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

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:PloS one 2023-02, Vol.18 (2), p.e0281533-e0281533
Main Authors: Rymer, Tasmin L, Pillay, Neville
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Animals, Wild - microbiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Antibiotics
Australia
Bacteria
Bacteria - genetics
Biology and Life Sciences
Community composition
Complications and side effects
Composition
Development and progression
Dysbiosis
Feces
Gastrointestinal Microbiome - genetics
Gene sequencing
Gram-positive bacteria
Health aspects
Illnesses
Indigenous species
Intestinal microflora
Laboratory animals
Medicine and Health Sciences
Melomys cervinipes
Microbiomes
Microbiota
Microbiota (Symbiotic organisms)
Microorganisms
Murinae - genetics
Physiological aspects
Physiology
Rats
Risk factors
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S - genetics
Rodents
rRNA 16S
Wild animals
Wildlife conservation
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Summary: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. Gut bacterial composition changed between time periods, indicating that illness, treatment with antibiotics, or a combination affects bacterial communities. While some bacterial groups increased in abundance, others decreased, suggesting differential effects and possible co-adapted and synergistic interactions. Our findings provide a greater understanding of the dynamic nature of the gut microbiome of a native Australian rodent species and provides insights into the management and ethical well-being of animals kept under captive conditions.
ISSN:1932-6203
1932-6203
DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0281533