The skin microbiome in allergen-induced canine atopic dermatitis.

Background: Studies focusing on next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene have allowed detailed surveys of skin bacterial populations (microbiota) of the skin.

Hypothesis/objectives: This study evaluated temporal changes in the skin microbiota in a canine model of atopic dermatitis.

Animals: Eight atopic dogs previously sensitized with house dust mites (HDM).

Genome-wide linkage study of atopic dermatitis in West Highland White Terriers.

Background: Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, heritable, chronic allergic skin condition prevalent in the West Highland White Terrier (WHWT). In canine AD, environmental allergens trigger an inflammatory response causing visible skin lesions and chronic pruritus that can lead to secondary bacterial and yeast infections. The disorder shares many of the clinical and histopathological characteristics of human AD and represents an animal model of this disorder that could be used to further elucidate genetic causes of human AD.