Molecular Characterization and Identification of Bacillus spp. MLSU-PSSKB Isolated from Fecal Contents of Pteropus giganteus in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Introduction: The Bacillus genus, being the largest, consists of Gram-positive, endospore-forming, chemoheterotrophic rods which are usually motile and peritrichously flagellated. Many species, of Bacillus are of considerable economic importance as these serve as insecticides, cause food poisoning, produce antibiotics etc.

Aim: The aim of the present investigation was to assess and evaluate the possibility of Pteropus giganteus as a carrier of disease causing microorganisms. Hence in the present study an effort has been made to identify and characterize Bacillus species based on 16S rRNA from the faeces of Pteropus giganteus from Udaipur, Rajasthan India.

Its phylogenetic tree has also been derived, which shows evolutionary relationship of eleven related taxa. This is the first report from Indian subcontinent correlating the role of this megachiropteran as a carrier of Bacillus spp. MLSU-PSSKB.

Study Design: Roosting sites of P. giganteus was study site and sterile fecal sample was collected and subsequently cultured of Bacillus spp. was amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis of isolated genes from samples was also carried out in order to find their taxonomical status.

Results: The culture showed the presence of Bacillus spp. based on nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis its nearest homolog species was determined to be. 16S rRNA sequence of Bacillus spp. 124(FJ372768.1).The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the present sequence occurred in the same clade of FJ372768 with high bootstrap value. This novel Bacillus spp. was named “MLSU-BSPSSKB”.

Conclusion: This present undertake investigation has categorically demonstrated that a novel species of Bacillus is prevalent in P. giganteus in Udaipur city, India, which may indicate their zoonotic importance.