Graduation Date
Fall 2023
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Biology
Committee Chair Name
Catalina Cuellar-Gempeler
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Paul Bourdeau
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Karen Kiemnec-Tyburczy
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Fourth Committee Member Name
Jianmin Zhong
Fourth Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Subject Categories
Biology
Abstract
In the context of multispecies microbial assemblages, disruptions can occur when there are alterations in host conditions, such as the onset of a disease. Notably, viruses have the potential to reshape a host's microbial community. However, the role of the host's habitat and environment, which could be pivotal in communities with shifting niche space and habitat filters, is often overlooked in host-microbe-pathogen interactions. Recognizing the importance of these factors, I employed a field-based approach to understand microbial community dynamics in the presence of disease. To address the influence of geographical location, I conducted an analysis involving healthy and infected oysters at two distinct sites (Tomales Bay, CA and Humboldt Bay, CA) using hypotheses based upon previous laboratory research on Ostreid herpesvirus (OsHV-1) effects on oyster microbial community. Using 16S rRNA sequencing data and qPCR data, I shed light on the significant impacts of host location and habitat in disease systems, emphasizing their importance in disease research. I found that, 1) microbial community dynamics were impacted by OsHV-1 and geographical location of sample collection. However, the presence of OsHV-1 did not result in decreased richness, diversity, or evenness in the microbial community, contrary to previous research. 2) OsHV-1 infection did not inhibit the oyster microbial community’s ability to filter its environment. 3) Contrary to expectations, Vibrio abundance did not exhibit a significant increase with OsHV-1 load. 4) The microbial community in infected samples did not exhibit dominance by Vibrio, again, contrary to previous laboratory-based results. These findings shed light on the significant impacts of host location and habitat in disease systems, emphasizing their importance and underscoring the critical need to integrate community ecology studies into disease research. By understanding how host location, habitat, and the broader environment shape microbial communities, we can gain valuable insights into disease dynamics, ultimately advancing our ability to manage and mitigate disease impacts effectively.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Cifelli, Victoria E., "Community ecology and disease dynamics in Pacific oysters: unraveling microbiome-pathogen interactions in the wild" (2023). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 715.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/715
Included in
Biology Commons, Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Pathogenic Microbiology Commons