A recently discovered species of ebolavirus may be more widespread than previously thought and could be hosted by a particular bat species, according to findings published by a University of Arkansas biologist. The ebolavirus species, named Bombali, is one of two currently not known to infect humans.
Kristian Forbes, assistant professor of biology, along with colleagues from the University of Helsinki, Maasai Mara University and the University of Nairobi, found Bombali in the organs and tissues of an Angolan free-tailed bat (Mops condylurus) captured in the Taita Hills of southeast Kenya, on the east coast of Africa. Bombali was originally identified in this species of bats last year in Sierra Leone, 3,400 miles to the west. This is the first time any ebolavirus has been found in wildlife in Kenya or other countries along the east coast of Africa.
“This particular virus is known from the west coast of Africa, and now we are placing it on the opposite side,” said Forbes. “It could conceivably be everywhere in between as well, which is a whole lot of countries.”
Read more at University of Arkansas
Image: An Angolan free-tailed bat found in Kenya was infected with an ebolavirus named Bombali, which was found only once before, in 2018, in Sierra Leone. (Credit: Paul Webala, Maasai Mara University)