Microbial Insights into Green Iguanas: Unraveling Gut Microbiome Composition and Pathogenic Implications in Invasive Species
Abstract
Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) pose a significant threat as invasive species in Florida and parts of the Caribbean, exerting a detrimental impact on local ecosystems. While their herbivorous diet has been recognized for its adverse effects, the microbial composition of their gut remains poorly understood, especially in terms of potential pathogens. This study aims to characterize the gut microbiome of wild Green iguanas in South Florida, focusing on the 16S ribosomal RNA (V4 region) gene. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using QIIME2, revealing a dominance of Enterobacteraceae, Mycoplasmataceae, and Bilophila genus taxa in Green iguana gut microbiomes. To gain a broader perspective, our findings were compared with data from Galapagos marine iguanas, Fijian crested iguanas, and related lizard species. Having presence of AR pathogens, such as Salmonella and Vibrio in marine iguanas raises concerns about the dispersion of microbial resistant threats in pristine and urban areas. Of significance, our research indicates a higher abundance of unique taxa in the gut microbiomes of island iguanas compared to Florida areas. Furthermore, this study focuses on the unexplored aspect of pathogen presence in Green iguanas, with implications for public health and the preservation of local ecosystems. The identification of unique microbial composition emphasizes the urgency for a targeted culling strategy by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to mitigate the ecological impact of these invasive organisms and safeguard the delicate balance of Florida's local ecosystems.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Christopher Blanar, Dr. Andrew Ozga
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
Microbial Insights into Green Iguanas: Unraveling Gut Microbiome Composition and Pathogenic Implications in Invasive Species
Alvin Sherman Library
Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) pose a significant threat as invasive species in Florida and parts of the Caribbean, exerting a detrimental impact on local ecosystems. While their herbivorous diet has been recognized for its adverse effects, the microbial composition of their gut remains poorly understood, especially in terms of potential pathogens. This study aims to characterize the gut microbiome of wild Green iguanas in South Florida, focusing on the 16S ribosomal RNA (V4 region) gene. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using QIIME2, revealing a dominance of Enterobacteraceae, Mycoplasmataceae, and Bilophila genus taxa in Green iguana gut microbiomes. To gain a broader perspective, our findings were compared with data from Galapagos marine iguanas, Fijian crested iguanas, and related lizard species. Having presence of AR pathogens, such as Salmonella and Vibrio in marine iguanas raises concerns about the dispersion of microbial resistant threats in pristine and urban areas. Of significance, our research indicates a higher abundance of unique taxa in the gut microbiomes of island iguanas compared to Florida areas. Furthermore, this study focuses on the unexplored aspect of pathogen presence in Green iguanas, with implications for public health and the preservation of local ecosystems. The identification of unique microbial composition emphasizes the urgency for a targeted culling strategy by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to mitigate the ecological impact of these invasive organisms and safeguard the delicate balance of Florida's local ecosystems.
