Microbial diversity in the critically endangered Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius): influence of body site and Helicobacter spp. on microbiota composition

Our results revealed that snout samples exhibited higher microbial diversity compared to cloacal samples, likely due to greater environmental exposure and diet variation. Additionally, the presence of Helicobacter spp. significantly reduced microbiota richness, indicating potential dysbiosis. At the genus level, Campylobacter and Escherichia were more abundant in Helicobacter-positive samples. Our findings suggest that body site and Helicobacter presence significantly shape the microbiota of C. intermedius, with implications for both reptile health and zoonotic disease transmission. This study highlights the role of reptiles as reservoirs for Campylobacter and Helicobacter, underscoring the need for further research into the microbial ecology of endangered species to inform conservation and public health efforts.