Antimicrobials Shape the Gut Microbiome Structure and Digestive Profile of Invertebrates

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Microbiology
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• The gut microbiome is vital for host health but sensitive to stressors like antimicrobials.
• Understanding impacts on invertebrate gut microbiomes is crucial for ecological health assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of an antibiotic, fungicide, and their mixture on the prokaryotic and fungal gut microbiomes of Gammarus fossarum.
• To assess impacts via dietary, waterborne, and combined exposure routes.
• To predict potential physiological consequences of microbiome alterations.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of Gammarus fossarum to antibiotic, fungicide, and mixture via diet, water, or both.
• Analysis of prokaryotic and fungal gut microbiome composition.
• Predictive modeling to link microbiome shifts to host metabolism and physiology.

Main Results:

• Antimicrobial exposure significantly altered bacterial class relative abundance (e.g., Verrucomicrobiae, Proteobacteria).
• Predicted enhancement of lipid and energy metabolism, particularly with dietary and combined exposures.
• Dietary exposure was a primary driver of microbiome changes; waterborne exposure had minimal impact.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiome structure is sensitive to antimicrobials, with dietary exposure being a key factor.
• Predicted metabolic shifts suggest potential physiological impacts, requiring experimental confirmation.
• Further research on the invertebrate mycobiome is needed for a holistic understanding of gut health.