Feline Microbiome Monitoring Using Bacterial Abundance Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current research has not adequately addressed the specific health status of a feline's gastrointestinal microbiome throughout its life stages, particularly in relation to dietary factors and breed differences, which are crucial for understanding digestive function and resilience to infections.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine the health of a feline's microbiome by quantitating four or more bacterial species and comparing their relative abundance to a control data set, using techniques such as PCR and 16S rDNA sequencing, and calculating the Shannon Diversity Index to assess microbiome diversity, with the option to change the microbiome composition through dietary or pharmaceutical interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microbiome assessment methods are developed for felines, then understanding of feline digestive function and infection resilience is improved, but research gaps regarding breed differences and dietary factors remain unaddressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the microbiome assessment into multiple independent components: (1) quantification of specific bacterial species abundances, (2) calculation of diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson), and (3) generation of health status reports. This segmentation allows the system to address specific research questions about breed differences and dietary factors independently while maintaining overall assessment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple diversity indices (Shannon index, Simpson index) and measures abundances of different bacterial species as varying parameters to assess microbiome health from multiple angles. This multi-parameter approach enables the system to capture complex variations across different breeds and dietary conditions, improving both precision and adaptability simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If quantitative methods for bacterial species are implemented, then microbiome health determination is improved, but complexity of analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on measuring only the most relevant bacterial species and diversity metrics necessary for feline microbiome assessment, rather than analyzing all possible microbial parameters. This selective extraction maintains measurement precision for key indicators while reducing overall analytical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses established microbiome analysis methodologies and diversity index calculations that have been validated in other species, adapting them for feline use. This approach leverages existing proven methods rather than developing entirely new complex techniques, reducing analysis complexity while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If microbiome composition changes are made through dietary or pharmaceutical interventions, then microbiome health is improved, but monitoring of changes over time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes baseline microbiome profiles for different feline breeds and dietary conditions before interventions are applied. This preliminary characterization allows for faster monitoring of changes during interventions, as deviations from the baseline can be quickly identified without requiring extensive re-assessment, thus reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where microbiome health status is continuously monitored and compared against reference ranges, allowing for real-time assessment of intervention effectiveness. This feedback loop enables rapid adjustment of dietary or pharmaceutical interventions to maintain microbiome health, reducing the time required for successful modification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately determines the health of a feline's microbiome, identifying unhealthy conditions and allowing for targeted interventions to restore a healthy state, thereby improving digestive function and resilience.
Implementation Method 1
using techniques such as PCR and 16S rDNA sequencing
Implementation Method 2
using techniques such as PCR and 16S rDNA sequencing
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for assessing a feline's microbiome health are provided. The methods include, inter alia, determining the health of a feline's microbiome comprising quantitation four or more bacterial species and determining the relative abundance of the four or more bacterial species by comparing the abundance with a control data set, wherein an increase or decrease in the abundance can be indicative of an unhealthy microbiome.