Analysis of the Oral and Fecal Microbiota of Companion Animals Using Next-Generation Sequencing of the 16S rRNA Gene
Year: 2014
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Mammals live in symbiosis with trillions of microorganisms that reside collectively inside and on the outside of a host. Previous assessment of these microbiomes has relied heavily on the use of cultivation-dependent methods for characterization; however, it is now recognized that the majority of microorganisms cannot be identified using these standard methods. This research strives to characterize the bacterial microbiota of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract of canines, the oral cavity of cats, and the gastrointestinal tract of wolves, with the major goals of identifying community membership and diversity at each site. Results provide insight into bacterial community membership in these environments and support the concept of a stable core microbiome in the oral and fecal microbiota of companion animals. Significant intra-household similarity was observed in the feline oral microbiota, suggesting that environmental factors impact the relative abundance of taxa within the oral cavity. Putative zoonotic and periodontal pathogens were also detected in the mouths of all dogs. Fecal samples exhibited strong intraspecies specificity, such that the fecal microbiota of dogs and wolves was highly distinct, irrespective of the dogs’ diets. Raw feeding had no significant impact on the relative abundance of bacteria in feces, and bacterial taxa were highly conserved across all dogs. These studies have enhanced previous knowledge of the oral and fecal microbiota of these companion animals, and have the potential to contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases in companion animals.
Author: Amy Sturgeon
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Royal Canin
OpenAlex ID: W2604707298