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Objective: To determine the normal fecal microbiome of healthy rabbits in comparison to rabbits with gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Next-generation DNA sequencing was used to identify the primary bacteria and fungi in the microbiome., Methods: Fecal pellets from 25 clinically healthy rabbits and 25 rabbits experiencing GI disease were collected. Next-generation DNA sequencing was performed targeting the ITS-2 region for mycobiome, and the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA for bacteriome analysis. ITS-2 stands for internal transcribed spacer 2, a region of DNA in fungi that is used to identify and classify species., Results: In healthy rabbit feces, Bacteroidales sp, Odoribacter sp, Paraprevotella xylaniphila, Lachnospiraceae sp, Papillibacter sp, Akkermansia sp, and Ruminococcus sp were noted to be more prevalent. Comparatively, Lachnoclostridium sp, Anaerotruncus sp, Subdoligranulum sp, and B uniformis were found in greater abundance in rabbits with GI disease. Only 1 fungal species, Malassezia restricta, was significantly enriched in the GI disease group., Conclusions: Next-generation DNA sequencing technology can be used to evaluate the microbiome of the rabbit GI tract through fecal material and can provide a clinically accessible testing method for veterinarians., Clinical Relevance: Numerous bacteria and fungi in the fecal samples of healthy rabbits were identified that could be considered markers of gastrointestinal health; similarly, specific bacteria and fungi were noted in greater abundance in rabbits with GI disease, which should be further investigated for their importance in causing, contributing to, or as the result of clinical disease. These findings support the use of next-generation DNA sequencing in order to diversify our understanding of the microbiome of rabbit feces, aid in clinical diagnosis, and provide support for the need for more specific probiotic supplements for rabbits.

Pseudomonas mendocina, a Gram-negative, aerobic bacillus, has rarely been implicated in human infections. This report details the first documented case of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) caused by P. mendocina in a COVID-19-positive patient. We present the case of a 70-year-old male with obstructive uropathy who presented with altered mental status eight days after testing positive for COVID-19. Urine cultures identified P. mendocina and Enterococcus faecalis. The antibiotic regimen was adjusted to cefepime and fosfomycin for coverage against P. mendocina and E. faecalis, respectively, resulting in the patient's improvement and discharge with an outpatient course of ciprofloxacin. However, the patient was readmitted 12 days later for recurrent symptoms and traumatic catheter removal, requiring nephrostomy tube placement. Follow-up revealed severe bladder and prostate abnormalities, confirming a complex interplay of factors contributing to his infection. P. mendocina is a rare opportunistic pathogen, often occurring in patients with pre-existing health conditions. This case is significant as the first CAUTI caused by P. mendocina and highlights potential links between COVID-19 and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. The patient's comorbidities, particularly obstructive uropathy, and prolonged catheter use, were likely major factors in his infection. The role of COVID-19 in facilitating bacterial colonization remains speculative but warrants further investigation. This case report underscores the need for heightened clinical awareness and prompt intervention in patients with similar risk factors. The successful treatment regimen provides a valuable reference for managing such infections. Further research is needed to explore the interplay between viral and bacterial infections, particularly in the context of COVID-19., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Penney et al.)