Rabies, Coronavirus, and Hantavirus Surveillance in Bats From the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Argentina

Bats are increasingly recognized as reservoirs of numerous emerging and re-emerging zoonotic pathogens. However, little is known about the distribution of most hosts and viruses and the role of each bat species in transmission, particularly in South America. This study screened for orthohantavirus, rabies, and coronavirus infection, and characterized bat communities from Misiones Province, Argentina, during 2022-2025. At least 14 bat species were captured 1214 times. Blood samples were tested for orthohantavirus-specific antibodies by ELISA. Buccopharyngeal swabs were screened by two separate real-time RT-PCR assays: a pan-lyssavirus assay and a pan-coronavirus assay. Lyssavirus rabies RNA was detected in two individuals (Sturnira lilium and Artibeus lituratus), representing the first confirmed record in S. lilium in Argentina. Coronavirus RNA was detected in two Sturnira lilium, one Carollia perspicillata, and one Artibeus lituratus. Two of these samples, corresponding to C. perspicillata and A. lituratus, were successfully characterized as Alphacoronavirus. No antibodies against orthohantavirus were detected. These findings confirm high bat diversity and viral circulation in frugivorous bats, supporting integrated surveillance.