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Gut Microbiota Comparison in Rectal Swabs Versus Stool Samples in Cats with Kidney Stones
Patrick Joubran1, Françoise A Roux1,2, Matteo Serino3
1NP3, Nutrition, PathoPhysiology and Pharmacology Unit, Oniris VetAgro Bio, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, La Chantrerie, CEDEX 03, 44307 Nantes, France.
Microorganisms
|January 8, 2025
Summary
Choosing the right fecal sample collection method is crucial for studying feline kidney stones. Fresh stool samples are best for detecting differences in gut bacteria linked to calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis in cats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) in cats is linked to intestinal bacterial microbiota.
- Accurate assessment of microbiota composition requires optimal fecal sample collection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate how different fecal sample collection methods affect intestinal microbiota analysis in healthy cats and those with kidney stones.
- To determine the most suitable method for studying the gut microbiota in feline kidney stone pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Compared three fecal collection methods: rectal swabs, fresh stool, and stool exposed to air for 24 hours.
- Analyzed bacterial microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in 18 cats (9 healthy, 9 with kidney stones).
- Utilized PERMANOVA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to assess microbiota differences.
Main Results:
- Fecal sample collection method significantly impacted microbiota composition within individuals (rectal swabs differed from fresh and air-exposed stool).
- Fresh fecal samples revealed significant bacterial composition differences between healthy and kidney stone-diseased cats, suggesting involvement of luminal, anaerobic bacteria.
- Air-exposed stool samples lost critical information, hindering dysbiosis identification.
Conclusions:
- Fresh fecal samples are essential for accurately studying the gut microbiota in feline kidney stone disease.
- Rectal swabs also showed population differences, suggesting complementary value.
- Combining fresh stool and rectal swab methods offers the most comprehensive understanding of feline gut microbiota in kidney stone pathogenesis.
