Metagenomic insights into the roles of Proteobacteria in the gastrointestinal microbiomes of healthy dogs and cats

Abstract

Interests in the impact of the gastrointestinal microbiota on health and wellbeing have extended from humans to that of companion animals. While relatively fewer studies to date have examined canine and feline gut microbiomes, analysis of the metagenomic DNA from fecal communities using next‐generation sequencing technologies have provided insights into the microbes that are present, their function, and potential to contribute to overall host nutrition and health. As carnivores, healthy dogs and cats possess fecal microbiomes that reflect the generally higher concentrations of protein and fat in their diets, relative to omnivores and herbivores. The phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are highly abundant, and Fusobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria also feature prominently. Proteobacteria is the most diverse bacterial phylum and commonly features in the fecal microbiota of healthy dogs and cats, although its reputation is often sullied as its members include a number of well‐known opportunistic pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, which may impact the health of the host and its owner. Furthermore, in other host species, high abundances of Proteobacteria have been associated with dysbiosis in hosts with metabolic or inflammatory disorders. In this review, we seek to gain further insight into the prevalence and roles of the Proteobacteria within the gastrointestinal microbiomes of healthy dogs and cats. We draw upon the growing number of metagenomic DNA sequence‐based studies which now allow us take a culture‐independent approach to examine the functions that this more minor, yet important, group contribute to normal microbiome function.

Metagenomic dissection of the canine gut microbiota: insights into taxonomic, metabolic and nutritional features

“…1). As could be expected, the core microbiota includes genera of the five dominant phyla generally found in the canine faecal microbiota (Hand et al, 2013;Moon et al, 2018). Furthermore, at genus level, a particular representative of the Fusobacteria phyla, i.e.…”

“…Based on these criteria, we identified 43 bacterial genera (Fig. As could be expected, the core microbiota includes genera of the five dominant phyla generally found in the canine faecal microbiota (Hand et al, 2013;Moon et al, 2018). In detail, at phylum level, the core microbiota was dominated by taxa belonging to Bacteroidetes (total average abundance 33.68%), followed by Fusobacteria (25.53%), Firmicutes (23.56%), Proteobacteria (6.29%) and Actinobacteria (0.93%) (Fig.…”

“…The possible impact that the GI microbiota has on canine health and well-being is of broad interest (Kim et al, 2017;Moon et al, 2018). The possible impact that the GI microbiota has on canine health and well-being is of broad interest (Kim et al, 2017;Moon et al, 2018).…”

“…The domesticated dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a key companion animal of humans. The possible impact that the GI microbiota has on canine health and well-being is of broad interest (Kim et al, 2017;Moon et al, 2018). Along the canine GI tract, the various compartments differ in microbial composition and total bacterial numbers (Hooda et al, 2012).…”

Metagenomics survey unravels diversities of biogas’ microbiomes with potential to enhance its’ productivity in Kenya

“…The identified Proteobacteria guilds consisted metabolically versatile species and were revealed to comprise the highest number of species (richness) compared to other identified phyla in the treatments. The guilds were able to metabolize proteins [76] carbohydrates and lipids [77] and we associated their low β-diversity (SFig. 4b and 5b) with low substrate composition heterogeneity and differences in environmental conditions (Table 1 and 2).…”