Zoonotic diseases of bat origin: knowledge and practices of persons living in same house with ceiling-dwelling bats in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction
Bats possess unique immune system thereby hosting numerous infectious agents as true reservoirs for emerging infectious diseases. Human activities have increased bat-human interactions, heightening the risk of zoonotic spillovers. However, data on the knowledge and practices of people living close to bats in Nigeria is scarce.
Methods
This study assessed knowledge and practices for disease emergence and transmission among residents of houses with ceiling-dwelling bats in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey conducted across five communities in three local government areas of the state interviewed 128 individuals living in houses with ceiling-dwelling bats using a validated interviewer-administered questionnaire. The instrument captured 25 variables including socio-demographics (8), knowledge of bat-borne zoonoses (8), and risk-related practices (9). Additional on-site interviewer observations. Knowledge and practice indices with scores ≥ 0.5 were categorized as “good knowledge” or “safe practices.” Associations were tested for using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests.
Results
Of the 128 participants, 68.8% demonstrated good knowledge of bat-borne zoonotic diseases. Occupation was strongly associated with knowledge (χ²=17.52; p=0.0001). Participants with tertiary (85.7%) and no formal education (100%) showed higher knowledge, with a strong association between education level and knowledge (χ² = 11.80; p = 0.006). Risky practices were reported by 12.5% of respondents, especially farmers (25.5%). A strong association (χ² = 10.478; p = 0.004) was observed between occupation and practices.
Conclusions
While most residents showed good knowledge and safe practices, targeted interventions are needed for high-risk groups, particularly farmers, to reduce zoonotic disease transmission from bats.