The effects of antibiotics and illness on gut microbial composition in the fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys cervinipes).

ABSTRACT: The gut microbiota are critical for maintaining the health and physiological function of individuals. However, illness and treatment with antibiotics can disrupt bacterial community composition, the consequences of which are largely unknown in wild animals. In this study, we described and quantified the changes in bacterial community composition in response to illness and treatment with antibiotics in a native Australian rodent, the fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys cervinipes). We collected faecal samples during an undiagnosed illness outbreak in a captive colony of animals, and again at least one year later, and quantified the microbiome at each time point using 16s ribosomal rRNA gene sequencing. Gut bacterial composition was quantified at different taxonomic levels, up to family.

SUBMITTER: Rymer TL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9956021 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature