Identification of Oxalobacter formigenes in the faeces of healthy cats

Aims: Oxalobacter formigenes is an oxalate-degrading intestinal bacterium that has been found in humans, cattle, sheep, rats and dogs. Its presence in the intestinal tract may be a protective factor against calcium oxalate urolithiasis because of its ability to degrade oxalate. The objective of this study was to determine whether O. formigenes could be detected in the faeces of healthy cats. Methods and Results: A convenience sample of 28 cats was enrolled. Faecal samples were tested for oxc, a gene specific for O. formigenes, by real-time PCR. This gene was detected in 5/28 (18%) cats; however, the prevalence increased to 86% (24/28) with a modification of the methodology. Conclusions: Demonstrating the presence of O. formigenes in the faeces of healthy cats for the first time in this study. Significance and Impact of the Study: Future investigation of the role of this organism in the pathophysiology of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in cats is indicated.