Effects of biological and environmental factors on filovirus serology in bats in Guinea

We investigated factors which might influence the circulation of ebolaviruses in fruit bats in Guinea in order to better understand their role in the ecology of ebolaviruses and evaluate risks of spill-over to other animals or humans. We performed serological tests on populations of 4 bat species ( Eidolon helvum , Hypsignathus monstrosus , Lissonycteris angolensis and Rousettus aegyptiacus ) sampled longitudinally for 18 months (2018-2020). The analysis of 1,427 bat samples for antibodies directed against different ebolavirus species allowed to test the influence of biological and environmental variables on seropositivity. Results showed that species ( Eidolon helvum and Rousettus aegyptiacus ), sex (males), age (sexually immature adults, and thus reproductive life-cycle), as well as season (dry) have a significant positive effect on the presence of antibodies against ebolaviruses in bats. These factors may play an important role in the circulation of filoviruses. Search for viral evidence and surveillance strategies should take these into consideration. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.