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Lee MA, Questa M, Wanakumjorn P, Kol A, McLaughlin B, Weimer BC, Buono A, Suchodolski JS, Marsilio S. Safety profile and effects on the peripheral immune response of fecal microbiota transplantation in clinically healthy dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:1425-1436. [PMID: 38613431 PMCID: PMC11099722 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is increasingly used for gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal diseases in veterinary medicine. However, its effects on immune responses and possible adverse events have not been systematically investigated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES Determine the short-term safety profile and changes in the peripheral immune system after a single FMT administration in healthy dogs. ANIMALS Ten client-owned, clinically healthy dogs as FMT recipients, and 2 client-owned clinically healthy dogs as FMT donors. METHODS Prospective non-randomized clinical trial. A single rectal enema of 5 g/kg was given to clinically healthy canine recipients. During the 28 days after FMT administration, owners self-reported adverse events and fecal scores. On Days 0 (baseline), 1, 4, 10, and 28 after FMT, fecal and blood samples were collected. The canine fecal dysbiosis index (DI) was calculated using qPCR. RESULTS No significant changes were found in the following variables: CBC, serum biochemistry, C-reactive protein, serum cytokines (interleukins [IL]-2, -6, -8, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α), peripheral leukocytes (B cells, T cells, cluster of differentiation [CD]4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, T regulatory cells), and the canine DI. Mild vomiting (n = 3), diarrhea (n = 4), decreased activity (n = 2), and inappetence (n = 1) were reported, and resolved without intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Fecal microbiota transplantation did not significantly alter the evaluated variables and recipients experienced minimal adverse events associated with FMT administration. Fecal microbiota transplantation was not associated with serious adverse events, changes in peripheral immunologic variables, or the canine DI in the short-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann Lee
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of California School of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Maria Questa
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of California School of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Patrawin Wanakumjorn
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & ImmunologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Amir Kol
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & ImmunologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Bridget McLaughlin
- Flow Cytometry Shared Resource LaboratoryUniversity of California, DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Bart C. Weimer
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, 100K Pathogen Genome ProjectUniversity of California School of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Agostino Buono
- Gastrointestinal LaboratoryTexas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal LaboratoryTexas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical SciencesCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Sina Marsilio
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of California School of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Bornbusch SL, Power ML, Schulkin J, Drea CM, Maslanka MT, Muletz-Wolz CR. Integrating microbiome science and evolutionary medicine into animal health and conservation. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:458-477. [PMID: 37956701 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Microbiome science has provided groundbreaking insights into human and animal health. Similarly, evolutionary medicine - the incorporation of eco-evolutionary concepts into primarily human medical theory and practice - is increasingly recognised for its novel perspectives on modern diseases. Studies of host-microbe relationships have been expanded beyond humans to include a wide range of animal taxa, adding new facets to our understanding of animal ecology, evolution, behaviour, and health. In this review, we propose that a broader application of evolutionary medicine, combined with microbiome science, can provide valuable and innovative perspectives on animal care and conservation. First, we draw on classic ecological principles, such as alternative stable states, to propose an eco-evolutionary framework for understanding variation in animal microbiomes and their role in animal health and wellbeing. With a focus on mammalian gut microbiomes, we apply this framework to populations of animals under human care, with particular relevance to the many animal species that suffer diseases linked to gut microbial dysfunction (e.g. gut distress and infection, autoimmune disorders, obesity). We discuss diet and microbial landscapes (i.e. the microbes in the animal's external environment), as two factors that are (i) proposed to represent evolutionary mismatches for captive animals, (ii) linked to gut microbiome structure and function, and (iii) potentially best understood from an evolutionary medicine perspective. Keeping within our evolutionary framework, we highlight the potential benefits - and pitfalls - of modern microbial therapies, such as pre- and probiotics, faecal microbiota transplants, and microbial rewilding. We discuss the limited, yet growing, empirical evidence for the use of microbial therapies to modulate animal gut microbiomes beneficially. Interspersed throughout, we propose 12 actionable steps, grounded in evolutionary medicine, that can be applied to practical animal care and management. We encourage that these actionable steps be paired with integration of eco-evolutionary perspectives into our definitions of appropriate animal care standards. The evolutionary perspectives proposed herein may be best appreciated when applied to the broad diversity of species under human care, rather than when solely focused on humans. We urge animal care professionals, veterinarians, nutritionists, scientists, and others to collaborate on these efforts, allowing for simultaneous care of animal patients and the generation of valuable empirical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally L Bornbusch
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
- Department of Nutrition Science, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
| | - Michael L Power
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
| | - Jay Schulkin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 356460, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Christine M Drea
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, 104 Biological Sciences, Campus Box 90383, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Michael T Maslanka
- Department of Nutrition Science, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
| | - Carly R Muletz-Wolz
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
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Alves JC, Santos A, Jorge P, Pitães Â. Faecal microbiome transplantation improves clinical signs of chronic idiopathic large bowel diarrhoea in working dogs. Vet Rec 2023; 193:e3052. [PMID: 37245211 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic diarrhoea is a common clinical sign in dogs with chronic enteropathy, and psyllium husk has been shown to improve clinical signs in affected dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether faecal microbiome transplant has a similar effect in alleviating clinical signs in dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhoea. METHOD Thirty large-breed working dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhoea were divided into a psyllium group (PG) and a faecal microbiome transplant group (FMTG). To the PG, 16 g/day of psyllium husk was administered for 30 days. The FMTG received faecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) once via enema. A daily log of faecal characteristics was kept, and the dogs' canine inflammatory bowel disease index (CIBDAI) and body condition scores (BCS) were determined. A Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to compare group results. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier test was used to evaluate the occurrence rate of 1 day or more of diarrhoea and 2 days or more of diarrhoea by day 30. RESULTS The sample had a mean age of 3.9 ± 2.1 years and a bodyweight of 25.3 ± 6.8 kg. The FMTG showed a more rapid onset of CIBDAI improvement but no difference in other measures. At 30 days, the FMTG showed a greater improvement in bodyweight and BCS, but no differences were observed in faecal scores, defaecation frequency and time of appearance of episodes of diarrhoea. Time played a significant positive role in the results observed across both groups (p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS This study did not compare the microbiomes of the dogs before and after treatment, so the role of specific types of bacteria cannot be determined. CONCLUSION Psyllium husk and FMT had similar effects in improving clinical signs of chronic large bowel diarrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C Alves
- Divisão de Medicina Veterinária, Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Mediterrâneo para a Agricultura, Ambiente e Desenvolvimento, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Santos
- Divisão de Medicina Veterinária, Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Jorge
- Divisão de Medicina Veterinária, Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Pitães
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
- Internal Medicine Department, Evidensia Södra, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ellis C, Odunayo A, Tolbert MK. The use of metronidazole in acute diarrhea in dogs: a narrative review. Top Companion Anim Med 2023; 56-57:100824. [PMID: 37884173 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2023.100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute diarrhea is a common reason for non-wellness veterinary visits in dogs. Treatment for acute diarrhea usually consists of supportive care with nutritional intervention, fluid therapy, anthelmintics, and often an antibiotic - commonly metronidazole in North America. The empirical use of metronidazole for acute diarrhea in dogs has been a common practice in veterinary medicine for many decades; however, recent studies evaluating its use suggest it may be inappropriately utilized in many cases. Herein, we review the evidence evaluating the use of metronidazole and other antibiotics in acute diarrhea in the human and veterinary literature. Recommendations on the use of metronidazole and other antibiotics as well as other therapeutic considerations in the treatment of acute diarrhea are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Ellis
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Adesola Odunayo
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - M Katherine Tolbert
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Carapeto S, Cunha E, Serrano I, Pascoal P, Pereira M, Abreu R, Neto S, Antunes B, Dias R, Tavares L, Oliveira M. Effect of the Administration of a Lyophilised Faecal Capsules on the Intestinal Microbiome of Dogs: A Pilot Study. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1676. [PMID: 37761817 PMCID: PMC10530739 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a promising strategy for modulating the gut microbiome. We aimed to assess the effect of the oral administration of capsules containing lyophilised faeces on dogs with diarrhoea for 2 months as well as evaluate their long-term influence on animals' faecal consistency and intestinal microbiome. This pilot study included five dogs: two used as controls and three with diarrhoea. Animals were evaluated for four months by performing a monthly faecal samples collection and physical examination, which included faecal consistency determination using the Bristol scale. The total number of viable bacteria present in the capsules was quantified and their bacterial composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which was also applied to the faecal samples. During the assay, no side effects were reported. Animals' faecal consistency improved and, after ending capsules administration, Bristol scale values remained stable in two of the three animals. The animals' microbiome gradually changed toward a composition associated with a balanced microbiota. After FMT, a slight shift was observed in its composition, but the capsules' influence remained evident during the 4-month period. Capsules administration seems to have a positive effect on the microbiota modulation; however, studies with more animals should be performed to confirm our observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Carapeto
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (Al4AnimalS), Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eva Cunha
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (Al4AnimalS), Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isa Serrano
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (Al4AnimalS), Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pascoal
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal (R.D.)
| | - Marcelo Pereira
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal (R.D.)
| | - Raquel Abreu
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (Al4AnimalS), Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sara Neto
- Canil Municipal de Peniche, Câmara Municipal de Peniche, Rua Doutor Ernesto Moreira G, 2520-428 Peniche, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Antunes
- Canil Municipal de Peniche, Câmara Municipal de Peniche, Rua Doutor Ernesto Moreira G, 2520-428 Peniche, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Dias
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal (R.D.)
- cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (Al4AnimalS), Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal (M.O.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (Al4AnimalS), Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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Toresson L, Spillmann T, Pilla R, Ludvigsson U, Hellgren J, Olmedal G, Suchodolski JS. Clinical Effects of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation as Adjunctive Therapy in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies—A Retrospective Case Series of 41 Dogs. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10040271. [PMID: 37104426 PMCID: PMC10145442 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10040271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic enteropathies (CE) are common in dogs, but not all affected dogs respond to standard therapy. Successful responses to faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) in dogs with non-responsive CE have been reported in two case series. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical effects of FMT as an adjunctive therapy in a larger population of dogs with CE. Forty-one dogs aged 0.6–13.0 years (median 5.8) under treatment for CE at one referral animal hospital were included. Dogs were treated with 1–5 (median 3) FMTs as a rectal enema at a dose of 5–7 g/kg body weight. The canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) was compared at baseline versus after the last FMT. Stored faecal samples (n = 16) were analysed with the dysbiosis index. CIBDAI at baseline was 2–17 (median 6), which decreased to 1–9 (median 2; p < 0.0001) after FMT. Subsequently, 31/41 dogs responded to treatment, resulting in improved faecal quality and/or activity level in 24/41 and 24/41 dogs, respectively. The dysbiosis index at baseline was significantly lower for good responders versus poor responders (p = 0.043). Results suggest that FMT can be useful as an adjunctive therapy in dogs with poorly responsive CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Toresson
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agnes Sjöberginkatu 2, Helsinki University, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Evidensia Specialist Animal Hospital, Bergavagen 3, 25466 Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Spillmann
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agnes Sjöberginkatu 2, Helsinki University, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ulrika Ludvigsson
- Evidensia Specialist Animal Hospital, Bergavagen 3, 25466 Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Josefin Hellgren
- Evidensia Specialist Animal Hospital, Bergavagen 3, 25466 Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Olmedal
- Evidensia Specialist Animal Hospital, Bergavagen 3, 25466 Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Cerquetella M, Marchegiani A, Rossi G, Trabalza-Marinucci M, Passamonti F, Isidori M, Rueca F. Case Report: Oral Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in a Dog Suffering From Relapsing Chronic Diarrhea-Clinical Outcome and Follow-Up. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:893342. [PMID: 35859811 PMCID: PMC9289623 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.893342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The present case report describes the effects of orally administered fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) (frozen capsules) in a dog suffering from relapsing chronic diarrhea, needing a continuous low prednisolone dose to maintain the condition under acceptable control. Through FMT, we aimed at evaluating the possibility of improving the clinical score and/or reducing/suspending steroid administration. During a first period of strict monitoring (21 days), the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index (CIBDAI) score passed from mild to clinically insignificant disease. Furthermore, two additional gastrointestinal signs that had been reported, bloating and episodes of painful defecation, rapidly improved (bloating) or even resolved (painful defecation). The patient was then followed for 18 months (to the authors' knowledge, the longest follow-up time ever reported in a dog), during which no serious relapses occurred and no increase in prednisolone dose was necessary. No adverse clinical effects were ever reported during monitoring. The present description provides a further experience increasing those already present in the veterinary literature, in which an agreement on how to use FMT has not yet been achieved although strongly needed and recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cerquetella
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Andrea Marchegiani
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Isidori
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Rueca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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