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Sinotte VM, Renelies-Hamilton J, Andreu-Sánchez S, Vasseur-Cognet M, Poulsen M. Selective enrichment of founding reproductive microbiomes allows extensive vertical transmission in a fungus-farming termite. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231559. [PMID: 37848067 PMCID: PMC10581767 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutualistic coevolution can be mediated by vertical transmission of symbionts between host generations. Termites host complex gut bacterial communities with evolutionary histories indicative of mixed-mode transmission. Here, we document that vertical transmission of gut bacterial strains is congruent across parent to offspring colonies in four pedigrees of the fungus-farming termite Macrotermes natalensis. We show that 44% of the offspring colony microbiome, including more than 80 bacterial genera and pedigree-specific strains, are consistently inherited. We go on to demonstrate that this is achieved because colony-founding reproductives are selectively enriched with a set of non-random, environmentally sensitive and termite-specific gut microbes from their colonies of origin. These symbionts transfer to offspring colony workers with high fidelity, after which priority effects appear to influence the composition of the establishing microbiome. Termite reproductives thus secure transmission of complex communities of specific, co-evolved microbes that are critical to their offspring colonies. Extensive yet imperfect inheritance implies that the maturing colony benefits from acquiring environmental microbes to complement combinations of termite, fungus and vertically transmitted microbes; a mode of transmission that is emerging as a prevailing strategy for hosts to assemble complex adaptive microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica M. Sinotte
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen East, Denmark
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Justinn Renelies-Hamilton
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen East, Denmark
| | - Sergio Andreu-Sánchez
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen East, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mireille Vasseur-Cognet
- UMR IRD 242, UPEC, CNRS 7618, UPMC 113, INRAe 1392, Paris 7 113, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris, Bondy, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen East, Denmark
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Köster PC, Renelies-Hamilton J, Dotras L, Llana M, Vinagre-Izquierdo C, Prakas P, Sneideris D, Dashti A, Bailo B, Lanza M, Jiménez-Mejías A, Muñoz-García C, Muadica AS, González-Barrio D, Rubio JM, Fuentes I, Ponce-Gordo F, Calero-Bernal R, Carmena D. Molecular Detection and Characterization of Intestinal and Blood Parasites in Wild Chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes verus) in Senegal. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113291. [PMID: 34828022 PMCID: PMC8614354 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Western chimpanzees are currently listed as a Critically Endangered subspecies. Human encroachment has taken a toll on this great ape due to fragmented habitat and the exchange of pathogens. This epidemiological study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of intestinal and blood parasites in faecal samples from wild chimpanzees living in the Dindefelo Community Nature Reserve, Senegal. We paid special attention to potential human-driven sources of infection and transmission pathways. Potential diarrhoea-causing protist parasites (e.g., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica) were detected at low infection rates (and densities) or absent, whereas commensals (Entamoeba dispar) or protist of uncertain pathogenicity (Blastocystis sp.) were far more abundant. We detected Sarcocystis spp. in chimpanzee faeces. Blood protist parasites such as Plasmodium spp. and Trypanosoma brucei spp. (the etiological agents of malaria and sleeping sickness, respectively, in humans) were also found at low prevalences, but microfilariae of the nematode Mansonella perstans were frequently found. Molecular analyses primarily revealed host-adapted species/genotypes and an apparent absence of gastrointestinal clinical manifestations in infected chimpanzees. Zoonotic events of still unknown frequency and directionality may have taken part between wild chimpanzees and humans sharing natural habitats and resources. Abstract Wild chimpanzee populations in West Africa (Pan troglodytes verus) have dramatically decreased as a direct consequence of anthropogenic activities and infectious diseases. Little information is currently available on the epidemiology, pathogenic significance, and zoonotic potential of protist species in wild chimpanzees. This study investigates the occurrence and genetic diversity of intestinal and blood protists as well as filariae in faecal samples (n = 234) from wild chimpanzees in the Dindefelo Community Nature Reserve, Senegal. PCR-based results revealed the presence of intestinal potential pathogens (Sarcocystis spp.: 11.5%; Giardia duodenalis: 2.1%; Cryptosporidium hominis: 0.9%), protist of uncertain pathogenicity (Blastocystis sp.: 5.6%), and commensal species (Entamoeba dispar: 18.4%; Troglodytella abrassarti: 5.6%). Entamoeba histolytica, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Balantioides coli were undetected. Blood protists including Plasmodium malariae (0.4%), Trypanosoma brucei (1.3%), and Mansonella perstans (9.8%) were also identified. Sanger sequencing analyses revealed host-adapted genetic variants within Blastocystis, but other parasitic pathogens (C. hominis, P. malariae, T. brucei, M. perstans) have zoonotic potential, suggesting that cross-species transmission between wild chimpanzees and humans is possible in areas where both species overlap. Additionally, we explored potential interactions between intestinal/blood protist species and seasonality and climate variables. Chimpanzees seem to play a more complex role on the epidemiology of pathogenic and commensal protist and nematode species than initially anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela C. Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
| | - Justinn Renelies-Hamilton
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-1165 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Laia Dotras
- Jane Goodall Institute Spain and Senegal, Dindefelo Biological Station, Dindefelo, Kedougou, Senegal; (L.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Manuel Llana
- Jane Goodall Institute Spain and Senegal, Dindefelo Biological Station, Dindefelo, Kedougou, Senegal; (L.D.); (M.L.)
| | | | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania; (P.P.); (D.S.)
| | | | - Alejandro Dashti
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
| | - Begoña Bailo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
| | - Marta Lanza
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
| | - Alejandra Jiménez-Mejías
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
| | - Carlota Muñoz-García
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
| | - Aly S. Muadica
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
- Departamento de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Licungo, Quelimane 106, Mozambique
| | - David González-Barrio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
| | - José M. Rubio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
| | - Isabel Fuentes
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
| | - Francisco Ponce-Gordo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- Salud Veterinaria y Zoonosis (SALUVET), Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.C.-B.); (D.C.)
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain; (P.C.K.); (A.D.); (B.B.); (M.L.); (A.J.-M.); (C.M.-G.); (A.S.M.); (D.G.-B.); (J.M.R.); (I.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.-B.); (D.C.)
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Cuesta-Maté A, Renelies-Hamilton J, Kryger P, Jensen AB, Sinotte VM, Poulsen M. Resistance and Vulnerability of Honeybee ( Apis mellifera) Gut Bacteria to Commonly Used Pesticides. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:717990. [PMID: 34539609 PMCID: PMC8446526 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.717990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Agricultural and apicultural practices expose honeybees to a range of pesticides that have the potential to negatively affect their physiology, neurobiology, and behavior. Accumulating evidence suggests that these effects extend to the honeybee gut microbiome, which serves important functions for honeybee health. Here we test the potential effects of the pesticides thiacloprid, acetamiprid, and oxalic acid on the gut microbiota of honeybees, first in direct in vitro inhibition assays and secondly in an in vivo caged bee experiment to test if exposure leads to gut microbiota community changes. We found that thiacloprid did not inhibit the honeybee core gut bacteria in vitro, nor did it affect overall community composition or richness in vivo. Acetamiprid did also not inhibit bacterial growth in vitro, but it did affect community structure within bees. The eight bacterial genera tested showed variable levels of susceptibility to oxalic acid in vitro. In vivo, treatment with this pesticide reduced amplicon sequence variant (ASV) richness and affected gut microbiome composition, with most marked impact on the common crop bacteria Lactobacillus kunkeei and the genus Bombella. We conducted network analyses which captured known associations between bacterial members and illustrated the sensitivity of the microbiome to environmental stressors. Our findings point to risks of honeybee exposure to oxalic acid, which has been deemed safe for use in treatment against Varroa mites in honeybee colonies, and we advocate for more extensive assessment of the long-term effects that it may have on honeybee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cuesta-Maté
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Justinn Renelies-Hamilton
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Kryger
- Entomology and Plant Pathology, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Annette Bruun Jensen
- Section for Organismal Biology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Veronica M. Sinotte
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bos N, Guimaraes L, Palenzuela R, Renelies-Hamilton J, Maccario L, Silue SK, Koné N'A, Poulsen M. Correction to: You don't have the guts: a diverse set of fungi survive passage through Macrotermes bellicosus termite guts. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:10. [PMID: 33514307 PMCID: PMC7853303 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nick Bos
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Leandro Guimaraes
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Romen Palenzuela
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Justinn Renelies-Hamilton
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lorrie Maccario
- Department of Biology, Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 1, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simon Kolotchèlèma Silue
- Unité de Recherche en Ecologie Et Biodiversité (UREB), Université Nangui Abrogoua, UFR Des Sciences de La Nature (UFR-SN), 28 BP 847 28, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Centre de Recherche en Écologie (CRE), Station de Recherche en Ecologie du Parc National de La Comoé, Bouna, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - N 'golo Abdoulaye Koné
- Unité de Recherche en Ecologie Et Biodiversité (UREB), Université Nangui Abrogoua, UFR Des Sciences de La Nature (UFR-SN), 28 BP 847 28, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Centre de Recherche en Écologie (CRE), Station de Recherche en Ecologie du Parc National de La Comoé, Bouna, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bos N, Guimaraes L, Palenzuela R, Renelies-Hamilton J, Maccario L, Silue SK, Koné N'A, Poulsen M. You don't have the guts: a diverse set of fungi survive passage through Macrotermes bellicosus termite guts. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:163. [PMID: 33297950 PMCID: PMC7724875 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-01727-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Monoculture farming poses significant disease challenges, but fungus-farming termites are able to successfully keep their monoculture crop free from contamination by other fungi. It has been hypothesised that obligate gut passage of all plant substrate used to manure the fungal symbiont is key to accomplish this. Here we refute this hypothesis in the fungus-farming termite species Macrotermes bellicosus. Results We first used ITS amplicon sequencing to show that plant substrate foraged on by termite workers harbour diverse fungal communities, which potentially could challenge the farming symbiosis. Subsequently, we cultivated fungi from dissected sections of termite guts to show that fungal diversity does not decrease during gut passage. Therefore, we investigated if healthy combs harboured these undesirable fungal genera, and whether the presence of workers affected fungal diversity within combs. Removal of workers led to a surge in fungal diversity in combs, implying that termite defences must be responsible for the near-complete absence of other fungi in functioning termite gardens. Conclusions The rapid proliferation of some of these fungi when colonies are compromised indicates that some antagonists successfully employ a sit-and-wait strategy that allows them to remain dormant until conditions are favourable. Although this strategy requires potentially many years of waiting, it prevents these fungi from engaging in an evolutionary arms race with the termite host, which employs a series of complementary behavioural and chemical defences that may prove insurmountable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Bos
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Leandro Guimaraes
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Romen Palenzuela
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Justinn Renelies-Hamilton
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lorrie Maccario
- Department of Biology, Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 1, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simon Kolotchèlèma Silue
- Unité de Recherche en Ecologie Et Biodiversité (UREB), Université Nangui Abrogoua, UFR Des Sciences de La Nature (UFR-SN), 28 BP 847 28, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Centre de Recherche en Écologie (CRE), Station de Recherche en Ecologie du Parc National de La Comoé, Bouna, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - N 'golo Abdoulaye Koné
- Unité de Recherche en Ecologie Et Biodiversité (UREB), Université Nangui Abrogoua, UFR Des Sciences de La Nature (UFR-SN), 28 BP 847 28, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Centre de Recherche en Écologie (CRE), Station de Recherche en Ecologie du Parc National de La Comoé, Bouna, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Section for Ecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Building 3, 1st floor, 2100, Copenhagen East, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Sinotte VM, Renelies-Hamilton J, Taylor BA, Ellegaard KM, Sapountzis P, Vasseur-Cognet M, Poulsen M. Synergies Between Division of Labor and Gut Microbiomes of Social Insects. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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Renelies-Hamilton J, Noguera-Julian M, Parera M, Paredes R, Pacheco L, Dacal E, Saugar JM, Rubio JM, Poulsen M, Köster PC, Carmena D. Exploring interactions between Blastocystis sp., Strongyloides spp. and the gut microbiomes of wild chimpanzees in Senegal. Infect Genet Evol 2019; 74:104010. [PMID: 31442596 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.104010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut parasites exert an important influence on the gut microbiome, with many studies focusing on the human gut microbiome. It has, however, undergone severe richness depletion. Hygienic lifestyle, antimicrobial treatments and altered gut homeostasis (e.g., chronic inflammation) reduce gut microbiome richness and also parasite prevalence; which may confound results. Studying species closely related to humans could help overcome this problem by providing insights into the ancestral relationship between humans, their gut microbiome and their gut parasites. Chimpanzees are a particularly promising model as they have similar gut microbiomes to humans and many parasites infect both species. AIMS We study the interaction between gut microbiome and enteric parasites in chimpanzees. Investigating what novel insights a closely related species can reveal when compared to studies on humans. METHODS Using eighty-seven faecal samples from wild western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Senegal, we combine 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing for gut microbiome characterization with PCR detection of parasite taxa (Blastocystis sp., Strongyloides spp., Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Plasmodium spp., Filariae and Trypanosomatidae). We test for differences in gut microbiota ecosystem traits and taxonomical composition between Blastocystis and Strongyloides bearing and non-bearing samples. RESULTS For Blastocystis, twelve differentially abundant taxa (e.g., Methanobrevibacter), including Prevotella and Ruminococcus-Methanobrevibacter enterotype markers, replicate findings in humans. However, several richness indices are lower in Blastocystis carriers, contradicting human studies. This indicates Blastocystis, unlike Strongyloides, is associated to a "poor health" gut microbiome, as does the fact that Faecalibacterium, a bacterium with gut protective traits, is absent in Blastocystis-positive samples. Strongyloides was associated to Alloprevotella and five other taxonomic groups. Each parasite had its unique impact on the gut microbiota indicating parasite-specific niches. Our results suggest that studying the gut microbiomes of wild chimpanzees could help disentangle biological from artefactual associations between gut microbiomes and parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justinn Renelies-Hamilton
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Jane Goodall Institute Spain, Station Biologique Fouta Djallon, Dindéfélo, Kédougou, Senegal.
| | - Marc Noguera-Julian
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute-HIVACAT, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain; Chair in AIDS and Related Illnesses, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic - UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Mariona Parera
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute-HIVACAT, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Roger Paredes
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute-HIVACAT, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain; Chair in AIDS and Related Illnesses, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic - UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Liliana Pacheco
- Jane Goodall Institute Spain, Station Biologique Fouta Djallon, Dindéfélo, Kédougou, Senegal
| | - Elena Dacal
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - José M Saugar
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - José M Rubio
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
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