Analysis of Gut Microbiota and Assessment of Environmental Health in Western Anatolian Vole (Microtus lydius Blackler, 1916)
Abstract
The significant risk posed by zoonotic pathogens to humans increases the need to better understand how these pathogens are maintained and transmitted within ecosystems. Microtus (voles), one of the important members of wildlife, are widely distributed in agricultural fields and can directly interact with humans through farmers or agricultural products. Microbiological studies on this genus have identified certain pathogenic bacteria. However, the microbiota of free-living voles in nature also includes members with significant probiotic effects. In this study, the gut microbiota of Microtus lydius, a species widely distributed in Western Anatolia, was characterized for the first time through DNA isolation from fecal samples and the use of 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing technology. The detected bacterial groups were examined across all taxonomic categories. According to the microbial analysis results of the species, the dominant bacteria in the gut microbiota are probiotic in nature, reflecting the species' dietary characteristics. Pathogenic bacteria, on the other hand, are present at low abundance and contribute to species diversity. The microbial records identified for Microtus lydius provide valuable insights for assessing the infectious risks of this species, which interacts with humans in the wild, as well as for understanding the probiotic health effects in social behavior models and contributing to phylogenetic research.
Keywords
microtus, wildlife, microbiota
Supporting Institution
2209-A Tübitak
Project Number
1919B012105702
Ethical Statement
Ethical approval is not required.
Thanks
This research was supported by TÜBİTAK 2209-A.
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