Exploring bat parasites in selected caves of Fars Province, southern Iran

This study aimed to document the significance of parasites in transmitting zoonotic pathogens from bats to domestic animals and humans. To achieve this, we performed an examination of ten large caves in Fars Province (Iran), which served as bat roosts. Bats were captured using a mist net, and identified based on morphological characteristics. The ectoparasites were collected using brushes, and preserved in separate vials containing ۷۰% ethyl alcohol. Bats were released after collecting all ectoparasites from their bodies, except ۳ bats. The collected ectoparasites were then prepared as slides and identified using a taxonomic key. The results revealed that out of ۶۶ bats examined, ۵۶ individuals were infested by a total of ۱۱۳ ectoparasites. These included bat flies [Nycteribia kolenatii (۲۲.۱%), Paratrichobius sp. (۱۰.۶%) and Penicillidia sp. (۱۱.۵%)], mite [Macronyssus flavus (۵۵.۰%)], and Acari [Ixodes sp. (۰.۸%)]. Among the bat species, Myotis blythii and Rousettus aegyptiacus exhibited the highest levels of ectoparasite contamination. Three bats from different species were transferred to the lab, dissected, and their feces were centrifuged using the Formalin Detergent method. Several worms, including, nematodes [Seuratum sp], and Cestoda [Hymenolepis rhinopomae] were isolated from their intestines and feces. The identified specimens were properly deposited in the Iranian National Parasitology Museum (University of Tehran). Some of these findings represent new records in Iran. The results indicate a high contamination rate with bat flies showing a wide distribution and high density in the research region. Therefore, further research is recommended to expand our knowledge of bat parasites.

Keywords:

Bat fly , Mite , Tick , Nematoda , Zoonotic pathogen