CONTRIBUTIONS BATS RECORDED FROM KOEGELBEEN CAVE AND SELECTED OTHER SITES IN THE NORTHERN CAPE , SOUTH AFRICA

Lyssaviruses are RNA viruses with single-strand, negative-sense genomes responsible for rabies-like diseases in mammals. To date, genomic and evolutionary studies have most often utilized partial genome sequences, particularly of the nucleoprotein and glycoprotein genes, with little consideration of genome-scale evolution. Herein, we report the first genomic and evolutionary analysis using complete genome sequences of all recognised lyssavirus genotypes, including 14 new complete genomes of field isolates from 6 genotypes and one genotype that is completely sequenced for the first time. In doing so we significantly increase the extent of genome sequence data available for these important viruses. Our analysis of these genome sequence data reveals that all lyssaviruses have the same genomic organization. A phylogenetic analysis reveals strong geographical structuring, with the greatest genetic diversity in Africa, and an independent origin for the two known genotypes that infect European bats. We also suggest that multiple genotypes may exist within the diversity of viruses currently classified as 'Lagos Bat'. In sum, we show that rigorous phylogenetic techniques based on full length genome sequence provide the best discriminatory power for genotype classification within the lyssaviruses. DJOSSA, B. A. , FAHR, J., KALKO, E. K. V. , and SINSIN, B. , 2008. Fruit selection and effects of seed handling by flying foxes on germination rates of shea trees, a key resource in northern Benin, West Africa. Ecotropica 14(1): 3748. Abstract: Many tropical plants depend on seed dispersal by animals for their natural regeneration. Our results reveal that in the Pendjari Region, Benin (West Africa), fruits of shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) constitute a key resource for flying foxes (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae). Furthermore, handling of Vitellaria seeds by flying foxes can lead to an increase in germination success. We propose that seed dispersal by flying foxes is crucial for the long-term maintenance of this socio-economically important tree, which is not yet cultivated by local populations in traditional agroforestry systems. Many tropical plants depend on seed dispersal by animals for their natural regeneration. Our results reveal that in the Pendjari Region, Benin (West Africa), fruits of shea trees (Vitellaria paradoxa) constitute a key resource for flying foxes (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae). Furthermore, handling of Vitellaria seeds by flying foxes can lead to an increase in germination success. We propose that seed dispersal by flying foxes is crucial for the long-term maintenance of this socio-economically important tree, which is not yet cultivated by local populations in traditional agroforestry systems. HASHIM, I. M. , and MAHGOUB, K. S. , 2008. Abundance, habitat preference and distribution of small mammals in Dinder National Park, Sudan. African Journal of Ecology 46(3): 452-455. HAYMAN, D. T. S. , SUU-IRE, R. , BREED, A. C. , MCEACHERN, J. A. , WANG, L. , WOOD, J. L. N. , and CUNNINGHAM, A. A. , 2008. Evidence of henipavirus infection in West African fruit bats. PLos ONE 3(7): e2739. Abstract: Henipaviruses are emerging RNA viruses of fruit bat origin that can cause fatal encephalitis in man. Ghanaian fruit bats (megachiroptera) were tested for antibodies to henipaviruses. Using a Luminex multiplexed microsphere assay, antibodies were detected in sera of Eidolon helvum to both Nipah (39%, 95% confidence interval: 27-51%) and Hendra (22%, 95% CI: 11-33%) viruses. Virus neutralization tests further confirmed seropositivity for 30% (7/23) of Luminex positive serum samples. Our results indicate that henipavirus is present within West Africa. KUZMIN, I. V. , NIEZGODA, M. , FRANKA, R. , AGWANDA, B. , MARKOTTER, W. , BEAGLEY, J. C. , URAZOVA, O. Y. , BREIMAN, R. F. , and RUPPRECHT, C. E. , 2008. Lagos bat virus in Kenya. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 46(4): 1451-1461. Abstract: During lyssavirus surveillance, 1,221 bats of at least 30 species were collected from 25 locations in Kenya. One isolate of Lagos bat virus (LBV) was obtained from a dead Eidolon helvum fruit bat. The virus was most similar phylogenetically to LBV isolates from Senegal (1985) and from France (imported from Togo or Egypt; 1999), sharing with these viruses 100% nucleoprotein identity and 99.8 to 100% glycoprotein identity. This genome conservancy across space and time suggests that LBV is well adapted to its natural host species and that populations of reservoir hosts in eastern and western Africa have sufficient interactions to share pathogens. High virus concentrations, in addition to being detected in the brain, were detected in the salivary glands and tongue and in an oral swab, suggesting that LBV is transmitted in the saliva. In other extraneural organs, the virus was generally associated with innervations and ganglia. The presence of infectious virus in the reproductive tract and in a vaginal swab implies an alternative opportunity for transmission. The isolate was pathogenic for PUBLISHED PAPERS October 2008 vol. 18 African Bat Conservation News During lyssavirus surveillance, 1,221 bats of at least 30 species were collected from 25 locations in Kenya. One isolate of Lagos bat virus (LBV) was obtained from a dead Eidolon helvum fruit bat. The virus was most similar phylogenetically to LBV isolates from Senegal (1985) and from France (imported from Togo or Egypt; 1999), sharing with these viruses 100% nucleoprotein identity and 99.8 to 100% glycoprotein identity. This genome conservancy across space and time suggests that LBV is well adapted to its natural host species and that populations of reservoir hosts in eastern and western Africa have sufficient interactions to share pathogens. High virus concentrations, in addition to being detected in the brain, were detected in the salivary glands and tongue and in an oral swab, suggesting that LBV is transmitted in the saliva. In other extraneural organs, the virus was generally associated with innervations and ganglia. The presence of infectious virus in the reproductive tract and in a vaginal swab implies an alternative opportunity for transmission. The isolate was pathogenic for PUBLISHED PAPERS October 2008 vol. 18 African Bat Conservation News ISSN 1812-1268 Page 13