Urbanisation may alter baseline cellular immunity in bats: a pilot study

Environmental changes linked to urbanization influence wildlife health and may increase zoonotic risks. In this study, we examined the impact of urban stressors on the cellular immunity of two bat species, Nyctalus noctula and Eptesicus serotinus, along an urban-natural gradient in Eastern Ukraine. Using white blood cell (WBC) profiles as immunity markers, we found that N. noctula from urban and suburban habitats had significantly higher WBC counts, as well as lymphocyte and neutrophil proportions, compared to individuals from natural areas. Meanwhile, E. serotinus, a species more adapted to urban environments, exhibited lower neutrophil levels and a trend toward reduced neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios. These findings suggest species-specific immune responses to urban stressors, with potential implications for wildlife conservation and disease dynamics. Further research is needed to understand long-term physiological adaptations in urban-dwelling bats.