in Bat Species in Portugal.

Histoplasmosis, caused by the fungus , poses health risks to various mammals, including humans. Bats are primary wild carriers of , playing a crucial role in its epidemiology. However, fecal shedding in Europe remains poorly studied, with no data available for Portugal. This study analyzed 285 guano samples from 22 bat species, collected across Portuguese regions between 2014 and 2018, using a nested PCR assay. Despite using a sensitive method, no positive samples were detected. These results align with other European studies, suggesting that circulates at low levels in European bat populations. However, they contrast with findings from regions like Brazil and Mexico, where the fungus is more prevalent due to differing geographic, climatic, and ecological factors. The absence of in Portuguese bat guano highlights the importance of local environmental conditions and raises questions about its distribution in Europe. Although bats can harbor zoonotic pathogens, our findings suggest they do not shed in Portugal. Continuous monitoring and research are essential in understanding infectious disease dynamics. Targeted surveillance in caves could improve early detection and management strategies for potential histoplasmosis outbreaks, contributing to public health efforts in these ecosystems.