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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
08:05
Guided Protocol for Fecal Microbial Characterization by 16S rRNA-Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: March 19, 2018
Next-Generation Sequencing in Companion Animal Practice for Infectious Disease Diagnostics and Characterizing Normal
1Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, Rowan University, South Harrison, NJ, USA.
Summary
This review compares next-generation sequencing methods for small animal veterinary diagnostics. It covers whole genome sequencing, amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and transcriptomics for bacterial and microbiome analysis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Genomics
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers advanced tools for veterinary diagnostics.
- Understanding the gut microbiome is crucial for small animal health.
- Current diagnostic methods may not fully capture complex microbial profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare common and emergent NGS methodologies in small animal practice.
- To focus on applications in bacterial diagnostics and gut microbiome assessment.
- To aid practitioners in selecting appropriate molecular diagnostic tests.
Main Methods:
- Comparative review of whole genome sequencing (WGS).
- Analysis of amplicon sequencing techniques.
- Evaluation of shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
- Assessment of transcriptomics applications.
Main Results:
- Each NGS method presents unique advantages and limitations for veterinary diagnostics.
- WGS provides comprehensive genomic information.
- Amplicon sequencing is cost-effective for specific targets.
- Shotgun metagenomics offers broad microbial community insights.
- Transcriptomics reveals gene expression within microbial communities.
Conclusions:
- Informed selection of NGS methodologies enhances diagnostic accuracy in small animals.
- NGS techniques improve the assessment of bacterial infections and gut health.
- Integrating NGS into practice maximizes patient health assessment utility.
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