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Sequencing involves reading the nucleotide sequence of DNA. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we amplify the gene of interest. In this case, we amplify the 16S-rRNA gene specific to bacteria, so that we have numerous copies, which serve as technical replicates.
We can confidently determine the DNA sequence with hundreds of thousands of identical gene copies in one sample. We then match these sequences to bacterial genomes to identify which bacteria are present.
We extract DNA from a dog's faeces and prepare it for sequencing in our labs. This process involves amplifying the 16S-rRNA gene and creating a library, which is then sequenced. The 16S gene is ubiquitous in bacteria and highly conserved, meaning it is present across different bacterial species but with slight variations unique to each species.
During sequencing, we read the individual base pairs that constitute these variations within the 16S gene for each species. These sequences are then mapped using a reference database to confirm their identity.
Bacteroides are involved in several functions including carbohydrate metabolism, immune system regulation and inflammation control.”
Some Clostridium are disease-causing bacteria within this group, but they're not all bad. Some Clostridium bacteria make important contributions to your dog's health through gut functions and vitamin production.
Fusobacterium play an important role in the digestion of protein to create amino acids; vital for your dog's health and wellbeing.
Lactobacillus are key fibre degraders and many of these bacteria have beneficial probiotic capabilities. They have been reported to reduce the production of, or to be able to inactivate toxins produced by the likes of Salmonella, pathogenic Escherichia coli, and Clostridium perfringens.
Sutterella help with the day-to-day functioning of the immune system, protecting your dog from potentially harmful diseases, microbes, and general inflammation.
Some strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) are beneficial to dogs and are involved in vitamin production, carbohydrate fermentation, and the maintenance of gut homeostasis. However, other strains of E. coli can be pathogenic and cause gastrointestinal disease.
Faecalibacterium bacteria ferment carbohydrates, contribute to the regulation of the immune system, and promote overall gut health. They help fortify the gut wall barrier and protect against pathogens. They also help reduce inflammation and produce vital energy for the gut through production of a compound known as butyrate and anti-inflammatory peptides.
Alloprevotella help to digest complex carbohydrates and proteins. They have also been linked to improvements in obesity. Low levels may lead to impaired energy metabolism and predispose your dog to low and unhealthy body weight and amounts of fat.
Phascolarctobacterium are important bacteria which contribute to your dog's energy levels and metabolic health, helping with water and mineral absorption.
Collinsella contribute to the maintenance of intestinal lining integrity and regulation of inflammation in the gut. Dogs experiencing issues such as diarrhoea often have elevated levels of Collinsella.
Megamonas bacteria play vital roles in supporting your dog's immune system, helping protect them against harmful bacteria.
Prevotella play an important role in the defence against growth of harmful bacteria, help to keep inflammation in check, and they ferment fibre and carbohydrates that produce important energy sources.
In a ground-breaking new partnership, Guide Dogs UK has teamed up with BIOME9 to explore and optimise the gastrointestinal health of their puppies as they train to be guide dogs.
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There are many tools to help manage our dogs' behaviour, such as training and physical activity. However, did you know that the microbiome is an underused resource in addressing unwanted behaviours and even influencing your dog's anxiety and stress levels?
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Various bacterial species coexist in the canine gut microbiome, each playing a role in digestion, immune function, and overall health.
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Allergic disease makes up a large proportion of the reason dogs are brought to vets, particularly with conditions relating to the skin.
Read articleMatch your dog’s profile to data from 1000s of GutDiscovery® tests and microbiome research.
