Microbial diversity in the critically endangered Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius): influence of body site and Helicobacter spp. on microbiota composition
Our findings indicate that both body site and <i>Helicobacter</i> spp. presence play significant roles in shaping the microbial communities of <i>C. intermedius</i>. These results have important implications for reptile health management and zoonotic disease surveillance, as dysbiosis could compromise host health and facilitate pathogen transmission. Furthermore, this study underscores the role of reptiles as potential reservoirs for <i>Campylobacter</i> spp. and <i>Helicobacter</i> spp., highlighting the need for continued research into the microbial ecology of endangered species to guide conservation strategies and inform public health policies.
Authors
- Filipa Godoy‐Vitorino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1880-0498)
- Loreley Castelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7776-3618)
- Carla A. Rudolf (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5733-0081)
- Mónica Contreras (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4729-9559)
- María Alexandra García-Amado (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6396-4681)
- Ariel S. Espinosa-Blanco (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5144-745X)
Institutions
- Universidad de Ciencias Medicas (CR)
- University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus (PR)
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (VE)
- Centro de Genética Clínica (PT)
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (UY)
- Fundación Universitaria Internacional del Tropico Américano (CO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Microbiology
- Published
- 2025-11-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1697111
- Primary Topic
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Idea Wild
- Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas
- Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities