by Researchers at Oregon State University—Cascades have discovered that gut microbes found in wild wolves may hold the key to treating a common gastrointestinal condition in domestic dogs. In a recent study published in Applied Microbiology, the researchers identified a novel strain of Paenibacillus bacteria that exhibits characteristics of a probiotic, meaning it can provide health benefits to the host.
The particular gastrointestinal condition that the researchers aimed to address is canine inflammatory bowel disease. This chronic illness is characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, reduced appetite, weight loss, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort. Dogs suffering from this condition experience ongoing dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal tract, and current treatment options are limited.
Environmental factors, genetics, and an altered gut microbiome are among the contributing factors to this condition. By studying the gut microbes of wild wolves, researchers hope to develop a dietary supplement or food additive that can restore the composition of a dog’s gut microbiome to that of its ancestor, the wolf.
According to Bruce Seal, a member of Oregon State University—Cascades’ biology program, dogs were the first domesticated animals. However, their modern diet, which is high in carbohydrates, does not accurately reflect the diet of wolves. For example, starches in processed dog food are resistant to digestion, which negatively affects the microbial community in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and its overall gastric health.
In the study, the researchers collected gastrointestinal material from a deceased wolf that had been struck by a car. Through genetic analyses, they isolated 20 different gut bacteria with probiotic qualities. The researchers conducted whole genome sequencing on a novel strain of Paenibacillus, a bacterium that produces enzymes capable of digesting complex carbohydrates like starches. Furthermore, this strain also has gene systems that express antimicrobials.
According to Seal, the non-toxic, spore-forming bacteria promote anti-inflammatory immune responses in the gut and inhibit the growth of pathogens. Therefore, this particular bacterial isolate could potentially serve as a beneficial probiotic for domestic dogs.
Future plans for the research team include conducting whole genome sequencing on four or five other bacterial species among the 20 isolates. By identifying and studying additional bacterial strains, the researchers hope to gain further insight into potential probiotic options for treating canine inflammatory bowel disease. Overall, this study marks an important step in finding innovative solutions to improve the health of domestic dogs by leveraging the knowledge gained from their wild relatives.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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