Unenriched skin microbiota transplantation for cats: new road story for treating feline atopic skin syndrome

Abstract

Manipulation of skin biogeography has been the subject of study by the present authors for a very long while. Previous description and report identified the benefical application of skin microbiota transplantation (SMT) by the same researcher group, whom described unenriched skin microbiota transplantation at clinical veterinary practice for the first time among dogs. This study to our knowledge again for the first time reported herein aimed to investigate Un-smt application for treatment of feline atopic skin syndrome (FASS). This novel treatment intervention was performed similarly to previous description and methodology by use of Nivea Refining Clear-Up Strips (Ni-RcUs) either in autologue or heterologue route. Clinical biomarker for detecting the efficacy of Un-smt via Ni-RcUs evolved epidermal corneometric analytes (i.e. epidermal hydration and pH), relevant clinical scores The Feline Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (FeDESI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS pruritus) and clinical observations performed weekly, at least. Both FeDESI and VAS pruritus scores were changed in relationship with smt. Pre-treament day 0 FeDESI scores (median ± SE) (72.5 ± 9.34), were significantly (p=0.001) higher than scores on day 10 (13.5 ± 2.55) switching the severity of the disease in all cases. Besides day 0 VAS pruritus scores were 6.0 ± 0.49 (median ± SE) (prior to treatment), whereas owner VAS pruritus score was decreased to 2.0 ± 0.34 (median ± SE) significantly (p=0.001). There were no side effects attributable to treatment applications. All cases were monitored for 6 months after completion of treatment in which no recurrence was observed. As a preliminary conclusion with selected number of cats with FASS, Un-smt with Ni-RcUs should be novel strategy for manuplating skin microbiome with treatment success.