In this review, we tentatively tried to connect the most recent findings on the bat microbiome and to investigate on their microbial communities, that may vary even in conspecific hosts and are influenced by host physiology, feeding behavior and diet, social interactions, but also by habitat diversity and climate change. From a conservation perspective, understanding the potentially negative and indirect effects of habitat destruction on animal microbiota can also play a crucial role in the conservation and management of the host itself. According to the One Health concept, which recognizes an interdependence between humans, animals, and the environment, bat microbiota represents an indicator of host and environmental health, besides allowing for evaluation of the risk of emerging infectious diseases. We noticed that a growing number of studies suggest that animal microbiota may respond in various ways to changes in land use, particularly when such changes lead to altered or deficient food resources. We have highlighted that the current literature is strongly focused on the initial phase of investigating the microbial communities found in Chiroptera from various habitats. However, there are gaps in effectively assessing the impacts of pathogens and microbial communities in general in animal conservation, veterinary, and public health. A deeper understanding of bat microbiomes is paramount to the implementation of correct habitat and host management and to the development of effective surveillance protocols worldwide.

The emergence of new Anaplasma strains in the Mediterranean region poses a challenge for both veterinary medicine and public health, as it can lead to more complex diagnostic and treatment strategies. Species related to Anaplasma platys and A. phagocytophilum, two important tick-borne pathogens, have been reported in several Mediterranean countries. However, the data on their presence in Sardinia remain limited. This study aimed to identify theAnaplasmaspecies genetically related to zoonotic agents, such as A. phagocytophilum or A. platys, in Sardinian horses, cattle, and swine. Using various molecular approaches targeting the groEL and gltA genes, the results confirm the presence of Candidatus (Ca.) Anaplasma turritanum and reveal the emergence of Candidatus (Ca.) Anaplasma cinensis and an A. phagocytophilum-like strain, designated as A. phagocytophilum-like 2, in Sardinian horses and cattle. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance in Sardinia and similar Mediterranean regions, as well as the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic tools and preventive strategies. Given the zoonotic potential of these emerging strains, these findings emphasize the need for greater vigilance in both veterinary and human health sectors to mitigate the risks associated with tick-borne Anaplasma species transmission. Ongoing research and proactive measures are essential to reduce the public health burden and prevent the spread of these pathogens across animal and human populations.

Candidatus Anaplasma camelii is a poorly identified Anaplasma species reported in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Although sequences from Ca. A. camelii had previously been detected in Tunisia, they were not accurately identified or taxonomically classified at that time. This study provides the first comprehensive molecular characterization of Ca. A. camelii in Tunisian dromedaries using a combined sequencing approach targeting 16S rRNA, the groEL gene and the gltA gene. Out of 229 dromedaries blood samples analysed 45 (19.7%) tested positive for Anaplasma spp. by 16S rRNA PCR. The presence of Ca. A. camelii was subsequently confirmed by groEL and gltA amplification. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a well-supported monophyletic clade grouping Tunisian isolates with strains previously reported in Egypt and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study expands the known geographic distribution of Ca. A. camelii by introducing novel molecular data, thereby enhancing our understanding of its genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships. Findings highlight the importance of multi-gene molecular surveillance to elucidate the epidemiology of emerging Anaplasma species in Northern Africa.

• First detection of Rickettsia asembonensis identified in fleas from domestic and wild hosts in Sardinia, Italy. • The pathogen was found only in fleas (P. irritans, X. cheopis, A. erinacei) and not in any lice species. • Multilocus sequences targeting gltA, ompA, ompB, Sca4, and htrA genes showed 100% identity with global strains, indicating strong genetic stability. • Mediterranean non-tick vectors reveal zoonotic potential, underlining the importance of integrated surveillance.