38 / 2024-10-15 18:46:57

Study of Bacterial and Eukaryotic Communities in Fecal Samples from Passeriformes and Charadriiformes in Daechong Island, South Korea

Migratory birds can carry diverse organisms in their gastrointestinal tracts, some of which may pose public health risks. Understanding the bacterial and eukaryotic communities in bird stool is important for ecological monitoring and public health. This study aims to identify and characterize the microbiota composition in the stool of migratory birds in South Korea using 1S and 18S rRNA sequencing. Stool samples were collected from migratory birds of the order Passeriformes (n = 22) and Charadriiformes (n = 8) in Daecheong Island, Ongjin County, Incheon, South Korea. DNA was extracted and sequenced targeting the V4 region of the 16S rRNA and the V9 region of the 18S rRNA gene using the Illumina iSeq 100 sequencing system. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using QIIME2, and taxonomic classification was performed using the clustered SILVA 138.1 database (prokaryotes) and NCBI database (eukaryotes). On the phylum level, Proteobacteria was the most abundant prokaryote in Passeriformes, and Fusobacteriota was the most abundant in Charadriiformes, while Ascomycota was the most abundant eukaryote in Passeriformes, and Platyhelminthes was abundant in Charadriiformes. On the genus level, Stenotrophomonas was the most abundant prokaryote in Passeriformes, and Cetobacterium was the most abundant in Charadriiformes; Isospora was the most abundant eukaryote in Passeriformes, and Tetrabothrius was abundant in Charadriiformes. This study provides preliminary insights into the microbial composition of fecal samples from migratory birds, laying the groundwork for identifying potential zoonotic pathogens. While key bacterial and eukaryotic communities were detected, further pathogen identification is essential. Migratory birds can act as vectors for disease transmission, making continued surveillance and pathogen monitoring critical. To prevent future outbreaks, a collaborative One Health approach—integrating human, animal, and environmental health—is vital. Early detection and proactive monitoring of zoonotic pathogens are necessary to safeguard public health globally.