Honors College Thesis
 

Exploring the Gut Microbiome of Captive Elephas maximus Experiencing Abnormal Feces

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/honors_college_theses/2v23w3197

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  • The gut microbiome of all mammals is composed of a diverse commune of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa and viruses 1. Studies have shown a symbiotic relationship between the gut microbiome and host physiology, with there being implications in health and disease progression 2. In captive animals, there has been evidence that has identified possible associations with living conditions or other anthropogenic effects and alterations in the gut microbiome of those animals. Although not shown in previous studies, it could be possible that these changes in the diversity of the gut microbiome may have implications in gastrointestinal diseases such as colitis or the appearance of abnormal fecal matter. This study aims to explore the gut microbiome of five elephants at the Oregon Zoo who faced alterations in normal stool production, characterized by the presence of mucus or a deviation in the consistency of the stool. This thesis aims to provide a preliminary exploration into the gut microbiome of these elephants to understand the differences in abundance of certain bacteria and identify targets for further comparisons and metagenomic analysis. Fecal samples from elephants were processed for DNA and PCR products were then sequenced. Sequencing data was processed and analyzed using DADA2 and MicrobiomeAnalyst to develop plots depicting alpha and beta diversity. It was found that relative to healthy controls from other zoos, the Oregon elephants had significant differences in beta diversity, signifying that there may be changes to the abundances of bacteria in their gut microbiome. Presence of certain phyla such as Firmicutes and Bacteroides were found in the fecal samples, which was supported by previous literature that indicated these bacteria to be dominant in elephants found in captivity. No significant difference was found in beta diversity between elephants experiencing normal stool versus loose stool and elephants experiencing presence in mucus versus absence in mucus, which prompts further investigations. The eventual results provided from this thesis may be beneficial in identifying potential samples or elephants which can be used in further comparisons to identify specific bacteria that may have implication in the abnormal stool appearance. We hope that recognizing differences in gut microbiome between elephants experiencing chronic abnormal feces and normal feces may provide specific pathogenic targets for treatment. If there are significant bacterial targets, changes in treatment can be considered by veterinarians using available medications, hopefully providing more efficient care.
  • Keywords: microbiome, gut, elephants, feces, diversity
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