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No correlation between microbiota composition and blood parameters in nesting flatback turtles (Natator depressus)
T Franciscus Scheelings1, Robert J Moore2, Thi Thu Hao Van2
1School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia. fscheelings@hotmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|May 21, 2020
Summary
Reptile gut microbiota composition did not correlate with blood values in flatback turtles. Further research is needed to understand the microbiota
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Microbiology
- Herpetology
Background:
- The gut microbiota is crucial for vertebrate homeostasis, influencing local and systemic physiology.
- Research on the reptile microbiota's role in physiology is limited, representing a significant knowledge gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between microbial community differences and haematology/biochemistry values in flatback turtles (Natator depressus).
- To address the scarcity of research on reptile microbiota and its physiological impact.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microbial communities in nesting flatback turtles.
- Comparison of microbiota composition with haematology and biochemistry blood analytes.
Main Results:
- No correlation was found between microbiota composition and measured blood analytes in flatback turtles.
- This study represents a novel investigation into reptile microbiota and its systemic effects.
Conclusions:
- Microbiota composition does not appear to influence the measured haematological and biochemical parameters in this flatback turtle population.
- Further research is essential to elucidate the mechanisms by which the microbiota impacts reptile physiology and health.
