Bat

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Bat (Medical)

Bat (pronounced: /bæt/) is a term used in the medical field, particularly in the context of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Etymology

The term "bat" comes from the Old English bæt, which is akin to the Old High German baz. In the medical context, it has been used since the late 20th century, when the role of bats in disease transmission was first recognized.

Definition

In medical terminology, a bat refers to any member of the order Chiroptera, which are mammals capable of sustained flight. Bats are known to be reservoirs for several zoonotic diseases, including Rabies, Ebola, and SARS.

Related Terms

  • Zoonosis: Any disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Bats are known to be reservoirs for several zoonotic diseases.
  • Rabies: A viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of a rabid animal, including bats.
  • Ebola: A severe, often fatal disease in humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees) caused by the Ebola virus. Bats are believed to be natural reservoirs of the virus.
  • SARS: A viral respiratory illness caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Bats are considered natural hosts of these viruses.

See Also

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