Quantifying the mycobiome and its major constituents on the skin of 20 normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the density, and constituents, of the mycobiome on the skin surface of normal dogs. ANIMALS: 20 normal dogs were recruited for this study, with informed consent in all cases. METHODS: Flocked swabs were used to sample the skin surface and to sample the skin surface after superficial scraping with a blunted scapula. Both samples were taken within a brass guide with an internal area of 3.5 cm-2. Next-generation DNA sequencing was used to identify and quantify components of the mycobiome. RESULTS: The median density of the mycobiome was 1.1 X 105 cm-2 (IQR, 27,561, 409,572). Cladosporium spp and Vishniacozyma victoriae were found on all 20 dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the density and the composition of the cutaneous mycobiome will increase our understanding of skin biology and may have relevance to future therapeutic trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]