Bat Influenza Viruses: Current Status and Perspective

Bats are natural reservoirs for many viruses, including several that are zoonotic. Two unusual H17N10 and H18N11 influenza viruses have been found in New World bats. Although neither of these viruses have been isolated, infectious clone technology has permitted significant progress to understand their biology, which include unique features compared to all other known influenza A viruses. In addition, an H9N2-like influenza A virus was isolated from Old World bats and it shows similar characteristics of normal influenza A viruses. In this review, current status and perspective on influenza A viruses identified in bats is reviewed and discussed.

Automated summary

Bats serve as natural reservoirs for many viruses, some of which can be transmitted to humans. Unusual influenza viruses H17N10 and H18N11 have been identified in New World bats, while an H9N2-like influenza A virus was found in Old World bats, showing characteristics similar to regular influenza A viruses. This review provides insight into the current status and future perspectives of influenza A viruses discovered in bats.