Histologic atlas of the Egyptian rousette (Rousettus aegyptiacus) with an integrated review of macroscopic anatomy

The Egyptian rousette (Rousettus aegyptiacus) has garnered escalating scientific interest owing to its remarkable physiological adaptations, its role as a natural reservoir for emerging zoonotic pathogens, and its potential as a model organism for comparative mammalian investigations. Despite this interest, comprehensive descriptions of normal tissue architecture in this species remain limited and fragmented, hindering interpretation of experimental and spontaneous disease processes. Here, we present a comprehensive histologic atlas derived from wild-caught Egyptian rousette specimens, documenting normal tissue architecture across major organ systems and establishing a standardized reference for future investigations. To contextualize these findings, we also integrate previously published descriptions of Egyptian rousette anatomy and histology, providing a consolidated summary of existing knowledge. This atlas serves as a foundational reference for studies of physiology, immunobiology, and pathology in Egyptian rousettes, facilitating comparative analyses, supporting investigations of host-pathogen interactions, and advancing broader understanding of chiropteran biology relevant to biomedical research, wildlife health, and public health surveillance.