Characterization of gut microbiomes of household pets in the United States using a direct-to-consumer approach

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227289
• Publication Date: 2020-02-20T13:29:10Z
• Authors: Aashish R. Jha; Justin Shmalberg; Jirayu Tanprasertsuk; LeeAnn Perry; Dan Massey; Ryan W. Honaker
• Keywords: Human Microbiome Project; Gut microbiome

The role of gut microbiomes as important regulators mammalian health is increasingly recognized, although feline and canine remain poorly characterized. In this proof-of-concept study, we assessed the utility a direct-to-consumer approach to executing pet microbiome studies. We characterized 238 pets (46 cats 192 dogs) by generating ~11 million merged reads that were mapped V4 region 16S ribosomal RNA gene at sequencing depth 45,806 (±22,325) per sample. Analyses these revealed both are dominated three major phyla, namely Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroides alpha diversity higher in gut. addition interspecies differences between gut, also detected appreciable intraspecies bacterial variation within population. While dogs dataset could be assigned distinct clusters based on their microbiome, no clustering was observed Integration additional data obtained from survey questionnaires geography body weight may associated with composition. Furthermore, found inter more pronounced finer taxonomic levels, indicating strain-level investigations necessary future. This study demonstrates overcomes existing limitations research, for example, it allows collection large numbers samples. has proven successful human genomics well microbiomics building partnerships an engaged general public can propel field forward.