Zoonotic potential of bat Influenza A viruses

Bats are important reservoirs for (re-)emerging viruses (including corona-, henipah-, rhabdo- and filo-viruses), which cause deadly disease outbreaks worldwide.

They represent a unique example of adaptive evolution as besides their flying ability, they represent the second most diverse and geographically dispersed mammalian order.

Viral diversity in bats is exemplified by the influenza A-like viruses H17N10 and H18N11 in asymptomatic Neotropical bats. These influenza viruses are evolutionarily distinct, are poorly adapted to laboratory mice and ferrets and cannot reassort in vitro with conventional strains to form new influenza subtypes.

However, they have attracted renewed attention following reports that their entry in host cells is mediated by the trans-species conserved MHC-II proteins, suggesting that they hold zoonotic potential. Despite the recent studies, the viruses' epidemiology and public health significance remain incompletely understood.