Amplicon-based gut microbial profiling and their predicted functional potential in Apis dorsata across two ecological regions of Pakistan

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Apis dorsata (A. dorsata), the giant honeybee, is an important pollinator of Asia. Gut-mi- crobial assemblages contribute to nutrient utilization and metabolism, yet their diversity in the gut of A. dorsata remains underexplored. The main objective of the current study was to explore the impact of local geographical conditions on the gut microbial diversity and the functional potential of A. dorsata gut-associated bacteria.

Materials and Methods: Bacterial community profiling and characterization were performed using high-throughput se- quencing on the DNA Nanoball Sequencing (DNBseq) platform.

Results: Fifty-four bacterial species were detected from the gut of A. dorsata, expanding the known microbial diversity of this host species. The comprehensive analysis of pooled samples from two regions revealed that higher microbial diversity in district Bhimber than in Jhelum. Nevertheless, site-specific putative differences were observed in the pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and other cellular activities.

Conclusion: This exploratory pilot investigation revealed site-wise preliminary differences in taxonomy and putative met- abolic functions of bacterial species. These results provide a baseline for future studies on the diversity and dynamics of functioning of gut-associated microbial communities of A. dorsata.