Staphylococcus nepalensis in the guano of bats (Mammalia)

Abstract

Thirty randomly selected mesophilic isolates from the six years old guano sample from mixed Myotis myotis and M. blythii summer roosts colony were isolated and identified as Staphylococcus nepalensis using MALDI TOF analysis. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of selected five isolates and subsequent phylogenetic analysis confirmed that all sequences showed the highest similarity to S. nepalensis sequences. Several virulence factors were produced by tested isolates, mainly capsule formation and resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, gentamycin, and chloramphenicol antibiotics. Our experiments show that the majority of cultivable mesophilic bacteria from the guano of bats belong to the S. nepalensis species. This is the first report on the occurrence of this species in the guano of bats and our results indicate that the guano accumulated near or directly in human dwellings and buildings may represent a significant risk for human health.