Hematologic Values of Jamaican Fruit Bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) and the Effects of Isoflurane Anesthesia

J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 2020 May 1;59(3):275-281. doi: 10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-19-000056. Epub 2020 Mar 12.

Abstract

Jamaican fruit bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) are used as an animal model for several viruses, including Middle East respiratory syndrome virus, dengue virus, Zika virus, and Tacaribe virus. However, despite ongoing studies regarding these pathogens, little is known regarding the bats' normal physiology. In this study, phlebotomy of the propetagial (cephalic) vein was performed to establish baseline hematologic parameters in an apparently healthy, captive population of Jamaican fruit bats. Furthermore, we compared results from physically restrained and isoflurane-anesthetized bats. Our findings indicate significant increases in WBC count, lymphocytes, and monocytes in the anesthetized bats. However, RBC and platelet parameters were not different between the 2 groups. This information on the normal hematologic parameters of Jamaican fruit bats, adds to our overall understanding of the normal physiology of this species, and expands our knowledge on bat species in general.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics, Inhalation / administration & dosage
  • Animals
  • Chiroptera / blood
  • Chiroptera / classification
  • Chiroptera / physiology*
  • Female
  • Hematologic Tests / veterinary*
  • Isoflurane / administration & dosage
  • Leukocyte Count / veterinary
  • Male
  • Reference Values
  • Restraint, Physical / veterinary
  • Viral Zoonoses

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Inhalation
  • Isoflurane