Is Bat Guano a Reservoir of Geomyces destructans

Bat guano from six different karst caves in Slovenia was screened by PCR for the presence of Geomyces destructans [1]. Two identical DNA sequences from guano heaps in two of the caves with recent bat droppings were retrieved. These sequences were closely related to several unidentified Geomyces clones and to pathogenic G. destructans, but definitive identification remained elusive. Despite the presence of Geomyces species, thus far there has been no report of Whitenose syndrome (WNS) symptoms in bats in Slovenia. Overall physical and chemical conditions in guano, particularly in large guano heaps, offer a suitable environment which might serve as a reservoir for pathogenic Geomyces strains and could represent a permanent reservoir for in situ infection of bats. Screening of guano and analysis of more data related to guano ecology could lend clues to control WNS outbreaks and mortality linked to G. destructans.