1
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Martínez-Renau E, Martín-Platero AM, Bodawatta KH, Martín-Vivaldi M, Martínez-Bueno M, Poulsen M, Soler JJ. Social environment influences microbiota and potentially pathogenic bacterial communities on the skin of developing birds. Anim Microbiome 2024; 6:47. [PMID: 39148142 PMCID: PMC11325624 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-024-00327-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal bacterial symbionts are established early in life, either through vertical transmission and/or by horizontal transmission from both the physical and the social environment, such as direct contact with con- or heterospecifics. The social environment particularly can influence the acquisition of both mutualistic and pathogenic bacteria, with consequences for the stability of symbiotic communities. However, segregating the effects of the shared physical environment from those of the social interactions is challenging, limiting our current knowledge on the role of the social environment in structuring bacterial communities in wild animals. Here, we take advantage of the avian brood-parasite system of Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) and great spotted cuckoos (Clamator glandarius) to explore how the interspecific social environment (magpie nestlings developing with or without heterospecifics) affects bacterial communities on uropygial gland skin. RESULTS We demonstrated interspecific differences in bacterial community compositions in members of the two species when growing up in monospecific nests. However, the bacterial community of magpies in heterospecific nests was richer, more diverse, and more similar to their cuckoo nest-mates than when growing up in monospecific nests. These patterns were alike for the subset of microbes that could be considered core, but when looking at the subset of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera, cuckoo presence reduced the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera on magpies. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the role of social interactions in shaping the assembly of the avian skin bacterial communities during the nestling period, as exemplified in a brood parasite-host system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Martínez-Renau
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC), 04120, Almería, Spain.
| | - Antonio M Martín-Platero
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
- Unidad Asociada (CSIC): Coevolución: Cucos, Hospedadores y Bacterias Simbiontes, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Kasun H Bodawatta
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manuel Martín-Vivaldi
- Unidad Asociada (CSIC): Coevolución: Cucos, Hospedadores y Bacterias Simbiontes, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
- Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Manuel Martínez-Bueno
- Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
- Unidad Asociada (CSIC): Coevolución: Cucos, Hospedadores y Bacterias Simbiontes, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Juan José Soler
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (CSIC), 04120, Almería, Spain.
- Unidad Asociada (CSIC): Coevolución: Cucos, Hospedadores y Bacterias Simbiontes, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.
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2
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Herder EA, Skeen HR, Lutz HL, Hird SM. Body Size Poorly Predicts Host-Associated Microbial Diversity in Wild Birds. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0374922. [PMID: 37039681 PMCID: PMC10269867 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03749-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The composition and diversity of avian microbiota are shaped by many factors, including host ecologies and environmental variables. In this study, we examine microbial diversity across 214 bird species sampled in Malawi at five major body sites: blood, buccal cavity, gizzard, intestinal tract, and cloaca. Microbial community dissimilarity differed significantly across body sites. Ecological theory predicts that as area increases, so does diversity. We tested the hypothesis that avian microbiota diversity is correlated with body size, used as a proxy for area, using comparative phylogenetic methods. Using Pagel's lambda, we found that few microbial diversity metrics had significant phylogenetic signals. Phylogenetic generalized least squares identified a significant but weak negative correlation between host size and microbial diversity of the blood and a similarly significant but weakly positive correlation between the cloacal microbiota and host size among birds within the order Passeriformes. Phylosymbiosis, or a congruent branching pattern between host phylogeny and their associated microbiota similarity, was tested and found to be weak or not significant in four of the body sites with sufficient sample size (blood, buccal, cloaca, and intestines). Taken together, these results suggest that the avian microbiome is highly variable, with microbiota diversity demonstrating few clear associations with bird size. Finally, the blood microbiota have a unique relationship with host size. IMPORTANCE All animals coexist and interact with microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, microscopic eukaryotes, and viruses. These microorganisms can have an enormous influence on the biology and health of macro-organisms. However, the general rules that govern these host-associated microbial communities are poorly described, especially in wild animals. In this paper, we investigate the microbial communities of over 200 species of birds from Malawi and characterize five body site bacterial microbiota in depth. Because the evolutionary relationships of the host underlie the relationship between any host-associated microbiota relationships, we use phylogenetic comparative methods to account for this relationship. We find that the size of a host (the bird) and the diversity and composition of the microbiota are largely uncorrelated. We also find that the general pattern of similarity between host phylogeny and microbiota similarity is weak. Together, we see that bird microbiota are not strongly tied to host size or evolutionary history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Herder
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Heather R. Skeen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Holly L. Lutz
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sarah M. Hird
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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3
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Lawhon SD, Burbick CR, Munson E, Zapp A, Thelen E, Villaflor M. Update on Novel Taxa and Revised Taxonomic Status of Bacteria Isolated from Nondomestic Animals Described in 2018 to 2021. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0142522. [PMID: 36533958 PMCID: PMC9945507 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01425-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Revisions and new additions to bacterial taxonomy can have a significant widespread impact on clinical practice, infectious disease epidemiology, veterinary microbiology laboratory operations, and wildlife conservation efforts. The expansion of genome sequencing technologies has revolutionized our knowledge of the microbiota of humans, animals, and insects. Here, we address novel taxonomy and nomenclature revisions of veterinary significance that impact bacteria isolated from nondomestic wildlife, with emphasis being placed on bacteria that are associated with disease in their hosts or were isolated from host animal species that are culturally significant, are a target of conservation efforts, or serve as reservoirs for human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara D. Lawhon
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Claire R. Burbick
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Erik Munson
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Amanda Zapp
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Elizabeth Thelen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Maia Villaflor
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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4
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Madsen AM, Zhang F, Zeng Y, Frederiksen MW. Airborne methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, other bacteria, fungi, endotoxin, and dust in a pigeon exhibition. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114642. [PMID: 36306875 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pigeon breeding is associated with exposure to airborne microorganisms and endotoxin and with symptoms of the airways. Antibiotic resistance is a threat to human health. Some pigeons participate in national and international indoor exhibitions. This study aims to obtain knowledge about the potential human exposure to dust, endotoxin, fungi, and bacteria including the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a pigeon exhibition in Denmark. In walking areas for visitors, airborne microorganisms in different size fractions able to enter the airways were sampled and following identified. The average concentrations were: 5000 cfu fungi/m3, 1.8 × 104 cfu bacteria/m3, 37 endotoxin units/m3, and 0.18 mg dust/m3 air with the highest concentrations in-between rows with pigeon cages. The fungal species Wallemia sp. and Aspergillus versicolor and the bacterial species S. equorum and S. aureus were found in high concentrations. MRSA spa type t034 described to be associated with livestock was found in the air. Most of the S. aureus was present in the size fraction of 1.1-2.1 μm, which are particles able to enter the human terminal bronchi. In conclusion, fungi, bacteria, and endotoxin, respectively, were found in concentrations 10, 2000, and 200 times higher than outdoor references. The airborne bacteria in the exhibition were mainly species found previously in pigeon coops showing that the pigeons are the sources of exposure. The presence of airborne MRSA in the pigeon exhibition highlights the importance of also considering this environment as a potential place of exchange of resistant bacteria between animals and between animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Fei Zhang
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark; Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Yonghui Zeng
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen 1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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5
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Martínez-Renau E, Mazorra-Alonso M, Ruiz-Castellano C, Martín-Vivaldi M, Martín-Platero AM, Barón MD, Soler JJ. Microbial infection risk predicts antimicrobial potential of avian symbionts. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1010961. [DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1010961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic bacteria on animal hosts can prevent pathogenic bacterial infections by several mechanisms. Among them, symbiotic bacteria can indirectly enhance host’s immune responses or, directly, produce antimicrobial substances against pathogens. Due to differences in life-style, different host species are under different risks of microbial infections. Consequently, if symbiotic bacteria are somewhat selected by genetically determined host characteristics, we would expect the antimicrobial properties of bacterial symbionts to vary among host species and to be distributed according to risk of infection. Here we have tested this hypothesis by measuring the antimicrobial ability of the bacterial strains isolated from the uropygial-gland skin of 19 bird species differing in nesting habits, and, therefore, in risk of microbial infection. In accordance with our predictions, intensity and range of antimicrobial effects against the indicator strains assayed varied among bird species, with hole-and open-nesters showing the highest and the lowest values, respectively. Since it is broadly accepted that hole-nesters have higher risks of microbial infection than open nesters, our results suggest that the risk of infection is a strong driver of natural selection to enhance immunocompetence of animals through selecting for antibiotic-producing symbionts. Future research should focus on characterizing symbiotic bacterial communities and detecting coevolutionary processes with particular antibiotic-producing bacteria within-host species.
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6
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Krumbeck JA, Turner DD, Diesel A, Hoffman AR, Heatley JJ. Skin microbiota of quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) with normal feathering or feather loss via next-generation sequencing technology. J Exot Pet Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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7
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Barik A, Patel GD, Sen SK, Rajhans G, Nayak C, Raut S. Probiotic Characterization of Indigenous Kocuria flava Y4 Strain Isolated from Dioscorea villosa Leaves. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 15:614-629. [PMID: 34825308 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-021-09877-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This aim of the study was to isolate and screen potential probiotics from Dioscorea villosa leaves. The potential isolate Y4 was obtained from the Dioscorea villosa leaves, and its ability to grow in a medium containing high NaCl concentrations (2-10%) indicated its negative hemolytic activity. Furthermore, Y4 demonstrated inhibitory activity against human pathogens, such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter koseri, and Vibrio cholerae, as well as towards a plant pathogen isolate OR-2 (obtained from Citrus sinensis). Some biologically important functional groups of Y4 metabolites, such as sulfoxide; aliphatic ether; 1, 2, 3-trisubstituted, tertiary alcohol: vinyl ether; aromatic amine; carboxylic acid; nitro compound; alkene mono-substituted; and alcohol, were identified through FTIR analysis. The 16S rRNA sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that Y4 and OR-2 are the closest neighbors to Kocuria flava (GenBank accession no. MT773277) and Pantoea dispersa (GenBank accession no. MT766308), respectively. The potential isolate Y4 was found to exhibit adhesion, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, and weak biofilm activity. It also exhibited a high level of antimicrobial activity and antibiotic susceptibility. The safety of K. flava Y4 isolate, which is proposed to be a probiotic, was evaluated through acute oral toxicity test and biogenic amine production test. Moreover, the preservation potential of isolate Y4 was assessed through application on fruits under different temperatures. Thus, our results confirmed that Kocuria flava Y4 is a prospective probiotic and could also be used for the preservation of fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adyasa Barik
- Center for Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed To Be University), Bhubaneswar, 751003, Odisha, India
| | - Gaurav D Patel
- Center for Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed To Be University), Bhubaneswar, 751003, Odisha, India
| | | | - Geetanjali Rajhans
- Center for Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed To Be University), Bhubaneswar, 751003, Odisha, India
| | - Chirasmita Nayak
- Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India
| | - Sangeeta Raut
- Center for Biotechnology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed To Be University), Bhubaneswar, 751003, Odisha, India.
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8
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Terasaki M, Inoue A, Kanamoto E, Yoshida S, Yamada M, Toda H, Nishida H. Co-cultivation of sake yeast and Kocuria isolates from the sake brewing process. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2021; 368:6280977. [PMID: 34021569 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Kocuria isolates collected from the sake brewing process have inhabited the Narimasa Sake Brewery in Toyama, Japan. To investigate the effect of these actinobacterial isolates on the growth and metabolism of sake yeast, co-cultivation of sake yeast and Kocuria isolates was performed in a medium containing tryptone, glucose and yeast extract (TGY), and a solution containing koji (steamed rice covered with Aspergillus oryzae) and glucose. In the TGY medium, the ethanol concentration and the number of living cells of each microorganism were measured. In the koji solution, the concentrations of ethanol and organic acids (citric acid, lactic acid and succinic acid) were measured. The results showed that in TGY media, the growth of each Kocuria isolate in the co-culture of the two Kocuria isolates was similar to that in each monoculture. However, the growth of both Kocuria isolates was inhibited in the co-cultures of sake yeast and Kocuria isolates. On the other hand, the growth and ethanol productivity of sake yeast did not differ between its monoculture and co-cultures with Kocuria isolates. In the koji solution, Kocuria isolates TGY1120_3 and TGY1127_2 affected the concentrations of ethanol and lactic acid, respectively. Thus, Kocuria isolates affected the microbial metabolism, but the effects were not identical between the two isolates. This strongly suggests that bacteria inhabiting a sake brewery may influence the flavor and taste of sake products of the brewery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoka Terasaki
- Graduate School of Engineering and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Airu Inoue
- Graduate School of Engineering and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Emi Kanamoto
- Graduate School of Engineering and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Saki Yoshida
- Graduate School of Engineering and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Masato Yamada
- Narimasa Sake Brewery, 418 Tachi, Nanto, Toyama 939-1676, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Toda
- Graduate School of Engineering and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Hiromi Nishida
- Graduate School of Engineering and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
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9
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Terasaki M, Kimura Y, Yamada M, Nishida H. Genomic information of Kocuria isolates from sake brewing process. AIMS Microbiol 2021; 7:114-123. [PMID: 33659772 PMCID: PMC7921380 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2021008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria belonging to the genus Kocuria were identified as bacteria peculiar to a sake brewery in Toyama, Japan. Comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed two groups of Kocuria isolates. Among known species, one group was similar to K. koreensis (Kk type), and the other, K. uropygioeca (Ku type). We determined complete genomic DNA sequences from two isolates, TGY1120_3 and TGY1127_2, which belong to types Kk and Ku, respectively. Comparison of these genomic information showed that these isolates differ at the species level with different genomic characters. Isolate TGY1120_3 comprised one chromosome and three plasmids, and the same transposon coding region was located on two loci on the chromosome and one locus on one plasmid, suggesting that the genetic element may be transferred between the chromosome and plasmid. Isolate TGY1127_2 comprised one chromosome and one plasmid. This plasmid encoded an identical transposase coding region, strongly suggesting that the genetic element may be transferred between these different isolates through plasmids. These four plasmids carried a highly similar region, indicating that they share a common ancestor. Thus, these two isolates may form a community and exchange their genetic information during sake brewing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoka Terasaki
- Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kimura
- Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Masato Yamada
- Narimasa Sake Brewery, 418 Tachi, Nanto, Toyama 939-1676, Japan
| | - Hiromi Nishida
- Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
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10
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Bodawatta KH, Schierbech SK, Petersen NR, Sam K, Bos N, Jønsson KA, Poulsen M. Great Tit ( Parus major) Uropygial Gland Microbiomes and Their Potential Defensive Roles. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1735. [PMID: 32849371 PMCID: PMC7401573 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The uropygial gland (preen gland) of birds plays an important role in maintaining feather integrity and hygiene. Although a few studies have demonstrated potential defensive roles of bacteria residing within these glands, the diversity and functions of the uropygial gland microbiota are largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the microbiota of great tit (Parus major) uropygial glands through both isolation of bacteria (culture-dependent) and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (culture-independent). Co-culture experiments of selected bacterial isolates with four known feather-degrading bacteria (Bacillus licheniformis, Kocuria rhizophila, Pseudomonas monteilii, and Dermacoccus nishinomiyaensis), two non-feather degrading feather bacteria, one common soil bacterial pathogen and two common fungal pathogens enabled us to evaluate the potential antimicrobial properties of these isolates. Our results show major differences between bacterial communities characterized using culture-dependent and -independent approaches. In the former, we were only able to isolate 12 bacterial genera (dominated by members of the Firmicutes and Actinobacteria), while amplicon sequencing identified 110 bacterial genera (dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria). Uropygial gland bacterial isolates belonging to the genera Bacillus and Kocuria were able to suppress the growth of four of the nine tested antagonists, attesting to potential defensive roles. However, these bacterial genera were infrequent in our MiSeq results suggesting that the isolated bacteria may not be obligate gland symbionts. Furthermore, bacterial functional predictions using 16S rRNA sequences also revealed the ability of uropygial gland bacteria to produce secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties, such as terpenes. Our findings support that uropygial gland bacteria may play a role in feather health and that bacterial symbionts might act as defensive microbes. Future investigations of these bacterial communities, with targeted approaches (e.g., bacterial isolation and chemical analyses), are thus warranted to improve our understanding of the evolution and function of these host-microbe interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasun H. Bodawatta
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe K. Schierbech
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nanna R. Petersen
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katerina Sam
- Biology Centre of Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Nick Bos
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Knud A. Jønsson
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Whittaker DJ, Slowinski SP, Greenberg JM, Alian O, Winters AD, Ahmad MM, Burrell MJE, Soini HA, Novotny MV, Ketterson ED, Theis KR. Experimental evidence that symbiotic bacteria produce chemical cues in a songbird. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.202978. [PMID: 31537652 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.202978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Symbiotic microbes that inhabit animal scent glands can produce volatile compounds used as chemical signals by the host animal. Though several studies have demonstrated correlations between scent gland bacterial community structure and host animal odour profiles, none have systematically demonstrated a causal relationship. In birds, volatile compounds in preen oil secreted by the uropygial gland serve as chemical cues and signals. Here, we tested whether manipulating the uropygial gland microbial community affects chemical profiles in the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). We found an effect of antibiotic treatment targeting the uropygial gland on both bacterial and volatile profiles. In a second experiment, we cultured bacteria from junco preen oil, and found that all of the cultivars produced at least one volatile compound common in junco preen oil, and that most cultivars produced multiple preen oil volatiles. In both experiments, we identified experimentally generated patterns in specific volatile compounds previously shown to predict junco reproductive success. Together, our data provide experimental support for the hypothesis that symbiotic bacteria produce behaviourally relevant volatile compounds within avian chemical cues and signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Whittaker
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Samuel P Slowinski
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
| | - Jonathan M Greenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Osama Alian
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-4320, USA
| | - Andrew D Winters
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Madison M Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Mikayla J E Burrell
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA.,Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Helena A Soini
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA.,Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Milos V Novotny
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA.,Institute for Pheromone Research, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Ellen D Ketterson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Kevin R Theis
- BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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12
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Tuo L, Li FN, Bao YX, Yan XR, Sun CH. Kocuria soli sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from soil. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:2064-2068. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.003438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Li Tuo
- 1Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, PR China
| | - Fei-Na Li
- 2Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Yu-Xin Bao
- 1Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, PR China
| | - Xiao-Rui Yan
- 1Research Center for Medicine & Biology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, PR China
| | - Cheng-Hang Sun
- 2Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
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Braun MS, Sporer F, Zimmermann S, Wink M. Birds, feather-degrading bacteria and preen glands: the antimicrobial activity of preen gland secretions from turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) is amplified by keratinase. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2019; 94:5036518. [PMID: 29901706 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of uropygial glands (preen glands) has been subject to controversial debates. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial potential of preen gland secretions of turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) against 18 microbial strains by means of diffusion tests, broth microdilutions, checkerboard assays and time-kill curves. Furthermore, we tested the hypothesis that lipids exert direct antimicrobial effects on pathogens. Moreover, we checked for mutualistic relationships between the preen gland bacterium Corynebacterium uropygiale with its hosts. We found that preen gland secretions significantly inhibited the growth of a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, particularly when combined with keratinase. Combinations effectively killed multidrug resistant microorganisms in a strongly synergistic manner. Since feather-degrading microorganisms (FDM) express keratinase and thereby disrupt the integrity of the plumage, our data suggests that preen gland secretions of turkeys are specifically activated in the presence of FDM, and specifically eliminate FDM from feathers. However, antimicrobial effects did not originate from lipids, but were mediated by highly polar compounds which might be antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Finally, C. uropygiale is apparently not involved in the antimicrobial activity of preen gland secretions of turkeys. In conclusion, our results suggest that turkeys can antagonize FDM by amplifying the antimicrobial properties of their preen gland secretions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Santhosh Braun
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Sporer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Zimmermann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University, INF 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Wink
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Braun MS, Wang E, Zimmermann S, Wagner H, Wink M. Kocuria tytonis sp. nov., isolated from the uropygial gland of an American barn owl (Tyto furcata). Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2019; 69:447-451. [PMID: 30556804 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.003170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian uropygial glands have received increasing attention in recent years, but little is known about micro-organisms in uropygial glands. In this study, we isolated a strain of Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming cocci, designated 442T, from the uropygial gland of an American barn owl (Tyto furcata) and characterized it using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed the isolate in the genus Kocuria. The G+C content was 70.8 mol%, the major menaquinone was MK-7(H2) and the predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene identified Kocuria rhizophila DSM 11926T (99.6 % similarity), Kocuria salsicia DSM 24776T (98.7 %), Kocuria varians DSM 20033T (98.3 %) and Kocuria marina DSM 16420T (98.3 %) as the most closely related species. However, average nucleotide identity values below 86 % indicated that the isolate differed from all species hitherto described. Chemotaxonomic analyses and whole-cell protein profiles corroborated these findings. Accordingly, the isolate is considered to be a member of a novel species, for which the name Kocuria tytonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 442T (=DSM 104130T=LMG 29944T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Santhosh Braun
- 1Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erjia Wang
- 1Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Zimmermann
- 2Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University, INF 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Wagner
- 3Institute of Biology II (Zoology), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Wink
- 1Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Braun MS, Wang E, Zimmermann S, Boutin S, Wagner H, Wink M. Kocuria tytonicola, new bacteria from the preen glands of American barn owls (Tyto furcata). Syst Appl Microbiol 2018; 42:198-204. [PMID: 30514593 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Although birds are hosts to a large number of microorganisms, microbes have rarely been found in avian oil glands. Here, we report on two strains of a new bacterial species from the preen oil of American barn owls (Tyto furcata). Phenotypic as well as genotypic methods placed the isolates to the genus Kocuria. Strains are non-fastidious, non-lipophilic Gram-positive cocci and can be unambiguously discriminated from their closest relative Kocuria rhizophila DSM 11926T. In phylogenetic trees, the owl bacteria formed a distinct cluster which was clearly separated from all other known Kocuria species. The same conclusion was drawn from MALDI-TOF MS analyses. Once again, the new bacterial strains were very similar to one another, but exhibited substantial differences when compared to the most closely related species. Besides, the results of the biochemical tests, optimum growth conditions and pigmentation differed from closely related Kocuria spp. Finally, ANIb values of less than 87% provided striking evidence that the isolates recovered from American barn owls represent a hitherto undescribed species, for which we propose the name Kocuria tytonicola sp. nov. The type strain is 489T (DSM 104133T=LMG 29945T, taxonumber TA00340).
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Santhosh Braun
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Erjia Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Zimmermann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, INF 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sébastien Boutin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, INF 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Wagner
- Institute for Biology II (Zoology), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 3, 52074 Aachen
| | - Michael Wink
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, INF 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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16
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List of new names and new combinations previously effectively, but not validly, published. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68:2130-2133. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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17
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Corynebacterium heidelbergense sp. nov., isolated from the preen glands of Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus). Syst Appl Microbiol 2018; 41:564-569. [PMID: 29958724 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Two strains (pedersoliT and girotti) of a new species of bacteria were isolated from the preen glands of wild Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus) from the river Neckar in southern Germany in two subsequent years. The strains were lipophilic, fastidious, Gram-positive rods and belonged to the genus Corynebacterium. Phylogenetically, the isolates were most closely related to Corynebacterium falsenii DSM 44353T which has been found to be associated with birds before. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to all known Corynebacterium spp. was significantly <97%. Corresponding values of rpoB showed low levels of similarity <87% and ANIb was <73%. G+C content of the genomic DNA was 65.0mol% for the type strain of the goose isolates, as opposed to 63.2mol% in Corynebacterium falsenii. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the whole-cell proteins revealed patterns clearly different from the related species, as did biochemical tests, and polar lipid profiles. We therefore conclude that the avian isolates constitute strains of a new species, for which the name Corynebacterium heidelbergense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is pedersoliT (=DSM 104638T=LMG 30044T).
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