Host specificity of Hepatocystis infection in short-nosed fruit bats (Cynopterus brachyotis) in Singapore

Haemosporidians infect a wide diversity of bat genera and species, yet little is known about their transmission cycles or epidemiology. Though several recent studies have focused on the genus Hepatocystis, an Old World parasite primarily infecting bats, monkeys, and squirrels, this group is still understudied with little known about its transmission and molecular ecology. These parasites lack an asexual erythrocytic stage, making them unique from the Plasmodium vertebrate life cycle. In this study, we detected a prevalence of 31% of Hepatocystis in shortnosed fruit bats (Cynopterus brachyotis) in Singapore. Phylogenetic reconstruction with a partial cytochrome b sequence revealed a monophyletic group of Hepatocystis from C. brachyotis in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. There was no relationship with infection and bat age, sex, location, body condition or monsoon season. The absence of this parasite in the five other bat species sampled in Singapore indicates this Hepatocystis species may be host restricted.

Automated summary

Haemosporidians, including Hepatocystis, infect a variety of bat genera and species with limited knowledge of their transmission cycles and epidemiology. The study detected a 31% prevalence of Hepatocystis in shortnosed fruit bats in Singapore, suggesting potential host restriction. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a monophyletic group of Hepatocystis from C. brachyotis in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.