Microflora of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) from natural population of the Russian Arctic

Abstract

The paper presents the results of studying the microflora of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) organism. Samples from 22 individuals were collected during three comprehensive scientific expeditions arranged in 2014 and 2015 at the request of PJSC Rosneft Oil Company. Based on the results of laboratory processing of the samples obtained, for the first time in the Russian history of studying the species, the species and quantitative composition of microorganisms in the oral cavity and conjunctiva of the polar bear’s eye was assessed. From the mucous membrane materials of the studied polar bear individuals, 91 isolates of microorganisms were obtained and identified up to 23 genera and species. These microorganisms were represented by both bacteria and microscopic fungi. Pathogenicity factors of the isolated microflora were determined: hemolytic properties, presence of plasma coagulase and lecithinase enzymes, virulence. The antibiotic resistance of the isolated microflora was assessed. The data obtained in the course of microbiological studies will not only help to determine the health status of the studied animals but can also be used in the future as one of the components of a comprehensive monitoring of the state of Arctic marine ecosystems.