Organ-Specific Microbiomes of Biomphalaria Snails

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Ecology
• Parasitology

Background:

• The host microbiome significantly impacts health and disease, potentially influencing pathogen transmission by vectors like snails.
• Previous work established a distinct and diverse microbiome in the hemolymph of *Biomphalaria* spp. snails, vectors of schistosomiasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the heterogeneity of the microbiome within different organs of *Biomphalaria* spp. snails.
• To compare organ-specific microbiomes with hemolymph and whole-snail microbiomes.

Main Methods:

• Dissection of *B. alexandrina* and *B. glabrata* snails, collecting hemolymph and organs (ovotestis, hepatopancreas, gut, stomach).
• Sequencing the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from dissected organs, hemolymph, whole snails, and environmental water samples.
• Analysis of microbial community composition and diversity across different snail compartments.

Main Results:

• Organ-specific microbiomes were identified, exhibiting lower diversity than hemolymph and whole-snail microbiomes.
• Microbiomes within snail organs tended to cluster based on physiological function.
• The whole-snail microbiome composition was found to be more similar to the hemolymph microbiome.

Conclusions:

• Snail organs harbor distinct microbial communities.
• Sampling individual organ microbiomes is essential for a comprehensive understanding of snail microbiomes.
• These findings are critical for future research on snail-borne diseases and vector control strategies.