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Volume 26
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Review

Natural Microbiota of Dogs and Cats as a Source and Vector of Resistance Genes—Clinical Significance

by
Iga Horodyska
1,
Patrycja Kasperska
1,
Kacper Michalski
1,
Joanna Bubak
2,
Izabela Herman
3 and
Marta Miszczak
4,*
1
EZA Student Science Club, Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 31 Norwida St., 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
2
Department of Pathology, Division of Pathomorphology and Veterinary Forensics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 31 Norwida St., 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
3
Vetspec Companion Animal Healthcare Centre, Odrzanska 9, 55-003 Czernica, Poland
4
Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Birds and Exotic Animals, Division of Infectious Diseases and Veterinary Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Sq.45, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7717; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167717 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 1 July 2025 / Revised: 5 August 2025 / Accepted: 6 August 2025 / Published: 9 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics of Microorganisms Colonizing Animals and Alternative Methods of Infection Control in the Light of the “One Health” Concept)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a growing global threat, driven by widespread antibiotic misuse across human and veterinary medicine. Companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, harbor complex natural microbiota—including skin, mucosal, and gastrointestinal communities—that are essential to their health yet also serve as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). These ARGs can spread through horizontal gene transfer (HGT), especially during bacterial imbalances such as endogenous infections or surgical interventions, increasing the risk of difficult-to-treat infections. Documented zoonotic and anthroponotic transmissions of resistant strains such as MRSA, MRSP, and ESBL-producing E. coli highlight the bidirectional nature of ARG flow between animals and humans. This underscores the critical importance of the One Health approach, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to monitor, understand, and combat AMR across the human–animal-environment interface. Key mechanisms of ARG dissemination, the role of companion animal microbiota, and real-world examples of resistance transfer between species illustrate the complexity and urgency of addressing AMR. Targeted surveillance, rational antibiotic use, and public awareness are essential to preserving antimicrobial efficacy and safeguarding both human and animal populations.
Keywords: natural microbiota; resistance genes; vectors; drug resistance; dogs; cats; surgical procedures; one health; antimicrobial resistance; endogenous infections natural microbiota; resistance genes; vectors; drug resistance; dogs; cats; surgical procedures; one health; antimicrobial resistance; endogenous infections

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MDPI and ACS Style

Horodyska, I.; Kasperska, P.; Michalski, K.; Bubak, J.; Herman, I.; Miszczak, M. Natural Microbiota of Dogs and Cats as a Source and Vector of Resistance Genes—Clinical Significance. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26, 7717. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167717

AMA Style

Horodyska I, Kasperska P, Michalski K, Bubak J, Herman I, Miszczak M. Natural Microbiota of Dogs and Cats as a Source and Vector of Resistance Genes—Clinical Significance. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025; 26(16):7717. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167717

Chicago/Turabian Style

Horodyska, Iga, Patrycja Kasperska, Kacper Michalski, Joanna Bubak, Izabela Herman, and Marta Miszczak. 2025. "Natural Microbiota of Dogs and Cats as a Source and Vector of Resistance Genes—Clinical Significance" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26, no. 16: 7717. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167717

APA Style

Horodyska, I., Kasperska, P., Michalski, K., Bubak, J., Herman, I., & Miszczak, M. (2025). Natural Microbiota of Dogs and Cats as a Source and Vector of Resistance Genes—Clinical Significance. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(16), 7717. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167717

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