Paramyxoviruses in bats from rural and urban areas around Iquitos, Peru

Background

Paramyxoviruses include four genera of mammalian RNA viruses, Morbillivirus, Rubulavirus, Respirovirus and Henipavirus, that infect vertebrates. As part of a study to detect emerging viral infections at the human-animal interface, we tested free-ranging bats for viruses from families that have previously caused widespread disease in humans and animals. Here, we describe paramyxoviruses identified in and near Iquitos-Peru and discuss public health relevance.

Methods

Bats were sampled twice/year from November 2021 to April 2025. Sampling sites were urban, peri urban and rural. Samples were tested for Paramyxoviridae sub-family and for specific subgroups of genera Respirovirus-Morbilivirus-Henipavirus (RES-MOR-HEN) and Rubulavirus-Avulavirus (RUB-AVU) by PCR. Bat species were confirmed by barcoding using the cytochrome c oxidase gene. Paramyxovirus prevalence was estimated using binomial exact distribution.

Results

A total of 1,319 bats from 40 different species were tested from an urban (32%), a peri-urban (4%) and two rural sites (64%). Positives for RUB-AVU were detected in urban (12%) and rural sites (88%), in one oral and 7 fecal samples from Carollia perspicillata (1), Noctilio albiventris (1), Phyllostomus elongatus (4) and P. hastatus (2). Positive bats were captured during wet (38%) and dry (68%) seasons. All tested bats were adults except for one individual of unidentified age. The prevalence of RUB-AVU was 0.6%, (CI 95%: 0.3-1.2%).

Conclusions

We detected paramyxovirus in 0,6% (8/1,319) of bats. The distribution of positive bat species was mainly from rural sites, though one positive species was found in the urban site only. Follow-up at these sites could provide information on distribution of bat species and viral carriage. Farming near bat roosting or feeding sites should be assessed for potential spillover risk to other species, including domesticated animals.

Key messages

• We detected paramyxoviruses in bats in urban and rural areas near Iquitos.

• These findings should guide further surveillance and preventive activities in the region.