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Home / Equine Research Bank / Microorganisms / Analysis of the Culturable Skin Microbiome of Horses from So...
Microorganisms2025; 13(3); 623; doi: 10.3390/microorganisms13030623

Analysis of the Culturable Skin Microbiome of Horses from Southern Germany.

Abstract: Horses have close interactions with humans and are important as working animals and livestock. In contrast to smaller companion animals like cats and dogs, there is only little information available about their skin microbiome. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the culturable cutaneous microbiome of healthy horses. Samples were taken from 14 horses from Southern Germany which were randomly enrolled in this study. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used as a method to detect the culturable microorganisms of horse skin. The most abundant culturable species of horse skin identified in this study include , , , , , and . Analyses of the bacteria across different body regions indicated the specific preferences of species for certain skin areas. In addition, our data hinted to an influence of the age of the horses tested and an influence between the four stables studied.
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Publication Date: 2025-03-08 PubMed ID: 40142516PubMed Central: PMC11945438DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13030623Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the skin microbiome of horses in Southern Germany through scientific testing, revealing different species of bacteria in various areas of their skin and potential differences based on age and stable environment.

Objective of the Study

  • The study aimed at identifying and characterizing the culturable skin microbiome of healthy horses. Similar studies have been conducted on smaller animals such as cats and dogs, but there is insufficient information about horses’ skin microbiome. Understanding the cutaneous microbiome can significantly contribute to managing disease prevention and overall health in horses.

Methodology Used

  • Fourteen horses from Southern Germany were enrolled for the study. Random selection ensured the reduction of biases in the collected samples.
  • The researchers utilized Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). This method is highly reliable for identifying and characterizing microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi. It delivers fast results using molecular fingerprinting and helps researchers analyze the biochemical profile of each sample.

Results of the Study

  • The culturable skin microbiome of horses comprises several species of bacteria, which vary in abundance.
  • These bacteria exhibited specific preferences for certain skin areas. Different species were found to dominate different body regions, indicating that the skin microbiome composition is diverse. Understanding these preferences can provide insight to veterinarians and microbiologists for treating skin diseases in horses.
  • The study suggested the age of the horses could potentially influence their skin microbiome. While the researchers did not detail this finding, it might imply that the microbiome evolves over time, similar to findings in human studies.
  • The research also noted a relationship between the horse’s skin microbiome and their stable environments. The environmental factors in different stables could affect the diversity and composition of the skin microbiome in horses. This is an important observation for livestock managers and veterinarians who aim to create a healthy environment for horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Matinpour M, Zettner N, Neumann K, Bäumer L, Burkovski A. (2025). Analysis of the Culturable Skin Microbiome of Horses from Southern Germany. Microorganisms, 13(3), 623. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13030623

Publication

Microorganisms
ISSN: 2076-2607
NlmUniqueID: 101625893
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 3
PII: 623

Researcher Affiliations

Matinpour, Mahdis
  • Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
Zettner, Nadine
  • Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
Neumann, Kristin
  • Mymicrobiome GmbH, Nürnberger Str. 108e, 96050 Bamberg, Germany.
Bäumer, Lisa
  • Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
  • Mymicrobiome GmbH, Nürnberger Str. 108e, 96050 Bamberg, Germany.
Burkovski, Andreas
  • Microbiology Division, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.

Grant Funding

  • 2024-6459-MY-08 / Bayern Innovativ

Conflict of Interest Statement

K.N. and L.B. were employed by the company Mymicrobiome GmbH. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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