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Tissue Collection of Bats for -Omics Analyses and Primary Cell Culture
Published on: October 23, 2019
Drivers of Microbiome Composition Among Helminth Parasites Sharing the Same Insectivorous Bat Host
Nallely G Ruiz-Torres1,2, Shamayim Martínez-Sánchez1,2, Arit de León-Lorenzana3,4
1Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México D.F, Mexico.
Molecular Ecology
|May 20, 2026
Summary
Helminth parasites host distinct microbial communities, influenced by their specific microhabitat within the bat. These helminth microbiomes may play a role in parasite evolution and transmission.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Microbiome Research
- Ecology
Background:
- Parasitic helminths form complex associations with microbes, conceptualized as holobionts under joint selection.
- Understanding helminth microbiomes is crucial for studying parasite evolution, especially in wildlife.
- Factors shaping helminth microbiome composition remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the microbiome composition of various helminth species.
- To investigate the influence of microhabitat and host phylogeny on helminth microbiomes.
- To identify potential symbiotic microbes within helminth communities.
Main Methods:
- 16S rRNA metabarcoding was used to analyze microbial communities.
- Samples included helminths from four trematode and one nematode species.
- Microhabitats analyzed were within the insectivorous bat Peropteryx kappleri, including host tissues and fluids.
Main Results:
- Each helminth species displayed a unique microbial signature, partly influenced by its microhabitat.
- No phylogenetic signal was observed in the microbiome composition among trematode species.
- Helminths harbored microbial taxa enriched compared to the host, with potential symbiotic roles and links to arthropod intermediate hosts.
Conclusions:
- Helminth microbiome composition is shaped by ecological factors, particularly microhabitat.
- Distinct microbial signatures suggest specific roles for symbionts in helminth biology.
- Findings provide a foundation for future research on helminth holobionts, impacting parasite establishment, development, and transmission.
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