Effect of a single rectal fecal microbiota transplantation on clinical severity and fecal microbial communities in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been advocated as a treatment for chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs. However, so far only short-term clinical effects have been reported whereas the effect on the microbiota remains unexplored. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Assess if a single FMT enema can lead to clinical improvement in dogs with CE when accompanied by presumed favorable microbiota changes. The effect of glycerol as a cryopreservative when storing FMT preparations also was assessed. ANIMALS: Seven dogs with CE that received FMTs from 2 healthy donor dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six dogs received a single FMT, 1 dog received 3 consecutive FMTs. Canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) and fecal samples were obtained before (Day 0), and 7, 30 and 90&#x2009;days after FMT. Samples were stored with and without 10% glycerol. Sequencing of microbiota (16S rRNA, Illumina) was performed and compared by accepted analysis pipelines. RESULTS: Median CCECAI before FMT was 8 (range, 5-14), decreased to a median of 3 (range, 1-12) within 1&#x2009;week and a median of 1 (range, 0-12) by Day 30 (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;.01), with an average duration of response of approximately 10&#x2009;weeks. Significant variation in the donors' microbiota composition was observed across different donations. Recipient microbiota composition or diversity did not change over time. Glycerol addition was associated with a difference in microbiota composition (P&#x2009;&#x2264;&#x2009;.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A single FMT can be considered&#xa0;an appropriate treatment in dogs with CE, but consistent microbiota changes were not observed.