Associations between canine skin microbiota, environment and allergies. canine metagenome

Associations between skin microbiota, exposure to environmental microbes and the prevalence of allergies was examined in urban and rural environments using a canine model. The skin microbiota was characterised by the bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences. Three factors described the exposure of the skin to environmental microbes: 1) land-use in the residential environment of the birth environment and the current home, 2) the contact with different land-use types during exercise, and 3) lifestyle of the dog-owner. Lifestyle and allergic symptoms were quantified with a large questionnaire.