Identification and Characterization of Viral and Bacterial Pathogens in Free-Living Bats of Kopaonik National Park, Serbia

This pilot study investigated the presence of potentially zoonotic microorganisms in bat species from Kopaonik National Park, Serbia. A total of 40 individuals from 12 bat species were sampled and screened using microbiological and molecular methods. <i>Salmonella</i> spp., <i>Chlamydia</i> spp., <i>Coxiella burnetii</i>, <i>Francisella tularensis</i>, <i>Leptospira</i> spp., <i>Lyssavirus</i>, Filoviridae, henipaviruses, and SARS-CoV-2 were not detected in any bats. Coronavirus genomes were confirmed in four bats-one <i>Myotis brandtii</i>, two <i>Myotis daubentonii</i>, and one <i>Myotis</i> cf. <i>mystacinus</i>. Sequence analysis identified the presence of alphacoronavirus genomes with high similarity to strains previously found in Europe. <i>Mycoplasma</i> spp. genomes were found in 18 bats (45%), and <i>Rickettsia</i> spp. were detected in five bats (12.5%), although species-level identification was not possible. The findings highlight the presence of certain bacteria and viruses in bats that could have implications for public health, especially in areas with close human-wildlife interaction. Although no direct evidence of high-risk pathogens was found, the results support the importance of continued surveillance and ecological studies on bats, given their role as potential reservoirs. Monitoring bat-associated microorganisms is essential to better understand possible transmission routes and improve the prevention of emerging zoonotic diseases.