The ocular surface microbiome of rhesus macaques
In this study we describe the taxonomic composition of the rhesus macaque OSM, and identify significant differences in alpha and beta diversity according to individual nonhuman primate host variables and the surrounding environment. Our findings suggest composition of the nonhuman primate OSM is shaped by age-related physiology, individual identity, and external living conditions. Our results offer novel insights into an underexplored region of the primate microbiome and highlight the utility of rhesus macaques as a model system for investigating the links between the OSM, ocular health, and disease.
Authors
- Lauren J. N. Brent (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1202-1939)
- James P. Higham (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1133-2030)
- Michael J. Montague (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0253-4404)
- John Danias
- Arthur Gustavo Fernandes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7525-1838)
- Melween I. Martínez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1030-9506)
- Noah Snyder‐Mackler (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3026-6160)
- Amanda Dawn Melin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0612-2514)
- Gadi Wollstein (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7036-2726)
- Armando Burgos-Rodriguez
- Joelle K. Hass
Institutions
- University of Calgary (CA)
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (US)
- University of Puerto Rico System (PR)
- University of Exeter (GB)
- Center for Advanced Studies on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean (PR)
- Arizona State University (US)
- University of Pennsylvania (US)
- Wills Eye Hospital (US)
- New York College of Health Professions (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Animal Microbiome
- Published
- 2025-08-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s42523-025-00454-4
- Primary Topic
- Gut microbiota and health
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Canada Excellence Research Chairs, Government of Canada
- National Institute on Aging
- National Eye Institute