| Autor: |
Perera T; Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, 00300 Colombo, Sri Lanka.; IDEA (Identification of Emerging Agents) Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, 00300 Colombo, Sri Lanka., Schwarz F; Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), 13353 Berlin, Germany., Muzeniek T; Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), 13353 Berlin, Germany., Siriwardana S; IDEA (Identification of Emerging Agents) Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, 00300 Colombo, Sri Lanka., Becker-Ziaja B; Centre for International Health Protection, Public Health Laboratory Support (ZIG 4), Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany., Perera IC; IDEA (Identification of Emerging Agents) Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, 00300 Colombo, Sri Lanka., Handunnetti S; Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, 00300 Colombo, Sri Lanka., Weerasena J; Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, 00300 Colombo, Sri Lanka., Premawansa G; Colombo North Teaching Hospital, 11010 Ragama, Sri Lanka., Premawansa S; IDEA (Identification of Emerging Agents) Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, 00300 Colombo, Sri Lanka., Nitsche A; Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), 13353 Berlin, Germany., Yapa W; IDEA (Identification of Emerging Agents) Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, 00300 Colombo, Sri Lanka., Kohl C; Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS 1), 13353 Berlin, Germany. |
| Abstrakt: |
This is the first report on the molecular identification and phylogeny of the Rousettus leschenaultii Desmarest, 1810, Rhinolophus rouxii Temminck, 1835, Hipposideros speoris Schneider, 1800, Hipposideros lankadiva Kelaart, 1850, and Miniopterus fuliginosus Kuhl, 1817, bat species in Sri Lanka, inferred from analyses by mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b gene sequences. Recent research has indicated that bats show enormous cryptic genetic diversity. Moreover, even within the same species, the acoustic properties of echolocation calls and morphological features such as fur color could vary in different populations. Therefore, we have used molecular taxonomy for the accurate identification of five bat species recorded in one of the largest cave populations in Sri Lanka. The bats were caught using a hand net, and saliva samples were collected non-invasively from each bat by using a sterile oral swab. Nucleic acids were extracted from the oral swab samples, and mitochondrial DNA was amplified by using primers targeting the mitochondrially encoded cytochrome b gene. This study reports the first molecular evidence for the identification of five bat species in Sri Lanka. Our findings will contribute to future conservation and systematic studies of bats in Sri Lanka. This study will also provide the basis for a genetic database of Sri Lankan bats which will contribute significantly to the investigation of potentially zoonotic bat viruses. |
