Daria A. Peshkova

Dr. Daria A. Peshkova


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 June 2025 in Veterinary Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
IPIlia Popov
Ilia Popov
DPDaria A. Peshkova
Daria A. Peshkova
ELEkaterina A. Lukbanova
Ekaterina A. Lukbanova
ITInna S. Tsurkova
Inna S. Tsurkova
SESergey Aleksandrovich Emelyantsev
Sergey Aleksandrovich Emelyantsev
IPIgor Popov
Igor Popov
Hibernation in mammals entails profound physiological changes that are known to impact host-associated microbial communities, yet its effects on the gut microbiota of synanthropic bats remain underexplored. In this study, we investigated the gut bacterial composition and diversity of Nyctalus noctula before and during hibernation using high-throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Fecal samples from individually banded bats were collected under controlled conditions at a rehabilitation center and analyzed for alpha and beta diversity, as well as differential taxonomic abundance. Hibernation was associated with a marked reduction in microbial diversity according to the Shannon and Simpson indices and a distinct restructuring of gut communities based on the Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index. Active bats exhibited a diverse microbiota enriched in facultative anaerobes, including Lactococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia–Shigella, while hibernating individuals were dominated by obligate anaerobes, such as Romboutsia and Paeniclostridium. These findings suggest a contraction and functional specialization of the gut microbiota during torpor, potentially reflecting adaptations to fasting, hypothermia, and reduced gut motility. Our results demonstrate that the bat’s gut microbiome is highly responsive to physiological status and underscore the importance of microbial ecology for understanding the host’s energy balance and health under seasonal contexts.