Captivity humanizes the primate microbiome

Abstract

Significance Trillions of bacteria live in the primate gut, contributing to metabolism, immune system development, and pathogen resistance. Perturbations to these bacteria are associated with metabolic and autoimmune human diseases that are prevalent in Westernized societies. Herein, we measured gut microbial communities and diet in multiple primate species living in the wild, in a sanctuary, and in full captivity. We found that captivity and loss of dietary fiber in nonhuman primates are associated with loss of native gut microbiota and convergence toward the modern human microbiome, suggesting that parallel processes may be driving recent loss of core microbial biodiversity in humans.