Species-level characterization of the core microbiome in healthy dogs using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

ABSTRACT: Despite considerable interest and research in the canine fecal microbiome, our understanding of its species-level composition remains incomplete, as the majority of studies have only provided genus-level resolution. Here, we used full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the fecal microbiomes of 286 presumed healthy dogs living in homes in North America who are devoid of clinical signs, physical conditions, medication use, and behavioral problems. We identified the bacterial species comprising the core microbiome and investigated whether a dog's sex & neuter status, age, body weight, diet, and geographic region predicted microbiome variation. Our analysis revealed that 23 bacterial species comprised the core microbiome, among them Collinsella intestinalis, Megamonas fu

SUBMITTER: Rojas CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11404154 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature