Pika Population Density Is Associated with the Composition and Diversity of Gut Microbiota.

ABSTRACT: Host population density is positively associated with the strength of social interactions or the frequency of physical contacts, and thus potentially influences microbial transmission among individuals. However, the relationship between host density and gut microbiota remains unknown. Here, we characterized the gut microbiota of plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) in wild experimental fields with different host population densities. The abundance of some gut microbes significantly correlated with host density, such as Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Staphylococcaceae. Intriguingly, host density was positively correlated with alpha diversity (Shannon diversity and observed species) of gut microbial communities. The inter-individual gut microbiota within high-density groups were more si

SUBMITTER: Li H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4870984 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature