Effects of probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum 16 and Paenibacillus polymyxa 10 on intestinal barrier function, antioxidative capacity, apoptosis, immune response, and biochemical parameters in broilers

Performance, Serum Biochemical and Immunological Parameters, and Digestive Enzyme and Intestinal Barrier-Related Gene Expression of Broiler Chickens Fed Fermented Fava Bean By-Products as a Substitute for Conventional Feed

Improving the nutritional quality of unconventional feed ingredients such as fava bean by-products can enhance their utilization by broiler chickens. Hence, the quality of fermented fava bean by-products (FFB), in addition to growth, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme, and intestinal barrier-related gene expression, and serum biochemical and immunological parameters were evaluated in response to different levels of FFB. A total of 500 1-day-old broiler chicks (46.00 ± 0.388 g) were allocated to five groups with 10 replicates each (100 chicks per treatment). The first group was fed a corn-soybean diet (control diet), and the other four groups were fed a diet containing 5, 15, 25, and 35% FFB for 38 days. Birds fed 25% FFB exhibited maximum body weight gain (increase by 12.5%, compared with the control group) and the most improved feed conversion ratio. Additionally, birds fed FFB at 15, 25, and 35% showed improved dry matter and crude protein digestibility. Moreover, birds fed FFB at 25 and 35% exhibited a decrease in ileal pH and an increase in fiber digestibility (p < 0.05). Upregulation of digestive enzyme genes (AMY2A, PNLIP, and CCK) was observed in groups fed with FFB. The most prominent upregulation of genes encoding tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and junctional adhesion molecules) in the duodenum was observed in chicks fed 25 and 35% FFB (increase of 0.66-, 0.31-, and 1.06-fold and 0.74-, 0.44-, and 0.92-fold, respectively). Additionally, the highest expression level of enterocyte protective genes [glucagon-like peptide (GLP-2), mucin-2 (MUC-2), and fatty acid-binding protein (FABP-6)] was detected in duodenum of chicks fed high levels of FFB. Substitution of corn-soybean diet with FFB had an inhibitory effect on cecal pathogenic microbes (Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens) and increased beneficial microflora (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium), especially at high levels. Additionally, an increase was observed in IgM and lysozyme activity, with no effect on IgA in all groups fed FFB. All levels of FFB decreased cholesterol levels. Based on our results, we concluded that substitution of corn-soybean diet with FFB can improve the growth rate and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens, enhance their intestinal barrier functions, and increase the number of beneficial microorganisms. Using FFB at 25% had a positive effect on the growth performance of broiler chickens, and it could be utilized in poultry farms.

Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Instead of Antibiotics on Growth Performance, Intestinal Health, and Intestinal Microbiota of Broilers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 (SC06) instead of antibiotics on the growth performance, intestinal health, and intestinal microbiota of broilers. A total of 360 30-day-old Lingnan yellow broilers were randomly allocated into two groups with six replicates per group (30 birds per replicate). The broilers were fed either a non-supplemented diet or a diet supplemented with 10⁸ colony-forming units lyophilized SC06 per kilogram feed for 30 days. Results showed that SC06 supplementation had no effect on the growth performance compared with that of the control group. SC06 treatment significantly (P <0.05) increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the liver, and the activities of trypsin, α-amylase (AMS), and Na⁺K⁺-ATPase in the ileum, whereas it decreased (P < 0.05) lipase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), and maltase activities in the ileum. Meanwhile, SC06 treatment also improved the immune function indicated by the significantly (P < 0.05) increased anti-inflammatory cytokine [interleukin (IL)-10] level and the decreased (P < 0.05) pro-inflammatory cytokine [IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] levels in the ileum. Furthermore, we also found that SC06 enhanced the intestinal epithelial intercellular integrity (tight junction and adhesion belt) in the ileum. Microbial analysis showed that SC06 mainly increased the alpha diversity indices in the jejunum, ileum, and cecum. SC06 treatment also significantly (P < 0.05) increased the abundances of Bacteroidetes, Bacteroidales, Bacteroides, Fusobacteria, Clostridiaceae, and Veillonellaceae in the cecum and simultaneously decreased the abundances of Planococcaceae in the duodenum, Microbacteriaceae in the jejunum, and Lachnospiraceae, [Ruminococcus] and Ruminococcus in cecum. In conclusion, these results suggested that B. amyloliquefaciens instead of antibiotics showed a potential beneficial effect on the intestinal health of broilers.

Molecular characterization, developmental expression, and modulation of occludin by early intervention with Clostridium butyricum in Muscovy ducks

Occludin is an important component of tight junction proteins and has been extensively studied in animals such as mice, chickens, geese, and pigs. As one of the most important waterfowl species in China, Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is an important economic animal for meat. However, research on the occludin gene in Muscovy duck is lacking. In the present study, Muscovy duck occludin cDNA was cloned for the first time. The length of the cDNA was 1,699 bp, and it showed a high sequence similarity with the Anser cygnoides domesticus and Gallus gallus occludin genes. The occludin gene was differentially expressed in the tissues of healthy ducks. The highest and lowest expressions of occludin were observed in the crop and the spleen, respectively. After the oral administration of Clostridium butyricum (CB), the occludin expression in the ileum of 7-day-old Muscovy ducks was significantly upregulated and subsequently showed a decreasing trend in 14-day-old Muscovy ducks. Under the early intervention of CB, no significant difference was observed in the occludin expression of cecum between the control and CB group. Collectively, these results suggest that CB plays an important role in regulating the expression of the occludin gene in Muscovy ducks, and adding CB in feed may maintain the intestinal barrier of ducks by regulating the expression of occludin.

The impact of probiotics on gut health via alternation of immune status of monogastric animals

The intestinal immune system is affected by various factors during its development, such as maternal antibodies, host genes, intestinal microbial composition and activity, and various stresses (such as weaning stress). Intestinal microbes may have an important impact on the development of the host immune system. Appropriate interventions such as probiotics may have a positive effect on intestinal immunity by regulating the composition and activity of intestinal microbes. Moreover, probiotics participate in the regulation of host health in many ways; for instance, by improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients, immune response, increasing the content of intestinal-beneficial microorganisms, and inhibiting intestinal-pathogenic bacteria, and they participate in regulating intestinal diseases in various ways. Probiotics are widely used as additives in livestock and the poultry industry and bring health benefits to hosts by improving intestinal microbes and growth performance, which provides more choices for promoting strong and efficient productivity.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL Downregulates the Ileal Expression of Genes Involved in Immune Responses in Broiler Chickens to Improve Growth Performance

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL promotes broiler chicken performance by improving nutrient absorption and utilization and reducing intestinal inflammation. In this study, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq)-based transcriptomes of ileal tissues collected from probiotic-fed and control broiler chickens were analyzed to elucidate the effects of the probiotic B. amyloliquefaciens TL, as a feed additive, on the gut immune function. In total, 475 genes were significantly differentially expressed between the ileum of probiotic-fed and control birds. The expression of genes encoding pyruvate kinase, prothymosin-α, and heat stress proteins was high in the ileum of probiotic-fed birds (FPKM > 500), but not in the control group. The gene ontology functional enrichment and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the uniquely expressed genes in the control group were mostly involved in immune responses, whereas those in the probiotic group were involved in fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathways and positive regulation of cell proliferation. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL downregulated the expression of certain proinflammatory factors and affected the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathway. Furthermore, B. amyloliquefaciens TL in broiler diets altered the expression of genes involved in immune functions in the ileum. Thus, it might contribute to improved broiler growth by regulating the immune system and reducing intestinal damage in broilers.

Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v Changes miRNA Expression in the Intestines of Piglets and Leads to Downregulation of LITAF by Regulating ssc-miR-450a

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum 299v (L. plantarum 299v) is one of the most important probiotic strains in animal health, but the molecular mechanisms of how it exerts health benefits remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the changes in miRNA expression profiles in the intestinal tissues of piglets by L. plantarum 299v and to explore its possible molecular regulatory mechanism in intestinal function. Neonatal piglets were orally administered L. plantarum 299v daily from 1 to 20 days old, and high-throughput sequencing was conducted to analyse the changes in miRNA expression in the jejunum and ileum. The results showed that 370 known porcine miRNAs were identified from eight libraries. Five miRNAs (ssc-miR-21-5p, -143-3p, -194b-5p, -192, and -126-3p) were highly expressed in the intestinal tissues. There were 15 differentially expressed miRNAs between the control group and the L. plantarum group, and only miR-450a was expressed differentially in both intestinal tissues. KEGG analysis revealed that the target genes of the 15 differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in 37 significantly enriched pathways (P < 0.01). Then, quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed that the miRNA expression was corresponded well with those from the sequencing. Luciferase reporter assays verified that lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α factor is a target of miR-450a. Our results also showed L. plantarum 299v could influence intestinal function by changing the levels of cytokines via miRNA expression. This is the first study to analyse differential expression miRNA profiles in intestinal tissue after L. plantarum 299v treatment and investigate the molecular regulatory mechanism of functional miRNA.

Isolation and Evaluation of Probiotic Potential of Lactic Acid Strains From Healthy Equines for Potential Use in Salmonella Infection

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the probiotic properties, security and antibacterial ability in vivo of isolated strains from healthy equine. In the present study, two Pediococcus acidilactici (P1 and P2) and two Lactobacillus equi (L1 and L2) were isolated. All isolates were died when exposed to pH 2.0 for 3 hours but survived at pH 3.0 and pH 4.0 with differential survival rate, and there is a higher survival rate at pH 4.0. Similarly, the isolates showed different tolerance to bile. The viable bacteria count was sustained at high levels in a tolerance test with artificial gastrointestinal fluid. The isolates survived and grew at temperatures between 37 and 55°C but died at 65°C. Four strains exhibited inhibitory activity against pathogens, including Salmonella typhimurium (CVCC542), Escherichia coli (C83902), Staphylococcus aureus (BNCC186335), and Pasteurella multocida (clinical isolate). These isolates exhibited differential antibiotic susceptibility. In safety trials, all isolates were γ-hemolytic, and the oral toxicity of strains P1 (gavaged with 1 × 109 CFU/day) and L1 (gavaged with 1 × 109 CFU/day) were analyzed in mice. There were no effects on the overall health status of mice. There were no prominent differences in the incidence of bacteria translocation to blood, liver, and spleen. Mice gavaged with Pediococcus acidilactici P1 (1 × 108 CFU/day) or Lactobacillus equi L1 (1 × 108 CFU/day) as prevention showed lower rates of diarrhea and mortality after being challenged with Salmonella typhimurium (4 × 106 CFU signal dose, 0.1 mL by intragastric gavage). The results indicate that the isolated strains could act as potential probiotics, providing a new way to reduce salmonella infection, which merit future application studies.

Pretreatment with probiotics ameliorate gut health and necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens, a substitute to antibiotics

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is being considered as one of the most important intestinal diseases in the recent poultry production systems, which causes huge economic losses globally. NE is caused by Clostridium perfringens, a pathogenic bacterium, and normal resident of the intestinal microflora of healthy broiler chickens. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of broiler chicken is considered as the most integral part of pathogen's entrance, their production and disease prevention. Interaction between C. perfringens and other pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella present in the small intestine may contribute to the development of NE in broiler chickens. The antibiotic therapy was used to treat the NE; however European Union has imposed a strict ban due to the negative implications of drug resistance. Moreover, antibiotic growth promoters cause adverse effects on human health as results of withdrawal of antibiotic residues in the chicken meat. After restriction on use of antibiotics, numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the alternatives to antibiotics for controlling NE. Thus, possible alternatives to prevent NE are bio-therapeutic agents (Probiotics), prebiotics, organic acids and essential oils which help in nutrients digestion, immunity enhancement and overall broiler performance. Recently, probiotics are extensively used alternatives to antibiotics for improving host health status and making them efficient in production. The aim of review is to describe a replacement to antibiotics by using different microbial strains as probiotics such as bacteria and yeasts etc. having bacteriostatic properties which inhibit growth of pathogens and neutralize the toxins by different modes of action.

Bacillus subtilis and lactic acid bacteria improve the growth performance and blood parameters and reduce Salmonella infection in broilers

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine the potentials and effects of Bacillus subtilis and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as probiotics on broiler growth, health, and Salmonella infection.

Materials and Methods

To evaluate the inoculum size applicable for broilers, 1-day-old broilers were orally fed fresh cultures of single strains and a B. subtilis KKU213/Pediococcus pentosaceus NP6 mixture at 10⁸ and 10¹² colony-forming unit (CFUs)/mL/chick. The body weight gain (BWG), Salmonella contamination level and total Bacillus and LAB abundances in the crop and intestine were measured. Subsequently, 1-day-old broilers were orally fed of KKU213, CH403, and Pediococcus acidilactici SH8 at 10¹⁰ CFUs/mL, followed by inulin. After 35 days, the BWG, Bacillus and LAB abundances in the cecum, blood parameters, and KKU213 colonization were assessed.

Results

The broilers fed single strains or KKU213+NP6 exhibited a higher BWG and a higher crop LAB abundance than the controls (p<0.05). Probiotic feeding decreased the intestinal Salmonella abundance and correspondingly increased the LAB abundance. The broilers fed the mixed culture (KKU213+CH403+SH8) followed by prebiotics showed lower mortality, higher blood high-density lipoprotein levels, and lower blood uric acid levels than the controls (p<0.0004). Probiotic feeding significantly increased the Bacillus and LAB counts (p<0.05). A CE330 isolate obtained from the cecum after 35 days of KKU213 feeding was closely related to B. subtilis KKU213.

Conclusion

B. subtilis KKU213 is a potent probiotic strain that can survive, colonize and reduce Salmonella infection in broilers and improve their growth and health. This strain, combined with different LAB can act synergistically in the gut and promote broiler growth.

Probiotics in poultry feed: A comprehensive review

The use of antibiotics to maintain animal well-being, promote growth and improve efficiency has been practised for more than 50 years. However, as early as the 1950s, researchers identified concern on the development of resistant bacteria for the antibiotics streptomycin and tetracycline used in turkeys and broilers respectively. These findings laid the groundwork for agricultural officials to impose stricter regulatory parameters on the use of antibiotics in poultry feeds. Probiotics are live micro-organisms included in the diet of animals as feed additives or supplements. Commonly known as a direct-fed microbial, probiotics provide beneficial properties to the host, primarily through action in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the animal. Supplementation of probiotics in the diet can improve animal health and performance, through contributions to gut health and nutrient use. For instance, supplementation of probiotics has been demonstrated to benefit farm animals in immune modulation, structural modulation and increased cytokine production, which positively affect the intestinal mucosal lining against pathogens. Bacillus subtilis has been a popular bacterium used within the industry and was shown to improve intestinal villus height. Increasing the villus height and structure of the crypts in the GIT allows for the improvement of nutrient digestion and absorption. Tight junctions maintain important defences against pathogenic bacteria and cellular homeostasis. Heat stress can be a major environmental challenge in the poultry industry. Heat stress causes the bird to fluctuate its internal core temperature beyond their comfort zone. To overcome such challenges, poultry will attempt to balance its heat production and dissipation through behavioural and physiological adaptation mechanisms.

Illicium verum extracts and probiotics with added glucose oxidase promote antioxidant capacity through upregulating hepatic and jejunal Nrf2/Keap1 of weaned piglets

Accumulating evidences indicate that plant extracts and probiotics are effective antioxidant substitutes which play important roles in animal production. However, the comparative study of the mechanism underlying the antioxidant property of Illicium verum extracts (IVE) and probiotics with added glucose oxidase (PGO) on piglets remains to be explored. This study evaluated the difference and the interaction effect of IVE and PGO on serum, liver, and jejunum antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. A total of 32 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) at the age of 28 d with an average body weight of 14.96 ± 0.32 kg were randomly divided into four treatments with eight replicates per treatment in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments included basal diet (IVE-PGO-), basal diet + 1,000 mg/kg PGO (IVE-PGO+), basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE (IVE+PGO-), and basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE + 1,000 mg/kg PGO (IVE+PGO+). All the piglets were housed individually for the 42-d trial period after 7-d adaptation. The piglets were euthanized at the end of the experiment and the liver and jejunum samples were taken and subjected to immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, as well as antioxidant and qRT-PCR analysis. Significant interactions were observed between IVE and PGO for total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum (42 d), liver, and jejunum; malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum (21 d); and mRNA and protein expression of kelch sample related protein-1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor (Nrf2)/Keap1 in the liver and jejunum (P < 0.05). Both IVE and PGO improved (P < 0.05) T-SOD and GSH-Px in the serum (42 d), liver, and jejunum, and the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and Nrf2/Keap1 in the liver and jejunum, but decreased (P < 0.05) MDA in the serum (21 d) and the mRNA and protein expression of Keap1 in the liver and jejunum. Immunohistochemical results confirmed that IVE and PGO enhanced the positive reactions of Nrf2 but weakened Keap1 in both the liver and jejunum. In conclusion, the results confirmed that IVE (500 mg/kg) and PGO (1,000 mg/kg) can improve the antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets and that the interaction effect between IVE and PGO is significant. At the same time, the fact that IVE and PGO activate the Nrf2/Keap1 in the liver and jejunum signaling pathway suggests that they play an important role in the ameliorative antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. Therefore, the combination of IVE and PGO could be recommended as a new potential alternative to antibiotics in piglets' diets.

Supplemental Bacillus subtilis DSM 29784 and enzymes, alone or in combination, as alternatives for antibiotics to improve growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, anti-oxidative status, immune response and the intestinal barrier of broiler chickens

The present study investigated the effect of Bacillus subtilis DSM 29784 (Ba) and enzymes (xylanase and β-glucanases; Enz), alone or in combination (BE) as antibiotic replacements, on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, immune response and the intestinal barrier of broiler chickens. In total, 1200 1-d-old broilers were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments, each with six replicate pens of forty birds for 63 d as follows: (a) basal diet (control), supplemented with (b) 1 × 10⁹ colony-forming units (cfu)/kg Ba, (c) 300 mg/kg Enz, (d) 1 × 10⁹ cfu/kg Ba and 300 mg/kg Enz and (e) 250 mg/kg enramycin (ER). Ba, Enz and BE, similar to ER, decreased the feed conversion rate, maintained intestinal integrity with a higher villus height:crypt depth ratio and increased the numbers of goblet cells. The BE group exhibited higher expression of claudin-1 and mucin 2 than the other four groups. BE supplementation significantly increased the α-diversity and β-diversity of the intestinal microbiota and markedly enhanced lipase activity in the duodenal mucosa. Serum endotoxin was significantly decreased in the BE group. Compared with those in the control group, increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were observed in the jejunal mucosa of the Ba and BE groups, respectively. In conclusion, the results suggested that dietary treatment with Ba, Enz or BE has beneficial effects on growth performance and anti-oxidative capacity, and BE had better effects than Ba or Enz alone on digestive enzyme activity and the intestinal microbiota. Ba or Enz could be used as an alternative to antibiotics for broiler chickens.

Composition and inclusion of probiotics in broiler diets alter intestinal permeability and spleen immune cell profiles without negatively affecting performance1

Probiotic feed additives with potential to enhance performance, health, and immunity have gained considerable popularity in commercial broiler production. The study objectives were to measure broiler performance, gut integrity, and splenic immune cell profiles in birds fed one of two probiotics at two inclusion levels. Nine hundred sixty Ross 708 broilers (12 per pen) were randomly assigned to no additive control, 0.05% or 0.10% LactoCare (Lactobacillus reuteri), or 0.05% or 0.10% LactoPlan (Lactobacillus plantarum) dietary treatments for 6 wk. On day 27, a 20-pen subset was utilized for a fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) assay, where half of the pens were subject to a 12-h feed restriction (FR) pregavage. Serum collected from blood drawn 1-h postgavage was analyzed for relative fluorescence of FITC-d absorbed across the intestinal barrier as a gut leakiness indicator. On day 42, spleens from eight birds per treatment were collected for immune cell profile analysis by multicolor flow cytometry. Although performance outcomes were not affected by dietary treatment, FITC-d absorption post-FR was increased 57% in the 0.05% LactoPlan treatment, and was decreased by 12.6% in the 0.05% LactoCare diet, 12% in the 0.10% LactoCare diet, and 22% in the 0.10% LactoPlan diet compared with the control. This indicates a positive impact in barrier integrity maintenance due to 0.05% and 0.10% LactoCare and 0.10% LactoPlan diet following a challenge. Immune cell profiles varied between the two probiotic compositions, with an approximately 50% reduction in splenic innate immune cells (monocyte/macrophage+) in birds fed LactoPlan (P < 0.0001) and greater overall percentages of CD45+ leukocytes and CD3+ T cells in birds fed 0.10% LactoCare (P < 0.0001). LactoPlan diets shifted splenic T-cell populations in favor of CD8α + cytotoxic T cells (TC; P = 0.007), while higher inclusions (0.10%) of either probiotic increased the percentage of activated CD4+ helper T cells (TH; P < 0.0001). These results indicate that compositionally different probiotics had varying effects on the gut permeability and splenic immune cell profiles in broiler chickens, particularly at higher inclusion rates, but observed changes to underlying physiology did not negatively impact performance outcomes. The ability of a probiotic to alter gut permeability and immune cell profile, therefore, may depend on the compositional complexity of the product as well as inclusion rate.

Probiotics in Animal Husbandry: Applicability and Associated Risk Factors

Probiotics have been emerging as a safe and viable alternative to antibiotics for increasing performance in livestock. Literature was collated via retrieved information from online databases, viz, PubMed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Besides improved immunomodulation and nutrient digestibility, in-feed probiotics have shown drastic reductions in gastrointestinal tract-invading pathogens. However, every novel probiotic strain cannot be assumed to share historical safety with conventional strains. Any strain not belonging to the wild-type distributions of relevant antimicrobials, or found to be harbouring virulence determinants, should not be developed further. Modes of identification and the transmigration potential of the strains across the gastrointestinal barrier must be scrutinized. Other potential risk factors include the possibility of promoting deleterious metabolic effects, excessive immune stimulation and genetic stability of the strains over time. Adverse effects of probiotics could be strain specific, depending on the prevailing immunological and physiological condition of the host. The most crucial concern is the stability of the strain. Probiotics stand a good chance of replacing antibiotics in animal husbandry. The possibility of the probiotics used in animal feed cross-contaminating the human food chain cannot be downplayed. Thus, the established safety measures in probiotic development must be adhered to for a successful global campaign on food safety and security.

Effects of Paenibacillus xylanexedens on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, intestinal microflora, and immune response in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88

This study investigated the effects of dietary Paenibacillus xylanexedens ysm1 supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune response, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88. A total of 320 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 4 treatments (8 floor pens, 10 birds/pen) including 1) negative control (NC) birds fed a basal diet and not challenged with E. coli K88; 2) positive control (PC) birds fed a basal diet and challenged with of E. coli K88; 3) P. xylanexedens ysm1 treatment (PRO) birds fed a basal diet supplemented with 1 × 109P. xylanexedens ysm1 cfu/kg feed and challenged with E. coli K88; and 4) antibiotic treatment (ANT) birds fed a basal diet supplemented with 20 mg of colistin sulphate/kg of feed and challenged with E. coli K88. The E. coli challenge decreased (P < 0.05) BWG in PC birds compared with the ANT birds on days 21 and 28. The FCR was higher (P < 0.01) in PC birds compared with the NC, PRO, and ANT birds on days 14, 21, and 28. Compared with the NC, PRO, and ANT birds on day 28, PC birds had shorter villi and higher number of goblet cells in both jejunum and ileum (P < 0.001). Irrespective of the dietary treatments, the E. coli challenge reduced the number of PCNA-positive cells in both the jejunum and ileum on day 28. Paenibacillus xylanexedens ysm1 treatment resulted in higher concentration of mucosal sIgA in the jejunum as compared to the other treatment groups on days 14 and 28. The numbers of cecal E. coli were reduced (P = 0.017) in broilers treated with P. xylanexedens ysm1 or antibiotic in comparison with the PC group on day 28. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that dietary supplementation of this new probiotic bacteria P. xylanexedens ysm1 improved broiler performance by modulating intestinal morphology, enhancing immune response, and reducing the number of E. coli in the cecum.

Patients With LR-HPV Infection Have a Distinct Vaginal Microbiota in Comparison With Healthy Controls

Condyloma acuminatum (CA) is a benign epithelium hyperplasia mainly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is now the second most common viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in China. In total, 90% of CA patients are caused by the low-risk HPV 6 and 11. Aside from low-risk HPV infection there are likely other factors within the local microenvironment that contribute to CA and there has been related research before. In this study, 62 vaginal specimens were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The diversity of the vaginal microbiota was higher and the composition was different with LR-HPV infection. While the relative abundance of dominant Firmicutes was lower, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria phyla were significantly higher; at the genus level Gardnerella, Bifidobacterium, Sneathia, Hydrogenophilus, Burkholderia, and Atopobium were higher. This study firstly confirmed a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the relationship between low-risk HPV infection and vaginal microbiota, in order to provide a theoretical basis for further research on the occurrence and development of CA.