaptera: Pygiopsyllidae) es descripta de Phyllotisosilae J. A. Allen, 1901, de la provincia de Salta, Argentina. Cabe mencionar que es la primera vez que el género Ctenidiosomus ha sido registrado en Argentina. Se ofrece una clave para los machos de las especies de Ctenidiosomus.

Redescription of Neotyphloceras crassispina hemisus Jordan (Siphonaptera: Ctenophthalmidae: Neotyphloceratini).

Neotyphloceras crassispina hemisus Jordan is redescribed from male and female specimens collected at the type locality (Otro Cerro, Catamarca Province, Argentina) and nearby localities. New diagnostic morphological characters for both sexes are provided, which include the shape of the upper lobe of the fixed process of clasper, the crochet of the aedeagus and the shape and chaetotaxy of the distal arm of sternum IX for males, and the contour of the distal margin of sternum VII for females.

Taxonomy and distribution of Nonnapsylla Wagner, 1938 (Siphonaptera: Stephanocircidae: Craneopsyllinae).

The genus Nonnapsylla Wagner, 1938 (Craneopsyllinae) includes only 1 species, Nonnapsylla rothschildi Wagner, 1938 . Two subspecies are recognized by the shape of the dorsal margin of the helmet, apical shape of the spines in helmet and genal combs, length of first and fourth segments of the maxillary palpus, and shape of the hilla of the spermatheca. The validity of the characters used to separate the 2 subspecies of Nonnapsylla rothschildi Wagner, 1938 is discussed based on information from the literature, as well as from direct observation of type specimens and specimens collected in northwestern Argentina. We conclude that Nonnapsylla rothschildi wagneri Johnson, 1957 should be considered as a synonym of the nominal subspecies. We also extend the southern limits of the distribution of the species and report its presence in Argentina.

Bats and marsupials as indicators of endemism in the Yungas forest of Argentina.

Several studies have characterized the Yungas as a separate biogeographic unit, mainly based in floristic components. However, these characterizations were mainly qualitative and did not include faunal groups. The Yungas have been assumed as a region with rich floral and faunal diversity, but without testing how well they are described by animal distributions. Our study consists of a formal analysis of endemism based on distribution of small mammals in the southernmost portion of the Yungas. This area is biogeographically very interesting because the Yungas are comprised of discontinuous fragments of forests that extend into temperate arid and semiarid habitats. As a first approximation, we contrasted a group of volant species (bats) versus a group of non-volant species (marsupials). Our results show that small mammals are efficient indicators of endemism in Yungas. Eighty percent of the species of small marsupials included in the analysis supported the identified areas as being zones of endemism. Regarding bats, almost 55 percent of the species supported a designation of endemism. The results also show that the areas we considered are congruent with the botanical definition of the Yungas of northwestern Argentina and their subdivisions, an assumption that had not been previously tested with a formal quantitative method. We also found that non-volant species are better indicators of endemism than volant ones at regional scales, but volant species are better indicators than was previously thought.

New records of bat ectoparasites (Diptera, Hemiptera and Siphonaptera) from northern Argentina.

New species of bat-ectoparasite insects are added to the fauna of Argentina and distributional limits are extended for others, based on information obtained from 21 species of bats collected. New data is reported for the distribution of 23 species of bat ectoparasites, of which 17 belong to the Order Diptera [14 Streblidae: Anastrebla caudiferae Wenzel, Anatrichobius scorzai Wenzel, Aspidoptera phyllostomatis (Perty), Megistopoda aranea (Coquillett), M. proxima (Sèguy), Metelasmus pseudopterus Coquillett, Noctiliostrebla aitkeni Wenzel, N. dubia (Rudow), Paradyschiria fusca Speiser, Paradyschiria sp., Strebla chrotopteri Wenzel, Strebla diaemi Wenzel, Trichobius parasiticus Gervais y Xenotrichobius noctilionis Wenzel, and three Nycteribiidae: Basilia carteri Scott, B. plaumanni Scott y B.neamericana Schuurmans Stekhoven (Jr)], three belong to the Order Siphonaptera [one Ischnopsyllidae: Myodopsylla isidori (Weyenbergh), one Tungidae: Rhynchopsyllus pulex Haller, and one Stephanocircidae: Craneopsylla m. minerva (Rothschild)] and three belong to Order Hemiptera [two Polyctenidae: Hesperoctenes fumarius (Westwood) and H. vicinus Jordan, and one Cimicidae: Latrocimex spectans Lent]. Some records are new for Argentina, while others are new for the provinces of Corrientes, Chaco, Entre Ríos, Jujuy, Misiones and Salta. Also new host-parasite relationships are reported.

New records of bat ectoparasites (Diptera, Hemiptera and Siphonaptera) from northern Argentina / Nuevos registros de insectos ectoparásitos de murciélagos (Diptera, Hemiptera y Siphonaptera) del norte de la Argentina

New species of bat-ectoparasite insects are added to the fauna of Argentina and distributional limits are extended for others, based on information obtained from 21 species of bats collected. New data is reported for the distribution of 23 species of bat ectoparasites, of which 17 belong to the Order Diptera [14 Streblidae: Anastrebla caudiferae Wenzel, Anatrichobius scorzai Wenzel, Aspidoptera phyllostomatis (Perty), Megistopoda aranea (Coquillett), M. proxima (Sèguy), Metelasmus pseudopterus Coquillett, Noctiliostrebla aitkeni Wenzel, N. dubia (Rudow), Paradyschiria fusca Speiser, Paradyschiria sp., Strebla chrotopteri Wenzel, Strebla diaemi Wenzel, Trichobius parasiticus Gervais y Xenotrichobius noctilionis Wenzel, and three Nycteribiidae: Basilia carteri Scott, B. plaumanni Scott y B.neamericana Schuurmans Stekhoven (Jr)], three belong to the Order Siphonaptera [one Ischnopsyllidae: Myodopsylla isidori (Weyenbergh), one Tungidae: Rhynchopsyllus pulex Haller, and one Stephanocircidae: Craneopsylla m. minerva (Rothschild)] and three belong to Order Hemiptera [two Polyctenidae: Hesperoctenes fumarius (Westwood) and H. vicinus Jordan, and one Cimicidae: Latrocimex spectans Lent]. Some records are new for Argentina, while others are new for the provinces of Corrientes, Chaco, Entre Ríos, Jujuy, Misiones and Salta. Also new host-parasite relationships are reported.

Se agregan nuevas especies de insectos ectoparásitos de murciélagos a la fauna de Argentina y se extiende los límites de distribución de otras, mediante ejemplares colectados de 21 especies de murciélagos. Se reportan novedades distribucionales para 23 especies de ectoparásitos de las cuáles 17 pertenecen al Orden Diptera [14 Streblidae: Anastrebla caudiferae Wenzel, Anatrichobius scorzai Wenzel, Aspidoptera phyllostomatis (Perty), Megistopoda aranea (Coquillett), M. proxima (Sèguy), Metelasmus pseudopterus Coquillett, Noctiliostrebla aitkeni Wenzel, N. dubia (Rudow), Paradyschiria fusca Speiser, Paradyschiria sp., Strebla chrotopteri Wenzel, Strebla diaemi Wenzel, Trichobius parasiticus Gervais y Xenotrichobius noctilionis Wenzel, y tres Nycteribiidae: Basilia carteri Scott, B. plaumanni Scott y B.neamericana Schuurmans Stethoven (Jr)], tres pertenencen al Orden Siphonaptera [un Ischnopsyllidae: Myodopsylla isidori (Weyenbergh), un Tungidae: Rhynchopsyllus pulex Haller y un Stephanocircidae: Craneopsylla m. minerva (Rothschild)] y tres al Orden Hemiptera [dos Polyctenidae: Hesperoctenes fumarius (Westwood) y H. vicinus Jordan, y un Cimicidae: Latrocimex spectans Lent]. Algunos registros son nuevos para Argentina, mientras que otros son nuevos para las provincias de Corrientes, Chaco, Entre Ríos, Jujuy, Misiones y Salta. Además se registran nuevas asociaciones hospedador-ectoparásito.

Hantavirus infection in humans and rodents, northwestern Argentina.

We initiated a study to elucidate the ecology and epidemiology of hantavirus infections in northern Argentina. The northwestern hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)-endemic area of Argentina comprises Salta and Jujuy Provinces. Between 1997 and 2000, 30 HPS cases were diagnosed in Jujuy Province (population 512,329). Most patients had a mild clinical course, and the death rate (13.3%) was low. We performed a serologic and epidemiologic survey in residents of the area, in conjunction with a serologic study in rodents. The prevalence of hantavirus antibodies in the general human population was 6.5%, one of the highest reported in the literature. No evidence of interhuman transmission was found, and the high prevalence of hantavirus antibody seemed to be associated with the high infestation of rodents detected in domestic and peridomestic habitats.