Investigation of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) hindgut microbiome via 16S pyrosequencing

C J Barker; A Gillett; Adam Polkinghorne; Peter Timms

doi:10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.08.025

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Investigation of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) hindgut microbiome via 16S pyrosequencing

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Investigation of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) hindgut microbiome via 16S pyrosequencing

C J Barker, A Gillett, Adam Polkinghorne and Peter Timms

Veterinary Microbiology, Vol.167(3-4), pp.554-564

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.08.025

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Abstract

16S

koala

microbiome

gut microbiome

16SrRNA sequencing

As a dietary source, the foliage of Eucalyptus spp. is low in available protein and carbohydrate while containing polyphenolic compounds that interfere with enzymatic digestion. To overcome this, the koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus) has evolved a range of anatomical and physiological adaptations to assist with digestion and absorption of nutrients from this food source. Microbial fermentation of partially digested eucalyptus leaves is thought to be critical in this process, however, little is known about the composition and diversity of microorganisms that are associated with digestive health in this native species. In this study, we performed 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing of caecum, colon and faecal pellet samples from two wild, free ranging, Queensland koalas. Our results reveal a highly complex and diverse ecosystem with considerable intra-individual variation. Although samples were dominated by sequences from the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla there was considerable variation at the genus level. This study is the first non-culture based microbiota analysis, using 454-amplicon pyrosequencing, and provides preliminary data to expand our understanding of the koala hindgut.

Details

Title: Investigation of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) hindgut microbiome via 16S pyrosequencing
Authors: C J Barker (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
A Gillett (Author) - Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital
Adam Polkinghorne (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Peter Timms (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Veterinary Microbiology, Vol.167(3-4), pp.554-564
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.08.025
ISSN: 0378-1135; 0378-1135
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449930302621
Output Type: Journal article
Research Statement: false

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