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Li J, Zeng Y, Li L, Peng J, Yan Q, Ye Z, Zhang Y, Li W, Cao L, Zhou D, Li Q, Si Y, Cao S. Development of a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum oral vaccine expressing VP2 protein for preventing feline panleukopenia virus. Vet Microbiol 2024; 298:110257. [PMID: 39321672 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) represents a significant health threat to the kittens. While traditional vaccines administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection are effective, they can induce stress and adverse reactions. Moreover, unvaccinated kittens visiting veterinary clinics risk exposure to FPV, increasing their susceptibility to infection. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a safer, more gentle vaccination method with streamlined administration. In this study, we developed a recombinant L. plantarum NC8/VP2 expressing the VP2 protein of the prevalent Chinese FPV strain, FPV-251. Our results show that L. plantarum NC8/VP2 effectively colonizes the feline intestinal tract and induces high levels of neutralizing antibodies through oral administration. Kittens exhibited significant protection against FPV-251 infection and associated illnesses or fatalities after 30 days of continuous dosing. These results highlight the potential of recombinant L. plantarum NC8/VP2 as a novel oral vaccine for FPV, presenting a promising approach for disease prevention in domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiakang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Wuhan Keqian Biology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, China
| | - Luying Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Quanhui Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zijun Ye
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weihui Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Longlong Cao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dengyuan Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - QiuYan Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Youhui Si
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Shengbo Cao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
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González F, Carelli A, Komarcheuski A, Uana M, do Prado RM, Rossoni D, Gomes M, Vasconcellos R. Yeast Cell Wall Compounds on The Formation of Fermentation Products and Fecal Microbiota in Cats: An In Vivo and In Vitro Approach. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:637. [PMID: 36830424 PMCID: PMC9951743 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of yeast cell wall compounds (YCWs) being added to cat food on hindgut fermentation metabolites and fecal microbiota were assessed in in vivo Experiment 1 (Exp. 1) and in vitro Experiments 2 and 3 (Exp. 2 and 3). In Exp. 1, the cats' diets were supplemented with two dietary concentrations (46.2 and 92.4 ppm) of YCWs (YCW-15 and YCW-30, respectively), and a negative control diet with no compound in three groups (six cats per group) was used to assess the fecal score, pH, digestibility, fermentation products, and microbiota. In Exp. 2, feces from the cats that were not supplemented with YCWs (control) were used as an inoculum. A blend of pectin, amino acids, and cellulose was used as a substrate, and the YCW compound was added at two levels (5 and 10 mg). In Exp. 3, feces from cats fed YCWs were used as an inoculum to test three different substrates (pectin, amino acids, and cellulose). In Exp. 2 and 3, the gas production, pH, and fermentation products (ammonia, SCFAs, and BCFAs) were assessed. YCW-30 resulted in a higher digestibility coefficient of the crude protein, organic matter (OM) (p < 0.05), and energy of the diet (p < 0.10). Regarding the fermentation products, YCW-15 showed a trend toward higher concentrations of propionate, acetate, lactate, ammonia, isobutyrate, and valerate, while YCW-30 showed a trend (p < 0.10) toward higher levels of butyrate and pH values. The bacteroidia class and the genus Prevotella were increased by using YCW-30 and the control. At the gender level, decreased (p < 0.01) Megasphaera was observed with YCW inclusion. The microbiota differed (p < 0.01) among the groups in their Shannon indexes. For beta diversity, YCW-30 showed higher indexes (p = 0.008) than the control. The microbiota metabolic profile differed in the pathway CENTFERM-PWY; it was more expressed in YCW-30 compared to the control. In Exp. 2, the YCWs showed a higher ratio (p = 0.006) of the fermentation products in the treatments with additives with a trend towards a high dose of the additive (10 mg). In Exp. 3, the effects of the substrates (p < 0.001), but not of the YCWs, on the fermentation products were observed, perhaps due to the low dietary concentrations we used. However, the marked responses of the fermentation products to the substrates validated the methodology. We could conclude that the YCWs, even at low dietary concentrations, affected fecal SCFA production, reduced the fecal pH, and modulated the fecal microbiota in the cats. These responses were more pronounced under in vitro conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando González
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP)—São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo 13690-970, Brazil
| | - Amanda Carelli
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Alina Komarcheuski
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Mayara Uana
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Rodolpho Martin do Prado
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Diogo Rossoni
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia Gomes
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP)—São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo 13690-970, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Vasconcellos
- Department of Animal Science, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Av. Colombo, 5790, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
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Li Z, Di D, Sun Q, Yao X, Wei J, Li B, Liu K, Shao D, Qiu Y, Liu H, Cheng Z, Ma Z. Comparative Analyses of the Gut Microbiota in Growing Ragdoll Cats and Felinae Cats. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182467. [PMID: 36139326 PMCID: PMC9494971 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Accumulating studies have revealed that the gut microbiota had intimate relations with the animal gastrointestinal tract diseases. Through regulating the development of the host’s intestinal immune system, the gut microbiota could directly influence the host’s intestinal function. In the current study, the gut microbiota of Ragdoll cats and Felinae cats were investigated and compared. Results demonstrated the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota in the Felinae cats were much higher than in the Ragdoll cats. However, the relative abundances of beneficial microbes in the Ragdoll cats were much higher than those in the Felinae cats. In all, different genetic portraits determined the different microbial communities in the feline gut. The candidate probiotics isolated in the growing cat’s gut might be applied to treat the gastrointestinal tract diseases. Abstract Today, domestic cats are important human companion animals for their appearance and favorable personalities. During the history of their domestication, the morphological and genetic portraits of domestic cats changed significantly from their wild ancestors, and the gut microbial communities of different breeds of cats also apparently differ. In the current study, the gut microbiota of Ragdoll cats and Felinae cats were analyzed and compared. Our data indicated that the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota in the Felinae cats were much higher than in the Ragdoll cats. The taxonomic analyses revealed that the most predominant phyla of the feline gut microbiota were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Fusobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Campilobacterota, and others, while the most predominant genera were Anaerococcus, Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, Finegoldia, Porphyromonas, Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, Prevotella, and others. Different microbial communities between the Ragdoll group and the Felinae group were observed, and the compared results demonstrated that the relative abundances of beneficial microbes (such as Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Blautia, Roseburia, and so on) in the Ragdoll group were much higher than in the Felinae group. The co-occurrence network revealed that the number of nodes and links in the Felinae group was significantly higher than the Ragdoll group, which meant that the network of the Felinae group was larger and more complex than that of the Ragdoll group. PICRUSt function analyses indicated that the differences in microbial genes might influence the energy metabolism and immune functions of the host. In all, our data demonstrated that the richness and diversity of beneficial microbes in the Ragdoll group were much higher than the Felinae group. Therefore, it is possible to isolate and identify more candidate probiotics in the gut microbiota of growing Ragdoll cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongjie Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Di Di
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qing Sun
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaohui Yao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jianchao Wei
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Beibei Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Donghua Shao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yafeng Qiu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhanjun Cheng
- Nanjing Policedog Insitute of the Ministry of Public Security, Nanjing 210012, China
- Correspondence: (Z.C.); (Z.M.); Tel.: +86-21-3429-3139 (Z.M.); Fax: +86-21-5408-1818 (Z.M.)
| | - Zhiyong Ma
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai 200241, China
- Correspondence: (Z.C.); (Z.M.); Tel.: +86-21-3429-3139 (Z.M.); Fax: +86-21-5408-1818 (Z.M.)
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The Effects of Bacillus licheniformis—Fermented Products on the Microbiota and Clinical Presentation of Cats with Chronic Diarrhea. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172187. [PMID: 36077904 PMCID: PMC9454741 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) are probiotics with antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that can improve growth performance. This study aimed to compare the fecal microbiota of diarrheal cats with chronic diarrhea (n = 8) with that of healthy cats (n = 4) from the same household using next-generation sequencing, and evaluate the effectiveness of oral administration of BLFP in relieving clinical signs and altering the intestinal microbiota in diarrheal cats. Six out of eight diarrheal cats showed clinical improvement after BLFP administration for 7 days, and the stool condition of the other two was normal. A higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was noted in the feces of diarrheal cats without clinical improvement as compared with those in the healthy cats and in the diarrheal cats with clinical improvement after receiving BLFP. The phylum Bacteroidetes and class Bacteroidia decreased significantly in diarrheal cats regardless of BLFP administration. Blautia spp., Ruminococcus torques, and Ruminococcus gnavus, which belong to the Clostridium cluster XIVa and have been reported as beneficial to intestinal health, increased significantly in feces after treatment. Furthermore, Clostridium perfringens also significantly decreased in diarrheal cats after BLFP administration. Overall, BLFP could be a potential probiotic to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms and improve fecal microbiota in cats with chronic diarrhea.
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Sung CH, Marsilio S, Chow B, Zornow KA, Slovak JE, Pilla R, Lidbury JA, Steiner JM, Park SY, Hong MP, Hill SL, Suchodolski JS. Dysbiosis index to evaluate the fecal microbiota in healthy cats and cats with chronic enteropathies. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:e1-e12. [PMID: 35266809 PMCID: PMC9160961 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221077876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies have identified various bacterial taxa that are altered in cats with chronic enteropathies (CE) vs healthy cats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a targeted quantitative molecular method to evaluate the fecal microbiota of cats. METHODS Fecal samples from 80 client-owned healthy cats and 68 cats with CE were retrospectively evaluated. A panel of quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays was used to measure the fecal abundance of total bacteria and seven bacterial taxa: Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium hiranonis, Escherichia coli, Faecalibacterium, Streptococcus and Turicibacter. The nearest centroid classifier algorithm was used to calculate a dysbiosis index (DI) based on these qPCR abundances. RESULTS The abundances of total bacteria, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, C hiranonis, Faecalibacterium and Turicibacter were significantly decreased, while those of E coli and Streptococcus were significantly increased in cats with CE (P <0.027 for all). The DI in cats with CE was significantly higher compared with healthy cats (P <0.001). When the cut-off value of the DI was set at 0, it provided 77% (95% confidence interval [CI] 66-85) sensitivity and 96% (95% CI 89-99) specificity to differentiate the microbiota of cats with CE from those of healthy cats. Fifty-two of 68 cats with CE had a DI >0. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A qPCR-based DI for assessing the fecal microbiota of cats was established. The results showed that a large proportion of cats with CE had an altered fecal microbiota as evidenced by an increased DI. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the utility of this assay for clinical assessment of feline CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hsuan Sung
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sina Marsilio
- UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Betty Chow
- Veterinary Specialty Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
- VCA Animal Specialty and Emergency Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan A Lidbury
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jörg M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - So Young Park
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Min-Pyo Hong
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Steve L Hill
- Veterinary Specialty Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
- Flagstaff Veterinary Internal Medicine Consulting, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Lee D, Goh TW, Kang MG, Choi HJ, Yeo SY, Yang J, Huh CS, Kim YY, Kim Y. Perspectives and Advances in Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome in
Companion Animals. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:197-217. [PMID: 35530406 PMCID: PMC9039956 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
As the number of households that raise dogs and cats is increasing, there is
growing interest in animal health. The gut plays an important role in animal
health. In particular, the microbiome in the gut is known to affect both the
absorption and metabolism of nutrients and the protective functions of the host.
Using probiotics on pets has beneficial effects, such as modulating the immune
system, helping to reduce stress, protecting against pathogenic bacteria and
developing growth performance. The goals of this review are to summarize the
relationship between probiotics/the gut microbiome and animal health, to feature
technology used for identifying the diversity of microbiota composition of
canine and feline microbiota, and to discuss recent reports on probiotics in
canines and felines and the safety issues associated with probiotics and the gut
microbiome in companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Tae Wook Goh
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Min Geun Kang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hye Jin Choi
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - So Young Yeo
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | | | - Chul Sung Huh
- Research Institute of Eco-Friendly
Livestock Science, Institute of Green-Bio Science and Technology, Seoul
National University, Pyeongchang 25354, Korea
- Graduate School of International
Agricultural Technology, Seoul National University,
Pyeongchang 25354, Korea
| | - Yoo Yong Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Younghoon Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology
and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National
University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Corresponding author: Younghoon Kim, Department of
Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life
Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea. Tel: +82-2-880-4808,
E-mail:
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Baller MA, Pacheco PDG, Vitta-Takahashi A, Putarov TC, Vasconcellos RS, Carciofi AC. Effects of thermal energy on extrusion characteristics, digestibility and palatability of a dry pet food for cats. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 105 Suppl 1:76-90. [PMID: 34622485 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The influence of specific thermal energy (STE) applications on extruder preconditioner was evaluated in a dry food for cats. In the first study, six STE applications were tested with mass temperatures of 45°C, 55°C, 65°C, 75°C, 85°C and 95°C. The extrusion parameters, starch gelatinization and kibble formation were evaluated. Diets were given to cats to evaluate digestibility, faecal characteristics and palatability. In the second experiment, three treatments were compared: low STE-a preconditioner temperature of 45°C (L STE); high STE-a preconditioner temperature of 95°C (H STE); high STE (preconditioner temperature of 95°C) combined with an increase in the mass flow rate to obtain a motor amperage similar to that of the L STE (H STEflow ). Data were analysed by polynomial contrasts (Experiment 1) or Tukey's test (Experiment 2; p < 0.05). An increase in STE reduced motor amperage, mass pressure and specific mechanical energy (SME) implementation (p < 0.001) and increased total specific energy (TSE) and mass temperature (p < 0.01). The increase in STE induced greater kibble expansion and starch gelatinization (p < 0.001). No changes in apparent nutrient digestibility or faeces characteristics were observed (p > 0.05). Lower STE and starch gelatinization induced higher butyrate and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) contents in faeces (p < 0.01). Cats showed greatest preference for the formulation with the highest STE (p < 0.01). In the second experiment, when the motor amperage was increased in the H STEflow treatment to a value similar to that of the L STE, the mass flow rate increased 40%, and the electric energy consumption remained unchanged (p < 0.001), with gains observed for efficiency and cost. In conclusion, STE application is important for sufficient TSE implementation, enhancing kibble expansion, starch gelatinization, cat preferences for food, extruder productivity and reducing SME application. Foods with lower starch gelatinization lead to increased VFA in faeces, with possible implications for gut health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara Aline Baller
- College of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Vitta-Takahashi
- College of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Thaila Cristina Putarov
- College of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | | | - Aulus Cavalieri Carciofi
- College of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
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Hashimoto-Hill S, Alenghat T. Inflammation-Associated Microbiota Composition Across Domestic Animals. Front Genet 2021; 12:649599. [PMID: 34239536 PMCID: PMC8257562 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.649599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic animals represent important resources for understanding shared mechanisms underlying complex natural diseases that arise due to both genetic and environmental factors. Intestinal inflammation, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a significant health challenge in humans and domestic animals. While the etiology of IBD is multifactorial, imbalance of symbiotic gut microbiota has been hypothesized to play a central role in disease pathophysiology. Advances in genomic sequencing and analytical pipelines have enabled researchers to decipher the composition of the intestinal microbiota during health and in the context of naturally occurring diseases. This review compiles microbiome genomic data across domestic species and highlights a common occurrence of gut microbiome dysbiosis during idiopathic intestinal inflammation in multiple species, including dogs, cats, horses, cows, and pigs. Current microbiome data obtained from animals with intestinal inflammation are mostly limited to taxonomical analyses in association with broad clinical phenotype. In general, a pathogen or pathosymbiont were not detected. Rather, functional potential of the altered microbiota has been suggested to be one of the key etiologic factors. Among the domestic species studied, canine analyses are currently the most advanced with incorporation of functional profiling of microbiota. Canine IBD parallels features of the disease in humans, thus canines represent a strong natural model for human IBD. While deeper analyses of metagenomic data, coupled with host molecular analyses are needed, comparative studies across domestic species can reveal shared microbial alterations and regulatory mechanisms that will improve our understanding of intestinal inflammation in both animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theresa Alenghat
- Division of Immunobiology and Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Alessandri G, Argentini C, Milani C, Turroni F, Cristina Ossiprandi M, van Sinderen D, Ventura M. Catching a glimpse of the bacterial gut community of companion animals: a canine and feline perspective. Microb Biotechnol 2020; 13:1708-1732. [PMID: 32864871 PMCID: PMC7533323 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs and cats have gained a special position in human society by becoming our principal companion animals. In this context, efforts to ensure their health and welfare have increased exponentially, with in recent times a growing interest in assessing the impact of the gut microbiota on canine and feline health. Recent technological advances have generated new tools to not only examine the intestinal microbial composition of dogs and cats, but also to scrutinize the genetic repertoire and associated metabolic functions of this microbial community. The application of high-throughput sequencing techniques to canine and feline faecal samples revealed similarities in their bacterial composition, with Fusobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes as the most prevalent and abundant phyla, followed by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Although key bacterial members were consistently present in their gut microbiota, the taxonomic composition and the metabolic repertoire of the intestinal microbial population may be influenced by several factors, including diet, age and anthropogenic aspects, as well as intestinal dysbiosis. The current review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multitude of factors which play a role in the modulation of the canine and feline gut microbiota and that of their human owners with whom they share the same environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Alessandri
- Department of Veterinary Medical ScienceUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Chiara Argentini
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Christian Milani
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Francesca Turroni
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Maria Cristina Ossiprandi
- Department of Veterinary Medical ScienceUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- APC Microbiome Institute and School of Microbiology, Bioscience InstituteNational University of IrelandCorkIreland
| | - Marco Ventura
- Laboratory of Probiogenomics, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental SustainabilityUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Microbiome Research HubUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
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10
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Černá P, Kilpatrick S, Gunn-Moore DA. Feline comorbidities: What do we really know about feline triaditis? J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:1047-1067. [PMID: 33100169 PMCID: PMC10814216 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x20965831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Feline triaditis describes concurrent pancreatitis, cholangitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The reported prevalence is 17-39% in ill referral patients. While the aetiology is poorly understood, it is known to include infectious, autoimmune and physical components. What is not known is whether different organs are affected by different diseases, or the same process; indeed, triaditis may be part of a multiorgan inflammatory disease. Feline gastrointestinal tract anatomy plays its role too. Specifically, the short small intestine, high bacterial load and anatomic feature whereby the pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct before entering the duodenal papilla all increase the risk of bacterial reflux and parenchymal inflammation. Inflammation may also be a sequela of bowel bacterial translocation and systemic bacteraemia. DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES Cholangitis, pancreatitis and IBD manifest with overlapping, vague and non-specific clinical signs. Cholangitis may be accompanied by increased serum liver enzymes, total bilirubin and bile acid concentrations, and variable ultrasonographic changes. A presumptive diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on increased serum pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity or feline pancreas-specific lipase, and/or abnormal pancreatic changes on ultrasonography, though these tests have low sensitivity. Diagnosis of IBD is challenging without histopathology; ultrasound findings vary from normal to mucosal thickening or loss of layering. Triaditis may cause decreased serum folate or cobalamin (B12) concentrations due to intestinal disease and/or pancreatitis. Triaditis can only be confirmed with histopathology; hence, it remains a presumptive diagnosis in most cases. EVIDENCE BASE The literature on feline triaditis, pancreatitis, cholangitis and IBD is reviewed, focusing on histopathology, clinical significance and diagnostic challenges. Current management recommendations are provided. Further studies are needed to understand the complex pathophysiology, and in turn improve diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Černá
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Small Animal Clinic, The University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Danielle A Gunn-Moore
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
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11
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Lyu Y, Su C, Verbrugghe A, Van de Wiele T, Martos Martinez-Caja A, Hesta M. Past, Present, and Future of Gastrointestinal Microbiota Research in Cats. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1661. [PMID: 32793152 PMCID: PMC7393142 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between microbial community and host has profound effects on the health of animals. A balanced gastrointestinal (GI) microbial population provides nutritional and metabolic benefits to its host, regulates the immune system and various signaling molecules, protects the intestine from pathogen invasion, and promotes a healthy intestinal structure and an optimal intestinal function. With the fast development of next-generation sequencing, molecular techniques have become standard tools for microbiota research, having been used to demonstrate the complex intestinal ecosystem. Similarly to other mammals, the vast majority of GI microbiota in cats (over 99%) is composed of the predominant bacterial phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. Many nutritional and clinical studies have shown that cats' microbiota can be affected by several different factors including body condition, age, diet, and inflammatory diseases. All these factors have different size effects, and some of these may be very minor, and it is currently unknown how important these are. Further research is needed to determine the functional variations in the microbiome in disease states and in response to environmental and/or dietary modulations. Additionally, further studies are also needed to explain the intricate relationship between GI microbiota and the genetics and immunity of its host. This review summarizes past and present knowledge of the feline GI microbiota and looks into the future possibilities and challenges of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lyu
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Chunxia Su
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adronie Verbrugghe
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Tom Van de Wiele
- Center of Microbial Ecology and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ana Martos Martinez-Caja
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Myriam Hesta
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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12
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Garcia-Mazcorro JF, Minamoto Y, Kawas JR, Suchodolski JS, de Vos WM. Akkermansia and Microbial Degradation of Mucus in Cats and Dogs: Implications to the Growing Worldwide Epidemic of Pet Obesity. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7020044. [PMID: 32326394 PMCID: PMC7355976 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium that has shown the potential to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects in mouse and man. We here focus on companion animals, specifically cats and dogs, and evaluate the microbial degradation of mucus and its health impact in the context of the worldwide epidemic of pet obesity. A literature survey revealed that the two presently known Akkermansia spp., A. muciniphila and A. glycaniphila, as well as other members of the phylum of Verrucomicrobia seem to be neither very prevalent nor abundant in the digestive tract of cats and dog. While this may be due to methodological aspects, it suggests that bacteria related to Akkermansia are not the major mucus degraders in these pets and hence other mucus-utilizing taxa may deserve attention. Hence, we will discuss the potential of these endogenous mucus utilizers and dietary interventions to boost these as well as the use of Akkermansia spp. related bacteria or their components as strategies to target feline and canine obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose F. Garcia-Mazcorro
- Research and Development, MNA de Mexico, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon 66477, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-81-8850-5204
| | | | - Jorge R. Kawas
- Faculty of Agronomy, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, General Escobedo, Nuevo Leon 66050, Mexico;
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA;
| | - Willem M. de Vos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands;
- Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Fusi E, Rizzi R, Polli M, Cannas S, Giardini A, Bruni N, Marelli SP. Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) supplementation on healthy cat performance. Vet Rec Open 2019; 6:e000368. [PMID: 31897301 PMCID: PMC6924845 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2019-000368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on nutritional condition and faecal quality in cats. Methods Ten healthy adult cats from the same cattery were included (aged >9 months; male:female sex ratio=3:7). The animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CTR; n=5; male:female=1:4; room 1: 16 m2) and to a treated group (LACTO; n=5; male:female=2:3; room 2: 16 m2) receiving the same commercial dry diet. The LACTO group diet was supplemented with the probiotic (5 x 109 cfu/kg feed at least). A five-week experimental period was applied, and nutritional status was monitored by bodyweight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). Faecal quality was evaluated using faecal score (FS) and faecal moisture (FM) parameters. Plate counts of some faecal bacteria species were carried out. The data obtained were analysed using MIXED, GLM and NPAR1WAY procedures (SAS V.9.4; P≤0.05). Results The two groups did not show differences in BW and BCS data. A clear effect of the probiotic supplementation on FM was recorded (LACTO 44 per cent v CTR group 46 per cent; P=0.04). FS in the LACTO group (3.35) was close to ideal values (2-3) in comparison with the CTR group (3.75). Positive effects of L acidophilus D2/CSL have been recorded in terms of increase in faecal lactobacilli counts and reduction in faecal coli counts. Conclusions This study's preliminary results describe how inclusion of L acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain in cats' diets could effectively improve faecal quality parameters and consequently gut health in adult healthy cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Fusi
- VESPA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Rita Rizzi
- Veterinary Sciences and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Polli
- DIMEVET, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Simona Cannas
- DIMEVET, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Lombardia, Italy
| | - Alberto Giardini
- Centro Sperimentale del Latte Srl, Zelo Buon Persico, Lodi, Italy
| | - Natascia Bruni
- R&D, Istituto Farmaceutico Candioli SPA, Beinasco, Torino, Italy
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14
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Selvin J, Lanong S, Syiem D, De Mandal S, Kayang H, Kumar NS, Kiran GS. Culture-dependent and metagenomic analysis of lesser horseshoe bats' gut microbiome revealing unique bacterial diversity and signatures of potential human pathogens. Microb Pathog 2019; 137:103675. [PMID: 31473248 PMCID: PMC7127535 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bats are highly diverse and ecologically important mammals. They harbor various bacteria, viruses, and fungal communities that are either beneficial or potentially pathogenic. Extensive metagenomic studies in bats are limited, particularly for the gut, and to date, there are no reports on the bacterial diversity of Rhinolophus monoceros from Meghalaya, India. There are limited studies on the isolation of potential harmful or beneficial bacteria and their interactions with the environment through culture-dependent approaches. Therefore, high-throughput screening was used to understand the population structure, genetic diversity, and ecological role of the microorganisms. High-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA marker for gene mapping showed that the gut samples constitute a diverse group of bacteria that is dominated by Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes. The bacterial genera Corynebacterium and Mycobacterium were also observed in the Illumina dataset. Illumina sequencing revealed eight bacterial phyla composed of 112 genera. The metagenomic analysis of the OTUs from the gut revealed diverse bacterial communities as well as zoonotic and human pathogens. There were differences in the bacterial communities between the two methods used in this study, which could be related to host specificity, diet, and habitat. The culture-dependent technique resulted in the isolation of 35 bacterial isolates, of which Bacillus cereus and B. anthracis are well-known bacterial pathogens that show virulent traits including hemolytic and proteolytic activities. Pseudomonas stutzeri is an opportunistic human pathogen that was also isolated and showed similar traits. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed on all 35 isolates, and different antibiotics were used for Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. The result showed that some isolates are resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin G and Cefoxitin. This report on gut bacterial communities could attract interest in the possibility of isolating and characterizing bacteria for the production of antibiotics, enzymes, plant growth promoters, and probiotics. However, the presence of potential pathogenic bacteria that may impose health hazards cannot be ignored and needs to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Selvin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India.
| | - Sheryl Lanong
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Donkupar Syiem
- Department of Biochemistry, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, India
| | - Surajit De Mandal
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, 796004, India; College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China
| | - Highland Kayang
- Department of Botany, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 793022, India
| | | | - G Seghal Kiran
- Department of Food science and Technology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
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15
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Chen Y, Ni J, Li H. Effect of green tea and mulberry leaf powders on the gut microbiota of chicken. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:77. [PMID: 30841884 PMCID: PMC6404333 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiota is closely correlated with host health and is strongly influenced by food composition. Chinese herbs are usually used as natural feed additives in livestock production. Therefore, the present study assessed the influence of diet supplementation with green tea and mulberry leaf powders on the chicken gut microbiota. The gut microbiota compositions were determined using 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS Enhanced relative abundances of Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Megamonas were found in the chicken gut when mulberry leaf powder was added to diet. Conversely, a higher abundance of potentially pathogenic Gallibacterium was found in the chicken gut when the diet was supplemented with green tea powder. These results indicated that green tea powder and mulberry leaf powder can greatly affect the gut microbiota of chickens by changing their compositions. CONCLUSIONS It is imperative to examine and evaluate the effects of Chinese herbs on animal health before they are introduced as feed additives in animal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chen
- School of Life Science, Huizhou University, Huizhou, 516007 China
| | - Jiajia Ni
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center of Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280 China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Hongwei Li
- School of Life Science, Huizhou University, Huizhou, 516007 China
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16
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Darden JE, Scott EM, Arnold C, Scallan EM, Simon BT, Suchodolski JS. Evaluation of the bacterial ocular surface microbiome in clinically normal cats before and after treatment with topical erythromycin. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223859. [PMID: 31603921 PMCID: PMC6788832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The ocular surface microbiome of veterinary species has not been thoroughly characterized using next generation sequencing. Furthermore, alterations in the feline ocular surface microbiome over time or following topical antibiotic treatment are unknown. Aims of this study were to further characterize the ocular surface microbiome of healthy cats and to identify whether there are microbial community changes over time and following topical antibiotic use. Twenty-four eyes from twelve adult, research-bred, female spayed domestic shorthaired cats were evaluated. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%) was applied to the ocular surface of one randomly assigned eye per cat three times daily for 7 days, while the fellow eye served as an untreated control. The ocular surface was sampled by swabbing the inferior conjunctival fornix of both eyes prior to initiating treatment (day 0), after 1 week of treatment (day 7), and 4 weeks after concluding treatment (day 35). Genomic DNA was extracted from the swabs and sequenced using primers that target the V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. At baseline, the most common bacterial phyla identified were Proteobacteria (42.4%), Firmicutes (30.0%), Actinobacteria (15.6%), and Bacteroidetes (8.1%). The most abundant bacterial families sequenced were Corynebacteriaceae (7.8%), Helicobacteraceae (7.5%), Moraxellaceae (6.1%), and Comamonadaceae (5.6%). Alpha and beta diversity measurements were largely unchanged in both treatment and control eyes over time. However, univariate and linear discriminant analyses revealed significant and similar changes in the abundance of some bacterial taxa over time in both treatment and control eyes. Overall, the feline ocular surface microbiome remained stable over time and following topical antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E. Darden
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Erin M. Scott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Carolyn Arnold
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth M. Scallan
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bradley T. Simon
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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17
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Summers SC, Quimby JM, Isaiah A, Suchodolski JS, Lunghofer PJ, Gustafson DL. The fecal microbiome and serum concentrations of indoxyl sulfate and p-cresol sulfate in cats with chronic kidney disease. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 33:662-669. [PMID: 30561098 PMCID: PMC6430892 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal dysbiosis has been documented in humans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is thought to contribute to production of the uremic toxins indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p‐cresol sulfate (pCS). Characteristics of the fecal microbiome in cats with CKD and correlation to serum concentrations of uremic toxins are unknown. Objectives To characterize the fecal microbiome and measure serum IS and pCS concentrations of cats with CKD in comparison to healthy older cats. Animals Thirty client‐owned cats with CKD (International Renal Interest Society stages 2‐4) and 11 older (≥8 years) healthy control cats. Methods Prospective, cross‐sectional study. Fecal samples were analyzed by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and Escherichia coli quantitative PCR (qPCR). Serum concentrations of IS and pCS measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results Cats with CKD had significantly decreased fecal bacterial diversity and richness. Escherichia coli qPCR showed no significant difference in bacteria count between control and CKD cats. Cats with stage 2 (P = .01) and stages 3 and 4 (P = .0006) CKD had significantly higher serum IS concentrations compared to control cats. No significant difference found between stage 2 and stages 3 and 4 CKD. The pCS concentrations were not significantly different between CKD cats and control cats. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Decreased fecal microbiome diversity and richness is associated with CKD in cats. Indoxyl sulfate concentration is significantly increased with CKD, and cats with stage 2 CKD may suffer from a similar uremic toxin burden as do cats with later stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacie C Summers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Jessica M Quimby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Anitha Isaiah
- Gastroenterology Lab, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastroenterology Lab, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Paul J Lunghofer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Daniel L Gustafson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Tal M, Verbrugghe A, Gomez DE, Chau C, Weese JS. The effect of storage at ambient temperature on the feline fecal microbiota. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:256. [PMID: 28821259 PMCID: PMC5563020 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline fecal microbiota analyses can potentially be impacted by a variety of factors such as sample preparation, sequencing method and bioinformatics analyses. Another potential influence is changes in the microbiota from storage of samples prior to processing. This study examined the effect of ambient temperature exposure on the feline fecal microbiota composition. Fecal samples were collected from 12 healthy cats, within 15 min after defecation. Samples were aliquoted and the first aliquot was frozen at -80 °C within 1 hour of defecation. Remaining aliquots were maintained at ambient temperature (20 to 23 °C) and frozen at -80 °C at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h after collection. DNA was extracted from all aliquots, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were sequenced with next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). RESULTS No significant differences were observed in alpha and beta biodiversity indexes, as well as relative abundance of different taxa over time (P > 0.05 for all tests between time points). Principal coordinate analyses demonstrated that samples cluster mainly by cat, with no significant differences between time points (AMOVA, P > 0.05; HOMOVA, P > 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis effect size method was performed and failed to detect any enriched taxa, between time points. Random forest algorithm analysis indicated homogeneity across time points. CONCLUSIONS Although existing evidence from human fecal storage studies is contradictory, a recent study in companion animals agreed with the current study, demonstrating that maintenance of feline fecal samples at ambient temperature for up to 4 days has no effect on the bacterial membership and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moran Tal
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Adronie Verbrugghe
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Diego E. Gomez
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida USA
| | - Charlotte Chau
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - J. Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
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Older CE, Diesel A, Patterson AP, Meason-Smith C, Johnson TJ, Mansell J, Suchodolski JS, Rodrigues Hoffmann A. The feline skin microbiota: The bacteria inhabiting the skin of healthy and allergic cats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178555. [PMID: 28575016 PMCID: PMC5456077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The skin is inhabited by a multitude of microorganisms. An imbalance of these microorganisms is associated with disease, however, the causal relationship between skin microbiota and disease remains unknown. To describe the cutaneous bacterial microbiota of cats and determine whether bacterial dysbiosis occurs on the skin of allergic cats, the skin surfaces on various regions of 11 healthy cats and 10 allergic cats were sampled. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Genomic DNA was extracted from skin swabs and sequenced using primers that target the V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA. The bacterial sequences from healthy cats revealed that there are differences in species diversity and richness between body sites and different epithelial surfaces. Bacterial communities preferred body site niches in the healthy cats, however, the bacterial communities on allergic cat skin tended to be more unique to the individual cat. Overall, the number of bacterial species was not significantly different between the two health status groups, however, the abundances of these bacterial species were different between healthy and allergic skin. Staphylococcus, in addition to other taxa, was more abundant on allergic skin. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study reveals that there are more bacterial species inhabiting the skin of cats than previously thought and provide some evidence of an association between dysbiosis and skin disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Older
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Alison Diesel
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Adam P. Patterson
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Courtney Meason-Smith
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Joanne Mansell
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Aline Rodrigues Hoffmann
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
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20
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Duarte AM, Jenkins TP, Latrofa MS, Giannelli A, Papadopoulos E, de Carvalho LM, Nolan MJ, Otranto D, Cantacessi C. Helminth infections and gut microbiota - a feline perspective. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:625. [PMID: 27912797 PMCID: PMC5135779 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigations of the relationships between the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes are attracting growing interest by the scientific community, driven by the need to better understand the contribution of parasite-associated changes in the composition of the gut flora to both host malnutrition and immune modulation. These studies have however been carried out mainly in humans and experimental animals, while knowledge of the make-up of the gut commensal flora in presence or absence of infection by parasitic nematodes in domestic animals is limited. In this study, we investigate the qualitative and quantitative impact that infections by a widespread parasite of cats (i.e. Toxocara cati) exert on the gut microbiota of feline hosts. METHODS The faecal microbiota of cats with patent infection by T. cati (= Tc+), as well as that of negative controls (= Tc-) was examined via high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, followed by bioinformatics and biostatistical analyses of sequence data. RESULTS A total of 2,325,366 useable high-quality sequences were generated from the faecal samples analysed in this study and subjected to further bioinformatics analyses, which led to the identification of 128 OTUs and nine bacterial phyla, respectively. The phylum Firmicutes was predominant in all samples analysed (mean of 53.0%), followed by the phyla Proteobacteria (13.8%), Actinobacteria (13.7%) and Bacteroidetes (10.1%). Among others, bacteria of the order Lactobacillales, the family Enterococcaceae and genera Enterococcus and Dorea showed a trend towards increased abundance in Tc+ compared with Tc- samples, while no significant differences in OTU richness and diversity were recorded between Tc+ and Tc- samples (P = 0.485 and P = 0.581, respectively). However, Canonical Correlation and Redundancy Analyses were able to separate samples by infection status (P = 0.030 and P = 0.015, respectively), which suggests a correlation between the latter and the composition of the feline faecal microbiota. CONCLUSIONS In spite of the relatively small number of samples analysed, subtle differences in the composition of the gut microbiota of Tc+ vs Tc- cats could be identified, some of which in accordance with current data from humans and laboratory animal hosts. Nevertheless, the findings from this study contribute valuable knowledge to the yet little explored area of parasite-microbiota interactions in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Duarte
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- CIISA, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maria S. Latrofa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Alessio Giannelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Matthew J. Nolan
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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The Role of the Microbiota in Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease. AUGUST'S CONSULTATIONS IN FELINE INTERNAL MEDICINE, VOLUME 7 2016. [PMCID: PMC7152113 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-22652-3.00010-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Banskar S, Mourya DT, Shouche YS. Bacterial diversity indicates dietary overlap among bats of different feeding habits. Microbiol Res 2015; 182:99-108. [PMID: 26686618 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2015.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bats are among the most conspicuous mammals with extraordinary adaptations. They play a key role in the ecosystem. Frugivorous bats are important seed dispersing agents that help in maintaining forest tree diversity, while insectivorous bats are natural insect pest control agents. Several previous reports suggest that bats are reservoir of viruses; nonetheless their bacterial counterparts are relatively less explored. The present study describes the microbial diversity associated with the intestine of bats from different regions of India. Our observations stipulate that there is substantial sharing of bacterial communities between the insectivorous and frugivorous bats, which signifies fairly large dietary overlap. We also observed the presence of higher abundance of Mycoplasma in Cynopterus species of bats, indicating possible Mycoplasma infection. Considering the scarcity of literature related to microbial communities of bat intestinal tract, this study can direct future microbial diversity studies in bats with reference to their dietary habits, host-bacteria interaction and zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Banskar
- Microbial Culture Collection, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India
| | - Devendra T Mourya
- National Institute of Virology, Microbial Containment Complex, Pashan, Pune 411021, India
| | - Yogesh S Shouche
- Microbial Culture Collection, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune 411007, India.
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Abstract
Domestic cats are obligate carnivores and in this light hindgut fermentation has been considered unimportant in this species. However, a diverse microbiota has been found in the small and large intestines of domestic cats. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies support the hypothesis that microbial fermentation is significant in felines with potential benefits to the host. Results on microbiota composition and microbial counts in different regions of the feline gastrointestinal tract are compiled, including a description of modulating host and technical factors. Additionally, the effects of dietary fibre supplementation on the microbiota composition are described. In a second section, in vitro studies, using inocula from fresh feline faeces and focusing on the fermentation characteristics of diverse plant substrates, are described. In vivo studies have investigated the effects of dietary fibre on a broad range of physiological outcomes. Results of this research, together with studies on effects of plant fibre on colonic morphology and function, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and the effects of plant fibre on disease conditions that require a decrease in dietary protein intake, are shown in a third section of the present review. Conclusively, for fructans and beet pulp, for example, diverse beneficial effects have been demonstrated in the domestic cat. Both dietary fibre sources are regularly used in the pet food industry. More research is warranted to reveal the potential benefits of other fibre sources that can be used on a large scale in feline diets for healthy and diseased cats.
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Suchodolski JS, Foster ML, Sohail MU, Leutenegger C, Queen EV, Steiner JM, Marks SL. The fecal microbiome in cats with diarrhea. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127378. [PMID: 25992741 PMCID: PMC4437779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that microbes play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in various animal species, but only limited data is available about the microbiome in cats with GI disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fecal microbiome in cats with diarrhea. Fecal samples were obtained from healthy cats (n = 21) and cats with acute (n = 19) or chronic diarrhea (n = 29) and analyzed by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, and PICRUSt was used to predict the functional gene content of the microbiome. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) revealed significant differences in bacterial groups between healthy cats and cats with diarrhea. The order Burkholderiales, the families Enterobacteriaceae, and the genera Streptococcus and Collinsella were significantly increased in diarrheic cats. In contrast the order Campylobacterales, the family Bacteroidaceae, and the genera Megamonas, Helicobacter, and Roseburia were significantly increased in healthy cats. Phylum Bacteroidetes was significantly decreased in cats with chronic diarrhea (>21 days duration), while the class Erysipelotrichi and the genus Lactobacillus were significantly decreased in cats with acute diarrhea. The observed changes in bacterial groups were accompanied by significant differences in functional gene contents: metabolism of fatty acids, biosynthesis of glycosphingolipids, metabolism of biotin, metabolism of tryptophan, and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, were all significantly (p<0.001) altered in cats with diarrhea. In conclusion, significant differences in the fecal microbiomes between healthy cats and cats with diarrhea were identified. This dysbiosis was accompanied by changes in bacterial functional gene categories. Future studies are warranted to evaluate if these microbial changes correlate with changes in fecal concentrations of microbial metabolites in cats with diarrhea for the identification of potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mary L. Foster
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Muhammad U. Sohail
- Department of Physiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Erica V. Queen
- MarQueen Animal Clinic, Roseville, CA, United States of America
| | - Jörg M. Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Stanley L. Marks
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
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Becker AAMJ, Janssens GPJ, Snauwaert C, Hesta M, Huys G. Integrated community profiling indicates long-term temporal stability of the predominant faecal microbiota in captive cheetahs. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123933. [PMID: 25905625 PMCID: PMC4408007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the symbiotic relationship between gut microbes and their animal host requires characterization of the core microbiota across populations and in time. Especially in captive populations of endangered wildlife species such as the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), this knowledge is a key element to enhance feeding strategies and reduce gastrointestinal disorders. In order to investigate the temporal stability of the intestinal microbiota in cheetahs under human care, we conducted a longitudinal study over a 3-year period with bimonthly faecal sampling of 5 cheetahs housed in two European zoos. For this purpose, an integrated 16S rRNA DGGE-clone library approach was used in combination with a series of real-time PCR assays. Our findings disclosed a stable faecal microbiota, beyond intestinal community variations that were detected between zoo sample sets or between animals. The core of this microbiota was dominated by members of Clostridium clusters I, XI and XIVa, with mean concentrations ranging from 7.5-9.2 log10 CFU/g faeces and with significant positive correlations between these clusters (P<0.05), and by Lactobacillaceae. Moving window analysis of DGGE profiles revealed 23.3-25.6% change between consecutive samples for four of the cheetahs. The fifth animal in the study suffered from intermediate episodes of vomiting and diarrhea during the monitoring period and exhibited remarkably more change (39.4%). This observation may reflect the temporary impact of perturbations such as the animal’s compromised health, antibiotic administration or a combination thereof, which temporarily altered the relative proportions of Clostridium clusters I and XIVa. In conclusion, this first long-term monitoring study of the faecal microbiota in feline strict carnivores not only reveals a remarkable compositional stability of this ecosystem, but also shows a qualitative and quantitative similarity in a defined set of faecal bacterial lineages across the five animals under study that may typify the core phylogenetic microbiome of cheetahs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne A. M. J. Becker
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Geert P. J. Janssens
- Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Cindy Snauwaert
- BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Myriam Hesta
- Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Huys
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Grześkowiak Ł, Endo A, Beasley S, Salminen S. Microbiota and probiotics in canine and feline welfare. Anaerobe 2015; 34:14-23. [PMID: 25863311 PMCID: PMC7111060 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Dogs and cats have been cohabiting with us for thousands of years. They are the major human companions. Today, dogs and cats live in urban areas. Cats and most dogs are on high carbohydrate diets and face similar life-style challenges as the human beings. The health and well-being of companion animals, just as their owners, depends on the gut microbes. Providing a proper care and nutritionally balanced diet to companion animals is recognised as a part of our responsibility to maintain the health and well being of our pet. However, as microbiota differences may facilitate exposure to pathogens and harmful environmental influences, it is prudent to search for novel tools to protect dogs and cats and at the same time the human owners from pathogens. Specific probiotic strains and/or their defined combinations may be useful in the canine and feline nutrition, therapy, and care. Probiotic supplementations have been successful in the prevention and treatment of acute gastroenteritis, treatment of IBD, and prevention of allergy in companion animals. New challenges for probiotic applications include maintenance of obesity and overweight, urogenital tract infections, Helicobacter gastritis and parasitic infections. The probiotics of human origin appear to be among the new promising tools for the maintenance of pets' health. However, the host-derived microorganisms might be the most appropriate probiotic source. Therefore, more controlled trials are needed to characterise new and safe probiotic preparations with an impact on general health and well being as well as health maintenance in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akihito Endo
- Department of Food and Cosmetic Science, Faculty of Bioindustry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Seppo Salminen
- Functional Foods Forum, Univeristy of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Weese SJ, Nichols J, Jalali M, Litster A. The oral and conjunctival microbiotas in cats with and without feline immunodeficiency virus infection. Vet Res 2015; 46:21. [PMID: 25879465 PMCID: PMC4348098 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-014-0140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The oral and conjunctival microbiotas likely play important roles in protection from opportunistic infections, while also being the source of potential pathogens. Yet, there has been limited investigation in cats, and the impact of comorbidities such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection has not been reported. Oral and conjunctival swabs were collected from cats with FIV infection and FIV-uninfected controls, and subjected to 16S rRNA gene (V4) PCR and next generation sequencing. 9,249 OTUs were identified from conjunctival swabs, yet the most common 20 (0.22%) OTUs accounted for 76% of sequences. The two most abundant OTUs both belonged to Staphylococcus, and accounted for 37% of sequences. Cats with FIV infection had significantly lower relative abundances of Verrucomicrobia, Fibrobacteres, Spirochaetes, Bacteroidetes and Tenericutes, and a higher relative abundance of Deinococcus-Thermus. There were significant differences in both community membership (P = 0.006) and community structure (P = 0.02) between FIV-infected and FIV-uninfected cats. FIV-infected cats had significantly higher relative abundances of Fusobacteria and Actinobacteria in the oral cavity, and significantly higher relative abundances of several bacterial classes including Fusobacteria (0.022 vs 0.007, P = 0.006), Actinobacteria (0.017 vs 0.003, P = 0.003), Sphingobacteria (0.00015 vs 0.00003, P = 0.0013) and Flavobacteria (0.0073 vs 0.0034, P = 0.030). The feline conjunctival and oral microbiotas are complex polymicrobial communities but dominated by a limited number of genera. There is an apparent impact of FIV infection on various components of the microbiota, and assessment of the clinical relevance of these alterations in required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
| | - Jamieson Nichols
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Mohammad Jalali
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
| | - Annette Litster
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, 625 Harrison St., West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Honneffer JB, Minamoto Y, Suchodolski JS. Microbiota alterations in acute and chronic gastrointestinal inflammation of cats and dogs. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:16489-16497. [PMID: 25469017 PMCID: PMC4248192 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i44.16489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota is the collection of the living microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses) inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract. Novel bacterial identification approaches have revealed that the gastrointestinal microbiota of dogs and cats is, similarly to humans, a highly complex ecosystem. Studies in dogs and cats have demonstrated that acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are associated with alterations in the small intestinal and fecal microbial communities. Of interest is that these alterations are generally similar to the dysbiosis observed in humans with IBD or animal models of intestinal inflammation, suggesting that microbial responses to inflammatory conditions of the gut are conserved across mammalian host types. Studies have also revealed possible underlying susceptibilities in the innate immune system of dogs and cats with IBD, which further demonstrate the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and host health. Commonly identified microbiome changes in IBD are decreases in bacterial groups within the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and increases within Proteobacteia. Furthermore, a reduction in the diversity of Clostridium clusters XIVa and IV (i.e., Lachnospiraceae and Clostridium coccoides subgroups) are associated with IBD, suggesting that these bacterial groups may play an important role in maintenance of gastrointestinal health. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the functional changes associated with intestinal dysbiosis in dogs and cats.
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29
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Bell ET, Suchodolski JS, Isaiah A, Fleeman LM, Cook AK, Steiner JM, Mansfield CS. Faecal microbiota of cats with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108729. [PMID: 25279695 PMCID: PMC4184829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract significantly influence metabolic processes within their mammalian host, and recently several groups have sought to characterise the gastrointestinal microbiota of individuals affected by metabolic disease. Differences in the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota have been reported in mouse models of type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as in human patients. Diabetes mellitus in cats has many similarities to type 2 diabetes in humans. No studies of the gastrointestinal microbiota of diabetic cats have been previously published. The objectives of this study were to compare the composition of the faecal microbiota of diabetic and non-diabetic cats, and secondarily to determine if host signalment and dietary factors influence the composition of the faecal microbiota in cats. Faecal samples were collected from insulin-treated diabetic and non-diabetic cats, and Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and quantitative PCR were performed on each sample. ANOSIM based on the unweighted UniFrac distance metric identified no difference in the composition of the faecal microbiota between diabetic and non-diabetic cats, and no significant differences in the proportions of dominant bacteria by phylum, class, order, family or genus as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing were identified between diabetic and non-diabetic cats. qPCR identified a decrease in Faecalibacterium spp. in cats aged over ten years. Cat breed or gender, dietary carbohydrate, protein or fat content, and dietary formulation (wet versus dry food) did not affect the composition of the faecal microbiota. In conclusion, the composition of the faecal microbiota was not altered by the presence of diabetes mellitus in cats. Additional studies that compare the functional products of the microbiota in diabetic and non-diabetic cats are warranted to further investigate the potential impact of the gastrointestinal microbiota on metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin T. Bell
- Translational Research and Animal Clinical Trial Study (TRACTS) Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Anitha Isaiah
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Audrey K. Cook
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jörg M. Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Caroline S. Mansfield
- Translational Research and Animal Clinical Trial Study (TRACTS) Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Becker AAMJ, Hesta M, Hollants J, Janssens GPJ, Huys G. Phylogenetic analysis of faecal microbiota from captive cheetahs reveals underrepresentation of Bacteroidetes and Bifidobacteriaceae. BMC Microbiol 2014; 14:43. [PMID: 24548488 PMCID: PMC3936777 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-14-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Imbalanced feeding regimes may initiate gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases in endangered felids kept in captivity such as cheetahs. Given the crucial role of the host’s intestinal microbiota in feed fermentation and health maintenance, a better understanding of the cheetah’s intestinal ecosystem is essential for improvement of current feeding strategies. We determined the phylogenetic diversity of the faecal microbiota of the only two cheetahs housed in an EAZA associated zoo in Flanders, Belgium, to gain first insights in the relative distribution, identity and potential role of the major community members. Results Taxonomic analysis of 16S rRNA gene clone libraries (702 clones) revealed a microbiota dominated by Firmicutes (94.7%), followed by a minority of Actinobacteria (4.3%), Proteobacteria (0.4%) and Fusobacteria (0.6%). In the Firmicutes, the majority of the phylotypes within the Clostridiales were assigned to Clostridium clusters XIVa (43%), XI (38%) and I (13%). Members of the Bacteroidetes phylum and Bifidobacteriaceae, two groups that can positively contribute in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, were absent in the clone libraries and detected in only marginal to low levels in real-time PCR analyses. Conclusions This marked underrepresentation is in contrast to data previously reported in domestic cats where Bacteroidetes and Bifidobacteriaceae are common residents of the faecal microbiota. Next to methodological differences, these findings may also reflect the apparent differences in dietary habits of both felid species. Thus, our results question the role of the domestic cat as the best available model for nutritional intervention studies in endangered exotic felids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne A M J Becker
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Bordin AI, Suchodolski JS, Markel ME, Weaver KB, Steiner JM, Dowd SE, Pillai S, Cohen ND. Effects of administration of live or inactivated virulent Rhodococccus equi and age on the fecal microbiome of neonatal foals. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66640. [PMID: 23785508 PMCID: PMC3681940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rhodococcus equi is an important pathogen of foals. Enteral administration of live, virulent R. equi during early life has been documented to protect against subsequent intrabronchial challenge with R. equi, indicating that enteral mucosal immunization may be protective. Evidence exists that mucosal immune responses develop against both live and inactivated micro-organisms. The extent to which live or inactivated R. equi might alter the intestinal microbiome of foals is unknown. This is an important question because the intestinal microbiome of neonates of other species is known to change over time and to influence host development. To our knowledge, changes in the intestinal microbiome of foals during early life have not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether age (during the first month of life) or administration of either live virulent R. equi (at a dose reported to protect foals against subsequent intrabronchial challenge, viz., 1×1010 colony forming units [CFU]) or inactivated virulent R. equi (at higher doses, viz., 2×1010 and 1×1011 [CFU]) altered the fecal microbiome of foals. Methodology/Principal Findings Fecal swab samples from 42 healthy foals after vaccination with low-dose inactivated R. equi (n = 9), high-dose inactivated R. equi (n = 10), live R. equi (n = 6), control with cholera toxin B (CTB, n = 9), and control without CTB (n = 8) were evaluated by 454-pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and by qPCR. No impact of treatment was observed among vaccinated foals; however, marked and significant differences in microbial communities and diversity were observed between foals at 30 days of age relative to 2 days of age. Conclusions The results suggest age-related changes in the fecal microbial population of healthy foals do occur, however, mucosal vaccination does not result in major changes of the fecal microbiome in foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela I. Bordin
- Equine Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Melissa E. Markel
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kaytee B. Weaver
- Equine Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jörg M. Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Scot E. Dowd
- Molecular Research DNA Laboratory, Shallowater, Texas, United States of America
| | - Suresh Pillai
- National Center for Electron Beam Research and Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Noah D. Cohen
- Equine Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Azad MB, Konya T, Maughan H, Guttman DS, Field CJ, Sears MR, Becker AB, Scott JA, Kozyrskyj AL. Infant gut microbiota and the hygiene hypothesis of allergic disease: impact of household pets and siblings on microbiota composition and diversity. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2013; 9:15. [PMID: 23607879 PMCID: PMC3655107 DOI: 10.1186/1710-1492-9-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple studies have demonstrated that early-life exposure to pets or siblings affords protection against allergic disease; these associations are commonly attributed to the "hygiene hypothesis". Recently, low diversity of the infant gut microbiota has also been linked to allergic disease. In this study, we characterize the infant gut microbiota in relation to pets and siblings. METHODS The study population comprised a small sub-sample of 24 healthy, full term infants from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) birth cohort. Mothers reported on household pets and siblings. Fecal samples were collected at 4 months of age, and microbiota composition was characterized by high-throughput signature gene sequencing. RESULTS Microbiota richness and diversity tended to be increased in infants living with pets, whereas these measures were decreased in infants with older siblings. Infants living with pets exhibited under-representation of Bifidobacteriaceae and over-representation of Peptostreptococcaceae; infants with older siblings exhibited under-representation of Peptostreptococcaceae. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new evidence that exposure to pets and siblings may influence the early development of the gut microbiota, with potential implications for allergic disease. These two traditionally protective "hygiene hypothesis" factors appear to differentially impact gut microbiota composition and diversity, calling into question the clinical significance of these measures. Further research is required to confirm and expand these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan B Azad
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 3-527 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy 11405 - 87th Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G IC9, Canada
| | - Theodore Konya
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Heather Maughan
- Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David S Guttman
- Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Agriculture, Food & Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Malcolm R Sears
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Allan B Becker
- Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada ; Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - James A Scott
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anita L Kozyrskyj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, 3-527 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy 11405 - 87th Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G IC9, Canada ; Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, Canada
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