Six new Bartonella species from bats of Senegal

Bartonella species are implicated in various human diseases, causing a diverse range spectrum of clinical manifestations. Animals serve as the primary Bartonella reservoirs, facilitating the transmission of different species through direct contact and/or hematophagous insects, ultimately leading to zoonotic infections.In this project we characterized six novel species within the genus Bartonella, Bartonella propinqua sp. nov. (Strain CB60), Bartonella rhinolophi sp. nov. (Strain CB74), Bartonella vaga sp. nov. (Strain CB169), Bartonella occidentalis sp. nov. (Strain CB175), Bartonella eidoloni sp. nov. (Strain CB189), and Bartonella numerosa sp. nov. (Strain CB178), using a taxonogenomic polyphasic approach. These strains were isolated from the blood of bats, specifically Eidolon helvum and Rhinolophus fumigatus, in Senegal and bear significant impact on human health due to the close proximity between bats and human dwellings, as well as their consumption.Describing new Bartonella species will contribute in studying the potential risks they pose to both human and animal health. Furthermore, it will enhance our understanding of the role that bartonellosis plays in human health.