Current state of knowledge: the canine gastrointestinal microbiome

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Animal Science
• Genomics

Background:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) microbes are vital for host nutrition, immunity, and physiology.
• Traditional cultivation methods limit the study of canine gut bacteria, with densities varying across GI tract regions.
• Recent DNA-based techniques have revolutionized the characterization of the canine gut microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of recent studies on the canine gut microbiome.
• To highlight advances in phylogenetic and functional characterization using DNA sequencing and bioinformatics.
• To underscore the need for deeper characterization of the canine GI microbiome in health and disease.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing DNA sequencing technology and bioinformatics for microbial characterization.
• Employing 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene pyrosequencing to analyze microbial communities.
• Applying DNA-based assays to identify pathogens and study dietary intervention effects.

Main Results:

• Predominant bacterial phyla in the canine gut include Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria.
• Spatial differences in microbial composition exist along the GI tract and between mucosal-adhered and luminal microbes.
• Microbiome dysbiosis is linked to canine GI diseases, with specific pathogens identified.

Conclusions:

• DNA-based techniques have significantly advanced the study of the canine gut microbiome.
• The canine GI microbiome exhibits spatial variations and is implicated in GI diseases.
• Further research is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the canine GI microbiome's phylogenetic and functional capacity.