Characterizing the Nasochoanal Microbiome of Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) Utilizing Next-Generation Genomic Sequencing
TL;DR
The complex interplay between sex, age, and microbial composition in healthy cockatiels is underscored, emphasizing the need to consider these factors in avian microbiome studies and clinical management of disease conditions.
Abstract
Alterations to the nasochoanal microbiome can lead to upper respiratory tract disease in psittacine birds; therefore, characterizing the indigenous microbiome of these species can be useful to the clinician when diagnosing and managing these infections. Nasochoanal flush samples were collected from 27 healthy client-owned cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and analyzed using next-generation genomic sequencing to explore the composition of their nasochoanal microbiome. Sex-specific and age-related influences on microbial diversity were also investigated. Prominent bacterial taxa included Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and Pasteurellaceae, whereas prevalent fungal taxa included Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus-Eurotium. Female cockatiels exhibited higher levels of Streptococcus suis, Massilia putida, Alcaligenaceae spp, and Ureaplasma spp, whereas males showed higher levels of Sphingobacterium spp, Lactobacillus, and Comamonas terrigena. Significant differences in microbial diversity were observed between juvenile, adult, and geriatric cockatiels across multiple indices. Both Shannon and Simpson diversity indices as well as observed species counts revealed distinct patterns between age groups, particularly between juveniles and older birds. This study underscores the complex interplay between sex, age, and microbial composition in healthy cockatiels, emphasizing the need to consider these factors in avian microbiome studies and clinical management of disease conditions.