Mónica Pimienta

Mrs. Mónica Pimienta

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
8 July 2025 in Applied Microbiology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MPMónica Pimienta
Mónica Pimienta
HFHernán David Flórez-Ríos
Hernán David Flórez-Ríos
APAngie Patiño-Montoya
Angie Patiño-Montoya
ASAnyelo Imanol Florez Sanchez
Anyelo Imanol Florez Sanchez
LMLizeth Mejia
Lizeth Mejia
ACAndres Castillo
Andres Castillo
This exploratory study presents the first metagenomic assessment of the gut microbiome in domestic cats from Cali, Colombia. Fecal samples were collected from 10 healthy, sterilized domestic cats, aged 8 months to over 2 years, with variation in sex (7 females, 3 males), diet (processed or raw), and outdoor access (5 with, 5 without). Using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding and pooled shotgun metagenomic sequencing, the study characterized the taxonomic composition and functional potential of the feline gut microbiome. Dominant phyla included Bacillota and Bacteroidota, with substantial inter-individual variation. Peptoclostridium was the most consistently abundant genus, while Megamonas and Megasphaera showed higher variability. Shotgun analysis detected antibiotic resistance genes (ErmG, ErmQ) and virulence factors (pfoA, plc, colA, nanJ, nagI) in Clostridium perfringens, highlighting potential zoonotic risk. The composition of the gut microbiota was influenced primarily by diet and outdoor access, while age and gender had more moderate effects. The study concludes that lifestyle and environmental factors play a key role in shaping the gut microbiome of domestic cats. We recommend further longitudinal and larger-scale studies to better understand the dynamics of feline microbiota and their implications for animal and public health within a One Health framework.