AUTHOR=Ma Xiaoping , Li Junshu , Chen Benping , Li Xinni , Ling Zhenwen , Feng Shenglin , Cao Sanjie , Zuo Zhicai , Deng Junliang , Huang Xiaobo , Cai Dongjie , Wen Yiping , Zhao Qin , Wang Ya , Zhong Zhijun , Peng Guangneng , Jiang Yaozhang , Gu Yu 

TITLE=Analysis of microbial diversity in the feces of Arborophila rufipectus

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.1075041

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2022.1075041

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>Intestinal microbiota composition plays a crucial role in modulating the health of the host. This evaluation indicator is very sensitive and profoundly impacts the protection of endangered species. Currently, information on the gut microbiota of wild birds remains scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the gut microbial community structure and potentially, the pathogen composition of wild <italic>Arborophila rufipectus</italic>.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>To guarantee comprehensive data analysis, we collected fecal samples from wild <italic>A. rufipectus</italic> and <italic>Lophura nycthemera</italic> in their habitats for two quarters. The 16S rRNA gene was then sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technology to examine the intestinal core microbiota, microbial diversity, and potential pathogens with the aim of determining if the composition of the intestinal microflora varies seasonally.</p></sec><sec><title>Results and Discussion</title><p>The gut microbiota of <italic>A. rufipectus</italic> and <italic>L. nycthemera</italic> primarily comprised four phyla: Proteobacteria (45.98%), Firmicutes (35.65%), Bacteroidetes (11.77%), and Actinobacteria (3.48%), which accounted for 96.88% of the total microbial composition in all samples. At the genus level, core microorganisms were found, including <italic>Shigella</italic> (10.38%), <italic>Clostridium</italic> (6.16%), <italic>Pseudomonas</italic> (3.03%), and <italic>Rickettsiella</italic> (1.99%). In these genera, certain microbial species have been shown to be pathogenic. This study provides important indicators for analyzing the health status of <italic>A. rufipectus</italic> and formulating protective measures.</p></sec>