SARS-CoV-2 Test for Bats: Researchers Use Fecal Samples to Boost Understanding of How Viruses Spread Between Animals and Humans

Health reports recently said that a test using fecal samples developed by researchers could be adapted for other mammals.

An Odisha TV report specified in particular that the "SARS-CoV-2 test for bats" using fecal specimens could boost insight into how wild animals transfer viruses to other animal species and humans.

This test that the Imperial College London researchers developed could help scientists understand the potential for wildlife to function as reservoirs of this and other threatening viruses.

This new development may contribute to the conservation initiatives, as well. Bats currently in the area of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 should be isolated should they have contracted the virus and until testing confirms they are free of the virus.

Fecal Test Linked to Coronaviruses

At present, animals need to be handled to be tested for the virus or other viruses through a swab or blood sample. The study investigators believe the new fecal test could be adapted to produce a rapid, accurate, and practical test for coronaviruses in various settings, from individual animal species in care to population testing.

For instance, a similar Phys.org report specified, "they could sample the guano from bat caves or leavings" from other mammals that may be in contact with bat populations.

The test protocol of the team was tested with several captives and approximately 250 wild bats as part of a more extensive study.

In their study published in the Conservation Science and Practice journal, the researchers discovered that none were positive for COVID-19, although some were positive for other coronavirus types.

New Test May Help Control Spillover of COVID-19 Virus

According to the Department of Life Sciences' Scott Jones, from the Imperial College London, there is a "growing need to understand" the probable danger of human to wildlife transmission.

While SARS-CoV-2 and the other similar viruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and MERS, are believed to have first arisen in bats, they seem to use an intermediate mammal host before their transmission to humans. The study authors specifically refer to civets and camels for SARS-CoV-1 and MERS, respectively.

This means that a lot of wild animals are plausible reservoirs of viruses. SARS-CoV-2, in particular, has been detected, as well, in animals that range from house dogs and cats to deer and gorillas.

Essentially, a simple fecal test could enable researchers to research wild populations more safely and efficiently, compared to using blood tests or swabbing and finding the presence of any virus of concern.

The study investigators wrote that not only will their "new testing protocol help bats." It will also help humans by controlling a spillover of the COVID-19 virus to other wild animals.

The Department of Life Sciences' Professor Vincent Savolainen at Imperial explained they designed it with the "best interests of both the wildlife and their rehabilitators in mind."

Related information about bats and COVID-19 is shown on WGN News's YouTube video below:

Check out more news and information on Bats and COVID-19 in Science Times.