Virus, bats and drugs

Rev Environ Health. 2020 Aug 24;35(4):301-302. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0083. Print 2020 Nov 18.

Abstract

Apart from SARS-Co-V-2 coronavirus, bats also host many highly virulent zoonotic pathogens. A matter of rising concern is the detrimental impact of pharmaceuticals in the environment, as they can have major impact at low concentrations. Insectivorous bats are among the wildlife animals likely to be exposed due to the bioaccumulation through the food web. Bat's behaviour might be deeply affected by human psychoactive drugs. Current massive antiviral use activity will increase environmental concentrations of these pharmaceuticals, for whose potential eco-toxicological consequences are scarce. We need to study the complex interrelation between people, bats, drugs, viruses, and their shared environment.

Keywords: antivirals; bats; lopinavir/ritonavir; pharmaceuticals in the environment; virus.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chiroptera / virology*
  • Ecosystem
  • Environmental Pollutants / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Prescription Drugs / adverse effects
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Viral Zoonoses / transmission

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Prescription Drugs