It turns out that these flying mammals are immune and can coexist with multiple disease-causing viruses. It has been known to scientists and mankind that a bat can be a host to many different types of viruses without even getting sick. They can consume thousands of insects carrying diseases and yet never be affected by the diseases, but they are easily affected by the rabies virus.
Now you might wonder why aren’t bats affected by viruses?
Bats have developed a way of regenerating and repairing cell damage in their bodies by producing molecules that are not found in other mammals. This cell repairing is necessary because during flight bats body temperature can peak up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This, in turn, causes their heart rates to spike way above 1000 beats per minute. This high metabolism rate and use of excess energy lead to a rise in free radicals(a reactive molecule) that damages tissues. Doctors say bats have evolved special immune systems and regenerative systems to compensate for the stresses caused due to flying.
Bats are immune to cancer & diabetes. It is said that their bodies do not react to infections like that of humans which prevents them to fall ill from the viruses they host.
Bat Immunology
EBOLA, SARS, RABIES, MERS, and COVID-19 (Coronavirus) viruses can infect and live within healthy bats yet the same viruses would be highly pathogenic towards humans and other living creatures.
Bats have developed a certain resistance towards viruses and diseases. Since very little information is known about a bat’s immune system, studies have shown that the response of immunity in bats has certain similarities with those of other mammals which evolved after them.
Interferon-Alpha
Interferon-alpha is secreted by virus-infected cells. When this happens one of the molecular mechanisms in the bat’s immune system is triggered and the nearby cells go into a defensive anti-viral state. Bat cells are thus able to resist viral onslaughts better than other mammals. Even though interferon-alpha hinders the capacity to kill cells, it seems to benefit the bats. This system does not allow cells to die and also allows the virus to coexist within the bat’s body. Bats are the most misunderstood animal species. Bats are very beneficial to humans because they rid the skies of thousands of insects and disease-causing viruses.
Some people consider bats as a nuisance, but the WILDLIFE COORDINATION ACT OF 1956 and ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973 protects all bats and endangered bat species. This federal law not only protects bats but it also safeguards their natural habitats.
We at Accurate pest control in San Antonio suggest you contact us immediately if you are facing any kind of bat infestation in and around your property. Our team of wildlife animal control experts in San Antonio will provide you with a solution for all your pest control needs.
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