Shark microbial communities

This research was completed for my Master of Science thesis. I examined the microbiome of blacktip, bull, and tiger shark skin and determined that a loss of dermal denticles (skin) allowed for outside pathogens to invade the host. Sharks are known as incredible healers in the marine world, and this research was a glimpse into one of their incredible defense mechanisms. Sharks have a normal microbiome that is made up of “good” bacteria that aids in their protection against infection.