Abstract :
[en] Characterizing the microbiota is essential to improve the understanding and management
of urogenital disorders. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, this study investigated the urogenital
microbiota, including urine, vaginal, and prostatic communities, in a litter of 10 healthy
beagle puppies from 4 months of age until the completion of the first estrous cycle in
females and 18 months in males. A further objective was to compare these microbial
profiles with those of their dam. Significant differences were observed between urinary
and genital microbiota in both sexes, evolving over time. Notably, in females, puberty
and the first estrous cycle were associated with marked changes in the vaginal microbiota,
outweighing individual variability. In contrast, urinary microbiota remained stable during
female growth. In males, microbiota showed time-dependent and individual-specific
progression, with distinct microbial communities identified in the urinary bladder and
prostate. Shared genera between the dam and her offspring were observed, but inter
individual variability suggested a limited maternal influence. Further investigation is
needed to clarify vertical transmission patterns. In conclusion, the urogenital microbiota of
healthy dogs undergoes dynamic and distinct site-specific changes during early life.
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