Chief Science Officer AnimalBiome Oakland, California, United States
Abstract:
Background: Stool banks provide screened material for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), yet optimal donor screening and testing frequency guidelines in veterinary medicine are not well defined. Using six years of data, we estimated the probability of new parasite or pathogen infections arising in a companion animal stool bank and assessed whether this differed between cat and dog donors.
Objectives: We aimed to determine: (1) the parasites and pathogens found in stool bank donors, (2) their incidence, and (3) how undetected infections vary with different testing frequencies. We hypothesized that reduced testing frequency increases the probability of undetected infections and that testing recommendations are similar for cats and dogs. Animals: We analyzed records from 158 healthy cats and dogs enrolled in a stool bank in California (March 2018–December 2023). Fecal samples were obtained non-invasively.
Methods: Monthly fecal tests for parasites and pathogens were conducted using Antech/Keyscreen and the IDEXX Diarrhea Panel. Incidence rates were calculated, and probabilities of undetected infections were modeled for different testing intervals (monthly, every three, six, or 12 months).
Results: A total of 34 positive parasite/pathogen cases were identified from 1,275 dog tests and 506 cat tests. The most common pathogens were FeCoV, Giardia, and tapeworms. Probability modeling showed increased risk of undetected infections with less frequent testing.
Conclusions: Monitoring frequency should align with acceptable risk levels. Given the observed parasite/pathogen incidence in this region, monthly testing may be warranted for both cat and dog donors to minimize transmission risk to FMT recipients.
