The importance of the intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs in the neonatal period

Abstract

The neonatal period represents a critical stage for the establishment and development of the gut microbiota, which profoundly influences the future health trajectory of individuals. This review examines the importance of intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs, aiming to elucidate the distinct characteristics and variations in the composition between these two species. In humans, the intestinal microbiota contributes to several crucial physiological processes, including digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system development, and modulation of host metabolism. Dysbiosis, an imbalance or disruption of the gut microbial community, has been linked to various disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and even neurological conditions. Furthermore, recent research has unveiled the profound influence of the gut-brain axis, emphasizing the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, impacting cognitive function and mental health. Similarly, alterations in the canine intestinal microbiota have been associated with gastrointestinal disorders, including chronic enteropathy, such as inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, and ulcerative histiocytic colitis. However, our understanding of the intricacies and functional significance of the intestinal microbiota in dogs remains limited. Understanding the complex dynamics of the intestinal microbiota in both humans and dogs is crucial for devising effective strategies to promote health and manage disease. Moreover, exploring the similarities and differences in the gut microbial composition between these two species can facilitate translational research, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic interventions and strategies to enhance the well-being of both humans and dogs.

Introduction

The neonatal period in dogs corresponds to the first two to four weeks of life (Grundy, 2006; Vannucchi et al., 2012; Mila et al., 2017a; Vassalo et al., 2015). It is a challenging period (Konde et al., 2015; Chastant-Maillard et al., 2017) characterized by high rates of morbidity (Konde et al., 2015) and mortality. The main causes of death include stillbirth, maternal and environmental factors, as well as infections (Indrebø et al., 2007; Lourenço, 2015). Infectious diseases, particularly those caused by bacteria, are the second most common cause of death during this period (Meloni et al., 2014; Münnich and Küchenmeister, 2014).

The mammalian intestinal tract harbors numerous microbial populations and plays crucial roles in host health, such as providing nutritional substrates, modulating the immune system, and aiding in defense against intestinal pathogens (Spor et al., 2011; Pitlik and Koren, 2017). Studies indicate that early intestinal colonization in human newborns starts with exposure to maternal vaginal and fecal microbiota, which is essential for normal intestinal development and function (Insoft et al., 1996; McCracken and Lorenz, 2001; Dominguez-Bello et al., 2010; Torrazza and Neu, 2011). Moreover, the mode of delivery, whether cesarean or vaginal, may influence the incidence of neonatal sepsis. Cesarean section has been shown to affect the intestinal microbiota and neonatal immunity in both humans and mice, thereby impacting the risk of bacterial infection (Shao et al., 2019; Zachariassen et al., 2019). In dogs, differences have been observed in the microbiota of puppies born vaginally versus those delivered by cesarean section, with higher rates of growth and weight gain in the former (Zakošek Pipan et al., 2020).

Alterations in gut microbiota have been associated with various gastrointestinal and systemic diseases, highlighting the potential utility of studying intestinal microbiota in diagnostic procedures and therapies (Garrigues et al., 2023).

While there is extensive research on the intestinal microbiota in humans, our understanding of the development of intestinal microbiota in puppies is limited. Gaining insight into the early evolution of the canine microbiota is crucial for improving the short- and long-term health and well-being of dogs. Therefore, comprehending how dogs can serve as experimental models for human studies is highly relevant, as it would facilitate the design and execution of new studies that provide dual benefits for both canine and human health.

The objective of this work is to review the literature regarding the influence of the intestinal microbiota on neonatal and pediatric development in both humans and dogs, and to explore the various research possibilities involving dogs as an experimental model for applications in human medicine.

General characteristics of the intestinal microbiota in dogs

The canine intestinal microbiota is comprised of a complex microbial population that potentially influences metabolism, immune activity, and the onset of gastrointestinal diseases. Initial studies have revealed that the canine intestinal microbiota is dynamic, with similar bacterial populations present in adjacent intestinal segments, primarily consisting of anaerobic genera. Metagenomic analysis has shown that the dietary nutrient content can modulate bacterial populations and metabolites in the canine intestine. Further research has demonstrated significant correlations between dietary factors and canine gut microbiomes. Additionally, canine gastrointestinal diseases are closely associated with dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota and metabolic disorders (Huang et al., 2020).

The composition of the intestinal microbiota evolves rapidly during the development of a dog’s life, with the intestine being progressively colonized by crucial bacteria, mainly anaerobic, before reaching adulthood. These bacterial communities are of paramount importance for the host’s health, and any disturbances in their composition can lead to changes in metabolic states, potentially resulting in gastrointestinal disorders (Garrigues et al., 2023).

After birth, the gastrointestinal tract of newborn dogs is rapidly colonized by microorganisms and is highly unstable. In the first two days of life, Firmicutes dominate the gastrointestinal tract, representing approximately 60% of bacterial communities (Guard et al., 2017). However, the low microbial abundance and diversity at this stage facilitate potential colonization by external bacteria (Perez-Munoz et al., 2017).

In animal species, the presence of oxygen in the gastrointestinal tract during the first days of life promotes the colonization of obligate and facultative anaerobes (Sanidad and Zeng, 2020). Most Proteobacteria and Bacteroides fall into these categories and have been shown to be among the first colonizers of the neonatal gut. Oxygen consumption and a decrease in redox potential (which is positive at birth) play a key role in preparing the gut for the subsequent colonization of strict anaerobes, which are necessary for healthy gut function (Moon et al., 2018; Shin et al., 2015; Pereira et al., 2020). Over time, the proportion of aerotolerant bacteria decreases in the puppy’s gut. The increase in abundance of these bacteria in the puppy’s gut is not only related to oxygen homeostasis but also to the ingestion of milk during the neonatal period, as these bacteria can digest milk oligosaccharides and produce lactate (Garrigues et al., 2023).

Significant changes in bacterial populations in the gastrointestinal tract of puppies occur during the first weeks of life, even before they start consuming solid food. These microbial changes, and consequently the biological properties of the microbiome, are mainly induced by neonatal metabolic events such as progressive oxygen consumption in the intestine or the increasing capacity of the intestine to absorb nutrients, produce bile acids, and develop immune functions (Buddington, 2003).

According to Gethings-Behncke et al. (2020), Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most dominant phyla in most rectal samples collected on days 1 and 8 postpartum, confirming their role as the most abundant early colonizers of the intestinal microbiome in canine neonates. The significance of Enterococcus in the early rectal microbiome of healthy puppies is still uncertain. While Enterococcus faecium is considered a beneficial probiotic in dogs (Subramanian et al., 2015), its increase can lead to changes such as diarrhea and hypocobalaminemia (Shin et al., 2015; Dunn et al., 2017).

According to Beller et al. (2021), in neonates born vaginally, the composition of the meconium microbial population resembles that of the maternal vaginal microbiota, while in neonates born by C-section, it resembles the bacterial composition of the maternal vagina and oral cavity.

Although many studies focus on the microbiota of children, there is still a lack of knowledge about the development of the intestinal microbiota in puppies. Understanding this initial evolution is becoming a fundamental aspect in improving the short and long-term health and well-being of dogs (Garrigues et al., 2023).

General Characteristics of the Intestinal Microbiota in Humans

Early colonization of the human intestine in newborns begins with exposure to maternal vaginal and fecal microbiota, which is crucial for normal intestinal development and function (Insoft et al., 1996; McCracken and Lorenz, 2001). The impact of microbiome-associated changes during pregnancy on newborns has been extensively studied due to their potential implications for health and disease, both early in life and later on (Nuriel-Ohayon et al., 2016; Vuillermin et al., 2017; Nuriel-Ohayon et al., 2019; Torres et al., 2020). Factors such as inadequate maternal health, cesarean birth, milk quality, antibiotic use, and premature birth have been associated with abnormal development of the neonatal microbiome and potentially linked to various diseases like asthma, atopy, and obesity (Arrieta et al., 2014; Nuriel-Ohayon et al., 2016; Turjeman et al., 2021).

In humans, vaginal delivery leads to a neonatal intestinal microbial population that is dominated by the microbial constituents of the maternal birth canal and feces (e.g., Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp.), while cesarean section results in a neonatal microbial population dominated by the microbial constituents of the maternal skin (e.g., Staphylococcus spp.) (Nuriel-Ohayon et al., 2016). While the adult gut microbiota is mainly composed of bacteria from the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, the neonatal gut microbiota initially consists of microorganisms from the Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria phyla, which later become more diverse with the emergence of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (Spor et al., 2011; Ottman et al., 2012) (table 1).

Table 1. Representation of the main bacterial phyla isolated from humans and dogs.

PHYLA	LOCATION	PRESENCE (+), DOMINANCE (++), ABSENCE (0)
		HUMAN	DOG
Firmicutes	Adult intestinal microbiota	+	++
	Newborn	+	++
Bacteroidetes	Adult intestinal microbiota	++	++
	Newborn	0	0
Proteobacteria	Adult intestinal microbiota	+	+
	Newborn	+	+
Actinobacteria	Adult intestinal microbiota	+	+
	Newborn	++	+
Fusobacteria	Adult intestinal microbiota	+	+
	Newborn	0	0

Reference: Coelho et al. 2018; Gethings-Behncke et al., 2020; Ottman et al., 2012; Spor et al., 2011

The predominant bacterial genus in the microbiota of breastfed infants is Bifidobacterium (Palmer et al., 2007; Turroni et al., 2012). However, recent studies have also shown a high occurrence of Enterobacteria in this population. During the first few weeks, Proteobacteria, mainly Enterobacteriaceae, dominate the infant intestinal microbiota, while Bifidobacteria constitute the second most abundant microbial population, which increases over time along with a decrease in Enterobacteria (Arboleya et al., 2015). These early interactions between the microbiota and the host are critical events that support the proper maturation of the human host, leading to the establishment and maintenance of host-microbiota homeostasis during early life, with immediate and long-term implications for health (Milani et al., 2017b).

Influence of intestinal microbiota on host health

In recent mammal studies, the microbiota has been recognized as a crucial factor in various vital processes of the host, including energy requirements, metabolism, immune activity, and neurobehavioral development. The interaction between the intestinal microbiota, the host, and other somatic cells regulates functions such as digestion, host metabolism, synthesis of vitamins (such as K and B complex), bile acid transformation, proper maturation of gastrointestinal cells, and defense against pathogenic bacteria (Steiner and Ruaux, 2008).

In recent years, the intestinal microbiome has been considered as an organ essential for the host’s survival (Baquero and Nombela, 2012). The gastrointestinal tract’s microbiota is a highly complex structure comprising trillions of microorganisms, depending on the species. For example, there are approximately 10¹⁰ bacteria in just 1 ml of cow rumen (Matthews et al., 2019), while omnivores like humans and carnivores like dogs have around 10¹³ microorganisms in their guts, predominantly bacteria, but also including viruses and fungi (Gill et al., 2006; Suchodolski, 2011). These microorganisms have a profound symbiotic relationship with their host, providing metabolic capabilities that the host organism alone could not achieve, such as nutrient assimilation and development of the immune system.

The composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota can be influenced by various factors such as age, nutrition, and environment (Tilocca et al., 2017; Hasan and Yang, 2019). Some changes induced by these factors can have beneficial effects on the host’s intestinal health, while others may disrupt the microbial balance (eubiosis) and lead to imbalance (dysbiosis), consequently causing gastrointestinal disturbances or even systemic, metabolic, or autoimmune diseases (Chakraborti, 2015; Tilocca et al., 2017; Nishino et al., 2018; Moffa et al., 2019). Dysbiosis is found in a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, allergy, diabetes, and autism (Mondo et al., 2019). A balanced microbial ecosystem is crucial for the host’s health and homeostasis (Guard et al., 2017). Furthermore, during the neonatal and developmental periods, the gut microbiome is even more sensitive to potential disruptors compared to adulthood, and changes in microbiota composition during this period may lead to health disturbances later in life (Han et al., 2018).

One notable example of the gut microbiota’s importance in host health is the existence of a bidirectional communication network between the gut microbiota and the human brain, known as the gut-brain axis. This network involves neural, endocrine, metabolic, and immunological systems/pathways (Heijtz et al., 2011; Ogbonnaya et al., 2015; Lynch and Pedersen, 2016; Fung et al., 2017). Recent studies have investigated how the gut microbiota contributes to central nervous system (CNS) development, including neurogenesis, microglial maturation, and myelination (Erny et al., 2015; Hoban et al., 2016), as well as functions such as cognition, mood, and behavior, including sociability and anxiety (Heijtz et al., 2011; Clarke et al., 2013). Furthermore, the gut microbiota has been shown to play important roles in the pathogenesis and progression of various neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and multiple sclerosis (Martinez et al., 2017; Iannone et al., 2019; Rinninella et al., 2019; Sun et al., 2019; Xue et al., 2020).

Therefore, it appears that the establishment of the intestinal microbiota exerts a crucial influence on the well-being of neonates across various species, impacting vital processes and neurobehavioral development (Steiner and Ruaux, 2008). Consequently, investigating the factors that shape this microbial community emerges as promising research area with the potential to mitigate morbidity and mortality in dogs (Garrigues et al., 2023).

Influence of mode of delivery on the establishment of neonatal and adult intestinal microbiota and its consequences

Many factors influence the gut microbiota, with age having a significant impact on microbial composition (You and Kim, 2021). The development of the intestinal microbiome begins at birth and undergoes changes in composition throughout the different stages of the host’s life. In human medicine, it has been observed that most intestinal bacterial strains remain stable for decades (Faith et al., 2013). This emphasizes the critical role of early colonization in newborns, as the initial bacteria establish a foundation that can shape the host’s gut functions for a significant portion of its life (Shin et al., 2015; Subramanian et al., 2015). Similarly, Del Carro et al (2022) in their study on canine puppies from birth to the first 60 days of life, observed a progressive reduction in the diversity of isolated bacteria over time, particularly during weaning, when the intestinal microbiota started to resemble that of a young adult condition. Consequently, they emphasized that each mother possesses a unique microbiota profile that significantly influences the composition of the litter’s intestinal microbiota, highlighting the importance of ealy colonization from the maternal side.

Traditionally, it was believed that the gastrointestinal tract of mammals is sterile during intrauterine fetal life, and the inoculation of microorganisms occurs through contact with the mother’s vagina and skin, as well as the ingestion of milk in the first hours after birth (Dunn et al., 2017). This understanding, known as the “sterile uterus paradigm,” has been challenged with the emergence of molecular techniques that enable the detection of bacteria in the placenta, uterus, or amniotic fluid in various mammals. This suggests the transmission of bacteria from mother to fetus within the uterine environment (Aagaard et al., 2014; Wassenaar and Panigrahi, 2014; Alipour et al., 2018).

A study conducted by Zakošek et al. (2020) explored the possibility of intrauterine bacterial colonization in canine fetuses by analyzing the composition of the microbiota in meconium and placenta samples. Bacteria were detected in 86.5% of the meconium samples and 57% of the placenta samples collected immediately after birth. Similar to humans, Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Neisseria zoodegmatis, belonging to the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla, were the most commonly isolated bacteria in dogs (Dong et al., 2018; He et al., 2020). These findings suggest that Staphylococcus is prevalent in the dam’s endometrial microbiota, while Streptococcus is more abundant in the vagina. This supports the hypothesis of transplacental transfer of microorganisms, indicating that the meconium of puppies born vaginally partially resembles the microbiota of the dam’s vagina (Lyman et al., 2019). In puppies delivered via cesarean section, the presence of microbiota, primarily Acinetobacter spp., Staphylococci, and Bacillus spp., has been observed in the amniotic fluid and meconium (Rota et al., 2021).

However, it is important to consider that these studies reported low bacterial concentrations using culture-based techniques, which may fail to identify the majority of organisms. Additionally, environmental contamination cannot be completely ruled out when collecting samples from newborns at birth (Gunay et al., 2010; Perez-Munoz et al., 2017).

Conversely, Banchi et al. (2023) sought to investigate the maternal-fetal microbiota in dogs and cats, employing both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods to explore the possibility of in utero colonization. To ensure the reliability of their findings, they rigorously implemented aseptic measures, exclusively including elective cesarean sections performed prior to the onset of the first stage of labor when the cervix remained closed. Moreover, they extended their analysis to include samples from the surgical tray to evaluate potential environmental contamination. The outcomes of this research indicated that bacterial biomass is exceedingly low in healthy full-term canine and feline pregnancies, with evidence pointing to contamination from the mother’s skin as the likely origin of the detected bacteria. However, confirming the presence of viable bacteria in most cases proved challenging, thereby supporting the prevailing “sterile uterus paradigm.” Similarly, Del Carro et al. (2022) also observed a low frequency of isolation of enteric bacteria in the meconium of canine neonates. Despite these results, the topic of intrauterine bacterial transfer remains contentious, prompting the call for future investigations to employ more stringed protocols in verifying and controlling for contamination while also providing insights into bacterial viability (Banchi et al., 2023).

Following birth, the mother’s vertical transfer becomes the first influential factor in modulating the puppy’s intestinal microbiota. Pregnant dogs, for instance, transmit Bifidobacteria from their intestinal tract to their offspring (Milani et al., 2017b). In sows, maternal microbial agents from milk, skin, vagina, and feces contribute to approximately 90% of the bacteria in the small intestine of newborns less than 35 days old (Liu et al., 2019). These findings highlight the crucial role of vertical transmission from mother to offspring in shaping the initial composition and diversity of the newborn’s microbiota.

Recent studies in human infants have suggested that the transfer of bacteria from mother to baby is highly dependent on the type of birth, with babies born via cesarean section showing altered microbiota and a higher risk of health problems (Dominguez-Bello et al., 2016; Mortensen et al., 2021). Similar findings have been observed in canine studies, where the meconium of puppies delivered by cesarean section had lower bacterial diversity compared to those born vaginally (Zakošek Pipan et al., 2020; Kajdič et al., 2021). Furthermore, Staphylococcus species quickly colonize the meconium of puppies born vaginally, similar to their presence in the mother’s vaginal microbiota (Zakošek Pipan et al., 2020). In human medicine, reduced diversity and early colonization of opportunistic bacteria have been observed in children born via cesarean section, impacting their health during the neonatal period (Dewey et al., 2003; Flaherman et al., 2015). Similarly, puppies born vaginally have been shown to gain weight significantly faster than those born via cesarean section, and the presence of bacterial colonization detected in the meconium correlated with increased weight gain on the third and fourth days of life (Garrigues et al., 2023).

In human studies, babies born vaginally come into contact with maternal vaginal and fecal microbiota, resulting in colonization of the neonatal gut by vaginally associated microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and Prevotella (Biasucci et al., 2010; Dominguez-Bello et al., 2010). In contrast, babies delivered via cesarean section are not directly exposed to maternal microorganisms and are more likely to be colonized by environmental microorganisms from the mother’s skin, hospital staff, or the hospital environment (Biasucci et al., 2010; Bokulich et al., 2016; Backhed et al., 2015; Rodriguez et al., 2015). Although the differences in microbiota between babies born vaginally and by cesarean section gradually decrease over time, babies delivered via cesarean section tend to maintain a more heterogeneous microbiota up to 12 months of age compared to those born vaginally (Backhed et al., 2015; Martin et al., 2016). Furthermore, persistent differences in the intestinal microbiota between children born via cesarean section and vaginal delivery have been reported at 7 years of age (Salminen et al., 2004; Penders et al., 2006; Neu and Rushing, 2011).

The observed differences in microbiota between babies born vaginally and by cesarean section have been associated with the protective effect of the natural route, as cesarean section has been linked to long-term health implications. Studies have reported a significant reduction in cytokine levels in babies delivered via cesarean section (Malamitsi-Puchner et al., 2005; Jakobsson et al., 2014), as well as an increased risk of immunological disorders such as asthma (Thavagnanam et al., 2008), allergies (Bager et al., 2008), type 1 diabetes (Cardwell et al., 2008), and a higher incidence of obesity (Pei et al., 2014). These findings highlight the importance of the initial intestinal microbiota in the maturation and development of the host’s immune system, emphasizing the impact of the delivery route on the individual’s health throughout adulthood, even though the effects on microbiota composition decrease after the early years of life (Milani et al., 2017b).

Dogs as a research model for human studies

Recent studies have shown that the canine intestinal microbiota is similar to that of humans (Coelho et al., 2018). This similarity may be attributed, in part, to the domestication of dogs, which has led to changes in their intestinal microbiota compared to non-domesticated wolves. The interaction between dogs and humans has resulted in the loss of certain intestinal bacteria and the emergence of new gastrointestinal bacteria (Coelho et al., 2018) (Fig 1).

Figure 1. Canine domestication has influenced the composition of the intestinal microbiota. The domestic dog has undergone a loss of specific intestinal bacteria compared to their non-domesticated wolf counterparts, while the close interaction with humans has introduced new gastrointestinal bacteria in dogs. a) Comparison of phylum distribution of genes in the intestinal gene catalogs of domesticated dogs and non-domesticated wolves (b) Representative image showing the proportion of genes shared between the canine intestinal microbiota and the gene catalog of the human intestinal microbiota. (Modified from Coelho et al., 2018).

Domesticated canines have acquired five bacterial taxa that are also present in the human intestinal microbiota. Additionally, the intestinal microbiota of domesticated canines exhibits greater species diversity when compared to non-domesticated canines. These observations suggest that the canine intestinal microbiota has evolved alongside its host due to cohabitation with humans (Huang et al., 2020). Moreover, canines demonstrate the ability to adapt and develop resilience against dietary changes, a trail also observed in the human intestinal microbiota (Lozupone et al., 2012).

Interestingly, the canine intestinal microbiome globally shows a higher taxonomic and functional overlap with the human intestinal microbiome. Since microbial strains in the intestine are host-specific, this resemblance cannot be solely explained by direct transmission between dogs and humans. Instead, it appears to be a consequence of shared physiology and lifestyle (Coelho et al., 2018).

Natural selection, influenced by similar environmental pressures, may have played a significant role in shaping a shared set of genes between humans and dogs (Coelho et al., 2018). During the process of domestication, genes related to digestion, metabolism, and neurological processes in both species underwent positive selection (Wang et al., 2013; Coelho et al., 2018). These findings suggest a parallel evolution and genetic overlap between humans and dogs in these aspects.

Furthermore, similarities have been observed in the phenotypes of dysbiotic rectal composition in dogs and humans, indicating a potential shared pathophysiology between neonatal diseases in both species associated with early dysbiosis (Tal et al., 2021). Studies have constructed a catalog of genes in the canine intestinal microbiome, revealing that it is predominantly composed of five phyla: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria. The distribution of genetic phyla in the dog intestine is more similar to that of the human intestine, although a higher proportion of Fusobacteria genes is observed (Coelho et al., 2018).

The structural and functional similarity between the canine and human microbiomes suggests that studies conducted in dogs may provide valuable insights into human outcomes. Dogs can serve as models for investigating various diseases, including neurological disorders (Huang et al., 2020). By studying canine intestinal microorganisms, researchers can better understand changes in the canine gut bacteria under different conditions, simulate human diseases using canine models, and explore the intricate interactions between intestinal bacteria and diseases (Huang et al., 2020).

Vaginal Seeding

Vaginal seeding refers to a technique in which maternal vaginal fluids are used to inoculate a gauze or swab, transferring a portion of the vaginal microbiota to the mouth, nose, or skin of a newborn delivered by cesarean section (Mueller et al., 2015). The aim of vaginal seeding is to facilitate the colonization of the infant’s gut with beneficial bacteria and reduce the subsequent risk of asthma, atopic disease, and immunological disorders associated with cesarean section births (Mueller et al., 2015).

While there has been increasing interest in vaginal seeding, only a few published studies have examined its use in humans (Butler et al., 2021). One small pilot study by Dominguez Bello et al. (2016) found that the microbiomes of babies born via cesarean section who received vaginal seeding were more similar to those born vaginally in terms of their skin, oral cavity, and anal cavity microbiota. However, since no stool samples were collected, the effect of seeding on the intestinal microbiota remains unclear (Butler et al., 2021).

Another study by Song et al. (2021) suggested that vaginal seeding may be associated with the development of an infant’s microbiota during the first year of life, resembling that of vaginally delivered babies more closely than those born via cesarean section. However, further research is needed to determine the potential benefits of this difference and establish a causal relationship between vaginal seeding and subsequent microbiota differences before endorsing it as a routine practice in cesarean sections.

Optimizing the microbiome holds promise as a therapeutic strategy to prevent neonatal diseases associated with dysbiosis, which has significant implications for global health. Vaginal seeding may be a valuable tool in this regard, but further studies are required to fully understand its effects.

Conclusion

Studying the canine intestinal microbiota offers valuable insights into the intricate interactions between the microorganisms and hosts, shedding light on disease development, progression, and treatment responses. This understanding of the profound impact of the intestinal microbiota on individual health opens up new avenues for translational medicine, enriching healthcare not only for humans but also for domestic animals. Dog, as a research model, hold great promise in bridging the gap between human and animal studies, facilitating the advancement of knowledge and therapeutic approaches in the context of the microbiome. As we unravel the shared complexities of the canine and human microbiotas, we gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that govern health and disease across species, fostering the development of targeted interventions and personalized treatments. Thus, harnessing the potential of canine models in microbiota research paves the way for improved well-being and healthcare outcomes, benefiting both human and canine population alike.

Funding Statement

Financial support: SB received scholarship grant from CAPES (grant# 88887.550476/2020-00).