Effects of sewage-water contamination on the immune response of a desert bat

摘要: Environmental pollutants may negatively affect the immune system of animals. Yet, this phenomenon has not been studied thoroughly in terrestrial animals that use polluted water for drinking and/or foraging. We experimentally tested hypothesis exposure to sewage would activation response bat Pipistrellus kuhlii drinks from bodies open water. selected two sources where bats forage Negev desert, Israel: natural springs and a sewage-polluted man-made reservoir. captured 13 non-reproductive female vicinity offered seven them source 30 days (treatment) remaining six were spring (control). Consumption contaminated did alter bactericidal ability blood plasma or proportions monocytes circulating blood. However, our data provided evidence 30-day treatment can cause decrease relative levels neutrophils an increase lymphocytes. Our study provides first account effect pollution on which be important desert environments, are scarce. suggest hypotheses future, more focused studies.