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Genes

Pigeon Droppings Harbor Diverse Microorganisms Including Potential Pathogens

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research conducted by investigators at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has provided new insights into the microbial diversity and potential pathogens found in pigeon droppings. The study utilized shotgun metagenomic sequencing to analyze 273 fresh faecal samples collected from the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Kampar campus in Malaysia. The results revealed a diverse microbial community, with bacteria, eukaryotic viruses, and fungi present, but no archaea. The predominant bacterial phyla were Pseudomonadota (84.44%) and Bacillota (15.26%), with Pseudomonadota being 5.5 times more abundant, indicating potential enteric-like issues within the pigeon flocks. The study also identified 38 species of bacteria that could cause human enteric and respiratory infections, as well as 19 antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes primarily associated with pathogenic Shigella, Salmonella, and Klebsiella. Nine avian virus species were detected, with pigeon circovirus and rotaviruses being the most prevalent.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pigeon droppings harbor diverse microorganisms, including potential pathogens, such as bacteria that can cause human enteric and respiratory infections.
  • The predominant bacterial phyla in pigeon droppings are Pseudomonadota (84.44%) and Bacillota (15.26%), with Pseudomonadota being 5.5 times more abundant.
  • The study identified 38 species of bacteria that could cause human enteric and respiratory infections.
  • Nineteen AMR genes were detected, primarily associated with pathogenic Shigella, Salmonella, and Klebsiella.
  • Nine avian virus species were detected, with pigeon circovirus and rotaviruses being the most prevalent.
  • The study highlights the need for effective pigeon control in dining areas, ventilation systems, and healthcare facilities to prevent the spread of diseases.
  • The research was conducted by investigators at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was peer-reviewed.

Statistics:

  • 273 fresh faecal samples were collected from the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Kampar campus in Malaysia.
  • Pseudomonadota made up 84.44% of the bacterial community, while Bacillota made up 15.26%.
  • The bacteria that could cause human enteric and respiratory infections were identified as 38 species.
  • Nineteen AMR genes were detected in the study.
  • Nine avian virus species were detected, with pigeon circovirus being detected in 73.23% of the samples.
  • Rotaviruses were detected in 80.43% of the samples.

Sources:

  • Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, 2025;118(9):134.
  • Metagenomic profiling of pigeon faecal microbiota: insights into microbial diversity, pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance genes.
  • University of Malaya, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Springer, Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 Gz Dordrecht, Netherlands.
  • NewsRx LLC. Research Conducted at University of Malaya Has Updated Our Knowledge about Science (Metagenomic profiling of pigeon faecal microbiota: insights into microbial diversity, pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance genes). Science Letter. September 19, 2025; p 2980.

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