Adenovirus infection is associated with altered gut microbial communities in a non-human primate

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Virology
• Primate Research

Background:

• Adenovirus (AdV) infections are a primary cause of diarrhea in young children.
• Enteric AdVs are suspected to compromise gut microbial defenses, leading to diarrhea.
• Understanding the gut microbiome's role in AdV-induced pathologies is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the gut microbiome alterations in naturally AdV-infected Malagasy mouse lemurs (Microcebus griseorufus).
• To explore the link between AdV infection, gut dysbiosis, and potential co-infections.
• To utilize a non-human primate model for understanding AdV-disease evolution.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of gut microbial community composition in AdV-infected versus AdV-negative mouse lemurs.
• Investigation of microbial co-occurrence networks to assess community interactions.
• Comparative analysis of bacterial taxa abundance, focusing on commensals and potential pathogens.

Main Results:

• Adenovirus infection significantly altered the gut microbial community structure in mouse lemurs.
• Commensal bacterial taxa crucial for gut health were reduced in AdV-positive lemurs.
• Genera including Neisseria (potential pathogens) and Prevotellaceae increased in abundance, alongside a loss of microbial interactions.

Conclusions:

• Enteric adenovirus infection is associated with gut dysbiosis, characterized by a loss of commensal bacteria and a rise in pathobionts.
• These findings provide a potential mechanism for AdV-induced pathologies and highlight the role of gut microbiome disruption.
• The study underscores the significance of AdV-associated gut microbiome shifts in understanding human AdV infections and co-infections.