Genetic Characterization of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Insectivorous Bats, Egypt

Background: The endemic character of Rift Valley fever (RVF) disease points toward an interepidemic reservoir. Although not yet identified, bats and rodents may be implicated in RVF virus (RVFV) epidemiology. In this study, we investigated the putative role of Egyptian frugivorous and insectivorous bats in RVFV epidemiology in Egypt.Methods: From 2019 to 2021, 200 bats of two different species from six Egyptian governorates were tested for phleboviruses using real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) and sequence analysis.Results: Screening through rRT-PCR showed evidence of the RVFV genome only in insectivorous bats. Partial sequence and phylogenetic analysis based on S and M genome segments showed that these viruses are genetically similar to those circulating (clade A) in livestock and humans during previously reported RVFV outbreaks in 1977/78 and 2003 in Egypt.Conclusions: Our molecular data suggest that the bat Pipistrellus deserti could play a role in RVFV ecology in Egypt.

Automated summary

This study investigated the role of Egyptian frugivorous and insectivorous bats in RVFV epidemiology in Egypt. The results showed evidence of RVFV genome in insectivorous bats, genetically similar to those circulating during previous RVFV outbreaks in Egypt. Molecular data suggest that the bat Pipistrellus deserti could play a role in RVFV ecology in Egypt.