Work

Amplicon-based next-generation sequencing of armadillo feces: a proof of concept for noninvasive studies of Xenarthrans

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We applied DNA metabarcoding to investigate the fecal composition of two armadillo species ( Chaetophractus villosus and Dasypus septemcinctus hybridus ). Two samples were analyzed. Total DNA was extracted using a stool DNA kit (PB-L, Argentina). Libraries were constructed with universal 16S and 18S rRNA primers and sequenced on a MiSeq system. A total of 205 taxa from 25 phyla were identified: environmental ( n = 83), gut microbiota ( n = 77), diet ( n = 34), and parasites ( n = 11). Nine zoonotic or potential zoonotic taxa were found, including Blastocystis ST35 in C. villosus . This study supports DNA metabarcoding as a noninvasive tool for investigating lesser-known wild species.

Source: Mammalia

DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2025-0082

Authors: Agustín M. Abba, Andrea Servian, Norali Pagnutti, M. Cecilia Ezquiaga, Lee O’Brien Andersen, Christen Rune Stensvold

Institutions: Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud, Statens Serum Institut

Language: English

Topic: Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,712

Funder: Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica