The uropygial gland microbiome of house sparrows with malaria infection

Birds secrete preen oil from the uropygial (preen) gland which is used to maintain feather integrity and communicate through odour. The secretion believed influence host attractiveness biting insects, thereby altering risk of infection by vector-transmitted blood parasites. Previous studies have documented a presence bacteria in secretion; however, microbial community still largely unknown. In addition, we no information yet as whether there are any associations between these microbes haemosporidian parasite infection. Here, characterise microbiome 23 wild-caught house sparrows Passer domesticus Peru investigate individuals with natural malaria Plasmodium different microbiota than uninfected birds. We found differences alpha diversity or richness, explained approximately 5% overall composition, this was not statistically significant. On other hand, birds had significantly higher abundances genera Arthrobacter Micrococcus their gland, whereas harboured Rhodococcus, Phenylobacterium Enhydrobacter. These first results malaria-infected illustrate more specific relationship certain members parasites birds, opens up new questions on role avian health.