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Long AE, Pitta D, Hennessy M, Indugu N, Vecchiarelli B, Luethy D, Aceto H, Hurcombe S. Assessment of fecal bacterial viability and diversity in fresh and frozen fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) product in horses. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:306. [PMID: 38987780 PMCID: PMC11234551 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04166-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, lack of standardization for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in equine practice has resulted in highly variable techniques, and there is no data on the bacterial metabolic activity or viability of the administered product. The objectives of this study were to compare the total and potentially metabolically active bacterial populations in equine FMT, and assess the effect of different frozen storage times, buffers, and temperatures on an equine FMT product. Fresh feces collected from three healthy adult horses was subjected to different storage methods. This included different preservation solutions (saline plus glycerol or saline only), temperature (-20 °C or -80 °C), and time (fresh, 30, 60, or 90 days). Samples underwent DNA extraction to assess total bacterial populations (both live and dead combined) and RNA extraction followed by reverse transcription to cDNA as a proxy to assess viable bacteria, then 16s rRNA gene amplicon sequencing using the V1-V2 region. RESULTS The largest difference in population indices and taxonomic composition at the genus level was seen when evaluating the results of DNA-based (total) and cDNA-based (potentially metabolically active) extraction method. At the community level, alpha diversity (observed species, Shannon diversity) was significantly decreased in frozen samples for DNA-based analysis (P < 0.05), with less difference seen for cDNA-based sequencing. Using DNA-based analysis, length of storage had a significant impact (P < 0.05) on the bacterial community profiles. For potentially metabolically active populations, storage overall had less of an effect on the bacterial community composition, with a significant effect of buffer (P < 0.05). Individual horse had the most significant effect within both DNA and cDNA bacterial communities. CONCLUSIONS Frozen storage of equine FMT material can preserve potentially metabolically active bacteria of the equine fecal microbiome, with saline plus glycerol preservation more effective than saline alone. Larger studies are needed to determine if these findings apply to other individual horses. The ability to freeze FMT material for use in equine patients could allow for easier clinical use of fecal transplant in horses with disturbances in their intestinal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia E Long
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA.
| | - Dipti Pitta
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Meagan Hennessy
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Nagaraju Indugu
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Bonnie Vecchiarelli
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Daniela Luethy
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Helen Aceto
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Samuel Hurcombe
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
- Veterinary Innovative Partners, New York, NY, USA
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Cooke CG, Gibb Z, Grupen CG, Schemann K, Deshpande N, Harnett JE. Effect of probiotics and prebiotics on the composition of the equine fecal and seminal microbiomes and sperm quality: A pilot study. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 135:105032. [PMID: 38401778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Probiotic and prebiotic effects on equine semen and gastrointestinal microbiome composition and sperm quality are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pre-, pro- or synbiotic supplementation on fecal and semen microbiome composition and sperm quality parameters of stallions. This Latin square crossover trial involved four miniature pony stallions receiving control diet only, or addition of a pro-, pre- or synbiotic formulation. Full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to measure diversity of semen and fecal microbiomes. Total sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, DNA integrity, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial oxidative stress, biomarkers of sperm quality, were measured after each intervention. A general linear model was employed to analyse and compare microbiome diversity measures and sperm quality data across four time points. Shannon's diversity index (alpha-diversity), and evenness of semen and gastrointestinal microbiomes were significantly different (p<0.001). A trend was observed for prebiotic effects on the diversity indices of the GI microbiome (p= 0.07). No effects of treatments were observed on either semen microbiome or sperm quality. Pre-, pro- and synbiotic supplements showed no negative effect on sperm quality parameters observed. This proof of concept provides preliminary data to inform future studies exploring the relationship between microbiomes and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Giselle Cooke
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Zamira Gibb
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, 2308, Australia
| | - Christopher G Grupen
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, 2570, Australia
| | - Kathrin Schemann
- Sydney Informatics Hub, Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Nandan Deshpande
- Sydney Informatics Hub, Core Research Facilities, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Joanna E Harnett
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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3
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Álvarez Narváez S, Beaudry MS, Norris CG, Bartlett PB, Glenn TC, Sanchez S. Improved Equine Fecal Microbiome Characterization Using Target Enrichment by Hybridization Capture. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:445. [PMID: 38338088 PMCID: PMC10854943 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
GITDs are among the most common causes of death in adult and young horses in the United States (US). Previous studies have indicated a connection between GITDs and the equine gut microbiome. However, the low taxonomic resolution of the current microbiome sequencing methods has hampered the identification of specific bacterial changes associated with GITDs in horses. Here, we have compared TEHC, a new approach for 16S rRNA gene selection and sequencing, with conventional 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing for the characterization of the equine fecal microbiome. Both sequencing approaches were used to determine the fecal microbiome of four adult horses and one commercial mock microbiome. Our results show that TEHC yielded significantly more operational taxonomic units (OTUs) than conventional 16S amplicon sequencing when the same number of reads were used in the analysis. This translated into a deeper and more accurate characterization of the fecal microbiome when the samples were sequenced with TEHC according to the relative abundance analysis. Alpha and beta diversity metrics corroborated these findings and demonstrated that the microbiome of the fecal samples was significantly richer when sequenced with TEHC compared to 16S amplicon sequencing. Altogether, our study suggests that the TEHC strategy provides a more extensive characterization of the fecal microbiome of horses than the current alternative based on the PCR amplification of a portion of the 16S rRNA gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonsiray Álvarez Narváez
- Department of Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (C.G.N.); (P.B.B.)
| | - Megan S. Beaudry
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (M.S.B.); (T.C.G.)
| | - Connor G. Norris
- Department of Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (C.G.N.); (P.B.B.)
| | - Paula B. Bartlett
- Department of Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (C.G.N.); (P.B.B.)
| | - Travis C. Glenn
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (M.S.B.); (T.C.G.)
| | - Susan Sanchez
- Department of Infectious Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (C.G.N.); (P.B.B.)
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Kauter A, Brombach J, Lübke-Becker A, Kannapin D, Bang C, Franzenburg S, Stoeckle SD, Mellmann A, Scherff N, Köck R, Guenther S, Wieler LH, Gehlen H, Semmler T, Wolf SA, Walther B. Antibiotic prophylaxis and hospitalization of horses subjected to median laparotomy: gut microbiota trajectories and abundance increase of Escherichia. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1228845. [PMID: 38075913 PMCID: PMC10701544 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1228845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Horse clinics are hotspots for the accumulation and spread of clinically relevant and zoonotic multidrug-resistant bacteria, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing (ESBL) Enterobacterales. Although median laparotomy in cases of acute equine colic is a frequently performed surgical intervention, knowledge about the effects of peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) based on a combination of penicillin and gentamicin on the gut microbiota is limited. Methods We collected fecal samples of horses from a non-hospitalized control group (CG) and from horses receiving either a pre-surgical single-shot (SSG) or a peri-operative 5-day (5DG) course of PAP. To assess differences between the two PAP regimens and the CG, all samples obtained at hospital admission (t0), on days three (t1) and 10 (t2) after surgery, were screened for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales and subjected to 16S rRNA V1-V2 gene sequencing. Results We included 48 samples in the SSG (n = 16 horses), 45 in the 5DG (n = 15), and 20 in the CG (for t0 and t1, n = 10). Two samples of equine patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis (6.5%) were positive for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales at t0, while this rate increased to 67% at t1 and decreased only slightly at t2 (61%). Shannon diversity index (SDI) was used to evaluate alpha-diversity changes, revealing there was no significant difference between horses suffering from acute colic (5DG, SDImean of 5.90, SSG, SDImean of 6.17) when compared to the CG (SDImean of 6.53) at t0. Alpha-diversity decreased significantly in both PAP groups at t1, while at t2 the onset of microbiome recovery was noticed. Although we did not identify a significant SDImean difference with respect to PAP duration, the community structure (beta-diversity) was considerably restricted in samples of the 5DG at t1, most likely due to the ongoing administration of antibiotics. An increased abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, especially Escherichia, was noted for both study groups at t1. Conclusion Colic surgery and PAP drive the equine gut microbiome towards dysbiosis and reduced biodiversity that is accompanied by an increase of samples positive for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales. Further studies are needed to reveal important factors promoting the increase and residency of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales among hospitalized horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kauter
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS4), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Brombach
- Center for Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Center for Resistance Research (TZR), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antina Lübke-Becker
- Center for Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Center for Resistance Research (TZR), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dania Kannapin
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Corinna Bang
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sören Franzenburg
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sabita D. Stoeckle
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Natalie Scherff
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Robin Köck
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Hygiene, DRK Kliniken Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Guenther
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy, Universität Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Heidrun Gehlen
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Semmler
- Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silver A. Wolf
- Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Walther
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS4), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Section Microbiological Risks (1.4), Department II Environmental Hygiene, German Environment Agency, Berlin, Germany
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Stummer M, Frisch V, Glitz F, Hinney B, Spergser J, Krücken J, Diekmann I, Dimmel K, Riedel C, Cavalleri JMV, Rümenapf T, Joachim A, Lyrakis M, Auer A. Presence of Equine and Bovine Coronaviruses, Endoparasites, and Bacteria in Fecal Samples of Horses with Colic. Pathogens 2023; 12:1043. [PMID: 37624003 PMCID: PMC10458731 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute abdominal pain (colic) is one of the major equine health threats worldwide and often necessitates intensive veterinary medical care and surgical intervention. Equine coronavirus (ECoV) infections can cause colic in horses but are rarely considered as a differential diagnosis. To determine the frequency of otherwise undetected ECoV infections in horses with acute colic, fresh fecal samples of 105 horses with acute colic and 36 healthy control horses were screened for viruses belonging to the Betacoronavirus 1 species by RT-PCR as well as for gastrointestinal helminths and bacteria commonly associated with colic. Horses with colic excreted significantly fewer strongyle eggs than horses without colic. The prevalence of anaerobic, spore-forming, gram-positive bacteria (Clostridium perfringens and Clostridioides difficile) was significantly higher in the feces of horses with colic. Six horses with colic (5.7%) and one horse from the control group (2.8%) tested positive for Betacoronaviruses. Coronavirus-positive samples were sequenced to classify the virus by molecular phylogeny (N gene). Interestingly, in three out of six coronavirus-positive horses with colic, sequences closely related to bovine coronaviruses (BCoV) were found. The pathogenic potential of BCoV in horses remains unclear and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Stummer
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria (K.D.); (T.R.)
| | - Vicky Frisch
- Clinical Unit of Equine Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (V.F.); (J.-M.V.C.)
| | | | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (B.H.); (A.J.)
| | - Joachim Spergser
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Jürgen Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (J.K.); (I.D.)
| | - Irina Diekmann
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (J.K.); (I.D.)
| | - Katharina Dimmel
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria (K.D.); (T.R.)
| | - Christiane Riedel
- CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, 46 allée d’Italie, 69364 Lyon, France;
| | | | - Till Rümenapf
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria (K.D.); (T.R.)
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (B.H.); (A.J.)
| | - Manolis Lyrakis
- Platform for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Angelika Auer
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria (K.D.); (T.R.)
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Lagounova M, MacNicol JL, Weese JS, Pearson W. The Effect of Dietary Synbiotics in Actively Racing Standardbred Horses Receiving Trimethoprim/Sulfadiazine. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2344. [PMID: 37508120 PMCID: PMC10376248 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Synbiotics are often provided to horses receiving antibiotics to protect against microbiome disturbances, despite a lack of evidence for efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a synbiotic product in horses receiving antibiotics. Sixteen actively racing Standardbred horses were randomly allocated (four-way crossover) to one of four groups: antibiotics (10 days; AB), synbiotics (28 days; PROBIOPlusTM; PBP), PBP + AB, or Control. The fecal microbiome was investigated using 16S rRNA sequencing, and fecal dry matter (DM; %), pH, and scores (FS; 0-9) were measured. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA. Results found microbiota differences in community membership between PBP + AB and all other treatments during and after antibiotic treatment. During antibiotic treatment, AB and PBP + AB were significantly different from Control. After antibiotic treatment, PBP + AB was significantly different from all other treatments. The few differences found in relative abundance of phyla or predominant genera were mostly in fiber degrading bacteria. The Fibrobacter population was significantly higher in AB and PBP + AB horses than Control. Unclassified Ruminococcaceae was significantly higher in Control than AB and PBP. After antibiotic treatment, PBP + AB horses were significantly higher than PBP horses. In conclusion, these data provide support for the ability of PROBIOPlus™ to maintain healthy gastrointestinal microbiome during antibiotic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lagounova
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jennifer L MacNicol
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Wendy Pearson
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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Gillen A, Catherine Archer D. Epidemiology of Colic: Current Knowledge and Future Directions. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2023:S0749-0739(23)00017-2. [PMID: 37268523 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies are essential for the generation of evidence-based, preventive health care strategies. This includes ways to minimize colic risk and assist informed decision making concerning diagnosis, treatment, and likely outcomes. It is important to consider that colic is not a simple "disease" but is a syndrome of abdominal pain that encompasses multiple different disease processes, and which is multifactorial in nature. This review focuses on prevention and diagnosis of colic, including specific forms of colic, communications with owners/carers concerning colic risk and management, and areas of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gillen
- Department of Equine Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Sciences, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Debra Catherine Archer
- Department of Equine Clinical Science, School of Veterinary Sciences, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, United Kingdom.
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Arnold CE, Pilla R. What Is the Microbiota and What Is Its Role in Colic? Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2023:S0749-0739(23)00016-0. [PMID: 37121786 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The fecal microbiome of the horse is reflective of the large colon and plays an important role in the health of the horse. The microbes of the gastrointestinal tract digest fiber and produce energy for the host. Healthy horses have Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucromicrobia as the most common phyla. During gastrointestinal disease such as colic or colitis, the microbiome shows less diversity and changes in bacterial community composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn E Arnold
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, 7671 Evans Street, Amarillo, Texas 79106, USA.
| | - Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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9
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Pfeifle RL, Ericsson AC, McCoy AM, Boothe DM, Wooldridge AA, Groover ES, Sierra-Rodriguez T, Lascola KM. Multidose misoprostol pharmacokinetics and its effect on the fecal microbiome in healthy, adult horses. Am J Vet Res 2023. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.22.09.0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To compare the pharmacokinetics between repeated doses and to characterize changes in the fecal microbiome after oral and rectal multidose misoprostol administration.
ANIMALS
6 healthy university-owned geldings.
PROCEDURES
In a randomized, crossover study, misoprostol (5 μg/kg) was administered orally or rectally every 8 hours for 10 doses, or not administered (control), with a 21-day washout between treatments. Concentration-versus-time data for dose 1 and dose 10 were subject to noncompartmental analysis. For microbiota analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, manure was collected 7 days before study onset, immediately before dose 1, and 6 hours, 7 days, and 14 days after dose 10, with time-matched points in controls.
RESULTS
Repeated dosing-related differences in pharmacokinetic parameters were not detected for either administration route. The area under the concentration-versus-time curve was greater (P < .04) after oral versus rectal administration. The relative bioavailability of rectal administration was 4 to 86% of that of oral administration. Microbial composition, richness, and β-diversity differed among subjects (P < .001 all) while only composition differed between treatments (P ≤ .01). Richness was decreased 6 hours after dose 10 and at the control-matched time point (P = .0109) in all subjects. No other differences for time points, treatments, or their interactions were observed.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Differences in systemic exposure were associated with the route of administration but were not detected after repeated administration of misoprostol. Differences in microbiota parameters were primarily associated with interindividual variation and management rather than misoprostol administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Pfeifle
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Aaron C. Ericsson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri Colombia, MO
| | - Annette M. McCoy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana, IL
| | - Dawn M. Boothe
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Anne A. Wooldridge
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Erin S. Groover
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Tamara Sierra-Rodriguez
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Kara M. Lascola
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
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10
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Fecal Microbiota Comparison between Healthy Teaching Horses and Client-Owned Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 118:104105. [PMID: 36058504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the fecal microbiota of 2 healthy teaching horse herds with that of client-owned horses from the same geographic areas. The fecal microbiota of client-owned horses from Ontario Canada (n = 15) and Florida, USA (n = 11) was compared with that teaching horses from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada (n = 10) and the University of Florida, Florida, USA (n = 15). The fecal microbiota was characterized by sequencing of bacterial DNA using the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. The diversity (inverse Simpson index) of the fecal microbiota was significantly higher in teaching than client owned horses from the same geographical area (P < 0.05). The community membership (Jaccard Index) and structure (Yue and Clayton index) of teaching horses was also significantly different from that of client owned horses from the same geographical area (AMOVA P < 0.001). The bacterial membership and structure of the fecal microbiota of Ontario and Florida teaching horses were significantly different, while the bacterial membership, but not the structure of Ontario and Florida client owned horses was significantly different (AMOVA P < 0.001). In all 4 groups of healthy horses, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Bacteroidales, Clostridiales, and Treponema were detected in high relative abundance. The fecal microbiota of healthy horses from teaching herds kept in the same environment with identical management practices differs significantly from that of horses housed in different facilities with dissimilar management practices. Our results suggest an effect of the environment and management practices on the gastrointestinal microbiota. Researchers should attempt to include healthy horses from the same farm with similar management as control groups when comparing with diseased horses.
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11
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Weinert-Nelson JR, Biddle AS, Williams CA. Fecal microbiome of horses transitioning between warm-season and cool-season grass pasture within integrated rotational grazing systems. Anim Microbiome 2022; 4:41. [PMID: 35729677 PMCID: PMC9210719 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-022-00192-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diet is a key driver of equine hindgut microbial community structure and composition. The aim of this study was to characterize shifts in the fecal microbiota of grazing horses during transitions between forage types within integrated warm- (WSG) and cool-season grass (CSG) rotational grazing systems (IRS). Eight mares were randomly assigned to two IRS containing mixed cool-season grass and one of two warm-season grasses: bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] or crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.]. Fecal samples were collected during transitions from CSG to WSG pasture sections (C-W) and WSG to CSG (W-C) on days 0, 2, 4, and 6 following pasture rotation and compared using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS Regardless of IRS or transition (C-W vs. W-C), species richness was greater on day 4 and 6 in comparison to day 0 (P < 0.05). Evenness, however, did not differ by day. Weighted UniFrac also did not differ by day, and the most influential factor impacting β-diversity was the individual horse (R2 ≥ 0.24; P = 0.0001). Random forest modeling was unable to accurately predict days within C-W and W-C, but could predict the individual horse based on microbial composition (accuracy: 0.92 ± 0.05). Only three differentially abundant bacterial co-abundance groups (BCG) were identified across days within all C-W and W-C for both IRS (W ≥ 126). The BCG differing by day for all transitions included amplicon sequence variants (ASV) assigned to bacterial groups with known fibrolytic and butyrate-producing functions including members of Lachnospiraceae, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Anaerovorax the NK4A214 group of Oscillospiraceae, and Sarcina maxima. In comparison, 38 BCG were identified as differentially abundant by horse (W ≥ 704). The ASV in these groups were most commonly assigned to genera associated with degradation of structural carbohydrates included Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Treponema, Christensenellaceae R-7 group, and the NK4A214 group of Oscillospiraceae. Fecal pH also did not differ by day. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results demonstrated a strong influence of individual horse on the fecal microbial community, particularly on the specific composition of fiber-degraders. The equine fecal microbiota were largely stable across transitions between forages within IRS suggesting that the equine gut microbiota adjusted at the individual level to the subtle dietary changes imposed by these transitions. This adaptive capacity indicates that horses can be managed in IRS without inducing gastrointestinal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Weinert-Nelson
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 USA
| | - Amy S. Biddle
- grid.33489.350000 0001 0454 4791Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19711 USA
| | - Carey A. Williams
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 USA
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12
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Berreta A, Kopper J. Equine probiotics-what are they, where are we and where do we need to go? J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 115:104037. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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A study comparing the healthy and diseased equine glandular gastric microbiota sampled with sheathed transendoscopic cytology brushes. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 116:104002. [PMID: 35490972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the equine gastrointestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether the glandular gastric microbiota is altered in horses with EGGD. STUDY DESIGN Prospective longitudinal study METHODS: Five Thoroughbred racehorses from one training centre underwent gastroscopy as part of poor performance investigation. Samples were taken from EGGD lesions and adjacent normal mucosa using sheathed transendoscopic cytology brushes and frozen at -80 °C. DNA was extracted for 16S rRNA sequencing, and sequences compared against a database to generate taxonomic classification of the microbiota. The same horses were sampled six months later. RESULTS Normal glandular mucosal samples were characterised by a higher proportion of Proteobacteria (46.3 %) than EGGD lesions (18.9 %). Relative abundance of Firmicutes was lower in samples from normal mucosa (20.0 %) than EGGD lesions (41.2 %). Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) confirmed a greater proportion of Firmicutes species was characteristic of samples collected from EGGD lesions due to a very high relative abundance of Sarcina (up to 92.4 %) in two horses with EGGD. We were unable to comment on the stability of the glandular gastric microbiota over time. MAIN LIMITATIONS Small sample population. None of the horses examined had grossly normal gastric mucosa. CONCLUSIONS The gastric microbiota appears altered in EGGD, although we are unable to demonstrate a causative effect. Sarcina was particularly increased in abundance in EGGD and may be a useful biomarker of disease. Sheathed cytology brushes were an effective method for sampling the gastric mucosa.
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Sanz MG. Science-in-brief: Equine microbiomics makes its way into equine veterinary medicine. Equine Vet J 2022; 54:453-454. [PMID: 35133025 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Aleman M, Sheldon SA, Jospin G, Coil D, Stratton‐Phelps M, Eisen J. Caecal microbiota in horses with trigeminal‐mediated headshaking. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:1049-1055. [PMID: 35060350 PMCID: PMC9122421 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Trigeminal‐mediated headshaking (TMHS) in horses is a form of neuropathic pain of undetermined cause that often results in euthanasia. The role of microbiota in TMHS has not been investigated in diseased horses. Objective To investigate if gastrointestinal microbiota in the cecum is different in horses with TMHS compared to a control population, during a summer season with clinical manifestations of disease. Animals Ten castrated horses: five with TMHS and five neurologically normal controls. Methods All horses were sourced from our institution and kept under the same husbandry and dietary conditions. All horses were fed orchard grass hay for 30 days and then were euthanized due to chronic untreatable conditions including TMHS and orthopedic disease (control group). Caecal samples for microbiota analysis were collected within 20 min after euthanasia. Sequencing was performed using an Illumina MiSeq platform and the microbiome was analyzed. Results The caecal microbiota of horses with TMHS was similar to control horses in terms of diversity but differed significantly with Methanocorpusculum spp. having higher abundance in horses with TMHS. Conclusions and clinical importance Methanocorpusculum spp. was more abundant in the cecum of horses with TMHS. However, its role in disease is unknown. Furthermore, it could also represent an incidental finding due to our small population size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Aleman
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology University of California Davis Davis California USA
| | - Shara. A. Sheldon
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology University of California Davis Davis California USA
| | - Guillaume Jospin
- The Genome Center University of California Davis Davis California USA
| | - David Coil
- The Genome Center University of California Davis Davis California USA
| | | | - Jonathan Eisen
- The Genome Center University of California Davis Davis California USA
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16
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Paßlack N, van Bömmel-Wegmann S, Vahjen W, Zentek J. Impact of Dietary Zinc Chloride Hydroxide and Zinc Methionine on the Faecal Microbiota of Healthy Adult Horses and Ponies. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 110:103804. [PMID: 34999337 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Zinc supplements are often used in equine nutrition to support skin and hoof quality or the immune function. However, no data on the effects of dietary zinc on the intestinal microbiota of horses and ponies are available so far. In the present study, varying dietary zinc concentrations (maintenance (4 mg/kg BW0.75/day), 120 mg/kg dry matter (DM)/day and 240 mg/kg DM/day) were achieved by the supplementation of either zinc chloride hydroxide or zinc methionine (six treatment periods of 4 weeks each). Eight healthy adult ponies and two healthy adult horses were included, and faecal samples were collected at the end of each treatment period to analyse the microbiota (16S rDNA sequencing) and microbial metabolites. With increasing dietary zinc concentrations, the richness of the faecal microbiota decreased, independently of the zinc compound used. In addition, a decrease of the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Fibrobacteres as well as of acetate and total short-chain fatty acids in the faeces of the animals was observed at high zinc intakes. Effects on the bacterial order, family and genus level were also detected, which were partly more pronounced for zinc chloride hydroxide. It can be concluded that high dietary zinc levels decrease the richness and fermentative activity of the faecal microbiota of horses and ponies. Although all animals were healthy throughout the study, the effects could be critical for gut health, and deserve more research. The detected differences between the zinc compounds used indicate differences in the bioavailability of organic and inorganic zinc sources in equines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Paßlack
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany; Current address: Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany.
| | - Sarah van Bömmel-Wegmann
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilfried Vahjen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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17
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Microbial Variability of Commercial Equine Probiotics. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 106:103728. [PMID: 34670695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when administered in adequate amounts, therefore the presence of viable microorganisms is essential. Previous studies reported inconsistencies when comparing contents of probiotics marketed for use in animals with label claims. However, to the author's knowledge the variability of the same product between different lots has yet to be evaluated. The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the content and inter-lot variability of commercial equine probiotic products using culture dependent and independent techniques. Eleven probiotics marketed for use in horses were evaluated for microbial content using culture-dependent and independent techniques. The content was then compared to microorganisms listed and quantities on the label of the probiotic. Statistical analyses were performed using a Kruskal-Wallis test. None of the 11 probiotics met their label claim. Nine of the 11 did not have statistically significant inter-lot variability. Several products lacked microorganisms listed on the label based on both culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses.
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18
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Hu D, Yang J, Qi Y, Li B, Li K, Mok KM. Metagenomic Analysis of Fecal Archaea, Bacteria, Eukaryota, and Virus in Przewalski's Horses Following Anthelmintic Treatment. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:708512. [PMID: 34490397 PMCID: PMC8416479 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.708512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal microbiota is involved in immune response and metabolism of the host. The frequent use of anthelmintic compounds for parasite expulsion causes disturbance to the equine intestinal microbiota. However, most studies were on the effects of such treatment on the intestinal bacterial microbes; none is on the entire microbial community including archaea and eukaryotic and viral community in equine animals. This study is the first to explore the differences of the microbial community composition and structure in Przewalski's horses prior to and following anthelmintic treatment, and to determine the corresponding changes of their functional attributes based on metagenomic sequencing. Results showed that in archaea, the methanogen of Euryarchaeota was the dominant phylum. Under this phylum, anthelmintic treatment increased the Methanobrevibacter genus and decreased the Methanocorpusculum genus and two other dominant archaea species, Methanocorpusculum labreanum and Methanocorpusculum bavaricum. In bacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla. Anthelmintic treatment increased the genera of Clostridium and Eubacterium and decreased those of Bacteroides and Prevotella and dominant bacteria species. These altered genera were associated with immunity and digestion. In eukaryota, anthelmintic treatment also changed the genera related to digestion and substantially decreased the relative abundances of identified species. In virus, anthelmintic treatment increased the genus of unclassified_d__Viruses and decreased those of unclassified_f__Siphoviridae and unclassified_f__Myoviridae. Most of the identified viral species were classified into phage, which were more sensitive to anthelmintic treatment than other viruses. Furthermore, anthelmintic treatment was found to increase the number of pathogens related to some clinical diseases in horses. The COG and KEGG function analysis showed that the intestinal microbiota of Przewalski's horse mainly participated in the carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. The anthelmintic treatment did not change their overall function; however, it displaced the population of the functional microbes involved in each function or pathway. These results provide a complete view on the changes caused by anthelmintic treatment in the intestinal microbiota of the Przewalski's horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Yang
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Urumqi, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Xinjiang Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve Management Center, Changji, China
| | - Boling Li
- China National Environment Monitoring Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Meng Mok
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Macau, Macao, China
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19
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Berreta A, Kopper JJ, Alexander TL, Kogan CJ, Burbick CR. Effect of an In Vitro Proximal Gastrointestinal Tract on Viability of Commercially Available Equine Probiotics. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 104:103671. [PMID: 34416988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Probiotics, by definition, are live micro-organisms and should remain viable when they reach the intended site of action which is typically the cecum and/or colon. In humans, probiotics often need enteric protection to survive transit through the proximal gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Typically, equine probiotics do not advertise enteric protection and to the author's knowledge the viability of equine probiotics after exposure to the proximal GI tract has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an in vitro simulation of the equine proximal GI tract on probiotic viability. We hypothesized that the simulated proximal GI tract would adversely effect microbial viability and that the adverse effects would be partially ameliorated by increasing the gastric pH to 4. A total of 11 products were evaluated of which six had at least one micro-organism that was adversely effected by exposure to the proximal GI tract and four of which had at least one micro-organism that was adversely affected when the gastric pH was increased to 4.0. Results from this study indicate that some micro-organisms in equine probiotics do not appear to be adversely affected by exposure to the equine proximal GI tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Berreta
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Jamie J Kopper
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA.
| | - Trevor L Alexander
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Clark J Kogan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Statistical Education and Research, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Claire R Burbick
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA; Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
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20
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Freccero F, Lanci A, Mariella J, Viciani E, Quercia S, Castagnetti A, Castagnetti C. Changes in the Fecal Microbiota Associated with a Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Administration in Hospitalized Neonatal Foals with Probiotics Supplementation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082283. [PMID: 34438741 PMCID: PMC8388449 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Post-antibiotic intestinal dysbiosis leads to an overall reduction in bacterial and functional diversity, along with a minor resistance against pathogens. The study aimed to determine the changes on the fecal microbiota in hospitalized neonatal foals administered with broad-spectrum antimicrobials and supplemented probiotics. Fecal samples were collected at hospital admission, at the end of the antimicrobial treatment and at discharge. Seven foals treated with intravenous ampicillin and aminoglycosides for a mean of seven days were included. The results suggest that the fecal microbiota of neonatal foals rapidly returns to a high diversity after treatment. While the findings need to be confirmed in a larger population, the study suggests that in foals, the effect of antimicrobials may be strongly influenced by the changes that occur over time in the developing gut microbiota. Of note, the findings are influenced by the use of probiotics, and whether the changes would be consistent in antimicrobial-administered but not supplemented foals remains to be elucidated. Abstract There is a wide array of evidence across species that exposure to antibiotics is associated with dysbiosis, and due to their widespread use, this also raises concerns also in medicine. The study aimed to determine the changes on the fecal microbiota in hospitalized neonatal foals administered with broad-spectrum antimicrobials and supplemented probiotics. Fecal samples were collected at hospital admission (Ta), at the end of the antimicrobial treatment (Te) and at discharge (Td). Feces were analysed by next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on Illumina MiSeq. Seven foals treated with IV ampicillin and amikacin/gentamicin were included. The mean age at Ta was 19 h, the mean treatment length was 7 days and the mean time between Te and Td was 4.3 days. Seven phyla were identified: Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, TM7 and Verrucomicrobia. At Ta, Firmicutes (48.19%) and Proteobacteria (31.56%) were dominant. The alpha diversity decreased from Ta to Te, but it was the highest at Td. The beta diversity was higher at Ta than at Te and higher at Td than at Te. An increase in Akkermansia over time was detected. The results suggest that the intestinal microbiota of neonatal foals rapidly returns to a high diversity after treatment. It is possible that in foals, the effect of antimicrobials is strongly influenced or overshadowed by the time-dependent changes in the developing gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Freccero
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sora 50, Ozzano Dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (J.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Aliai Lanci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sora 50, Ozzano Dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (J.M.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jole Mariella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sora 50, Ozzano Dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (J.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Elisa Viciani
- Wellmicro srl, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (E.V.); (S.Q.); (A.C.)
| | - Sara Quercia
- Wellmicro srl, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (E.V.); (S.Q.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrea Castagnetti
- Wellmicro srl, Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (E.V.); (S.Q.); (A.C.)
| | - Carolina Castagnetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sora 50, Ozzano Dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (J.M.); (C.C.)
- Health Science and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
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21
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Arnold CE, Pilla R, Chaffin MK, Leatherwood JL, Wickersham TA, Callaway TR, Lawhon SD, Lidbury JA, Steiner JM, Suchodolski JS. The effects of signalment, diet, geographic location, season, and colitis associated with antimicrobial use or Salmonella infection on the fecal microbiome of horses. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2437-2448. [PMID: 34268795 PMCID: PMC8478058 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fecal microbiome of healthy horses may be influenced by signalment, diet, environmental factors, and disease. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of age, breed, sex, geographic location, season, diet, and colitis caused by antibiotic use (antimicrobial-associated diarrhea [AAD]) and Salmonella infection on fecal microbiota. ANIMALS Healthy horses (n = 80) were sampled from nonhospital environments across multiple geographical locations in the United States. Horses with AAD (n = 14) were defined as those that developed diarrhea secondary to antimicrobial use. Horses with Salmonella infection (n = 12) were presented with spontaneous onset of colitis and subsequently tested positive on Salmonella quantitative polymerase chain reaction. All horses were >1 year of age and stratified by a dietary scale that included forages (pasture and hay) and concentrates grouped by percentage of fiber and amount. METHODS Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes was performed on fecal DNA. RESULTS Healthy horses fed higher amounts of grain clustered separately from those fed lower amounts of grain (analysis of similarities [ANOSIM], R = 0.356-0.385, Q = 0.002). Horses with AAD and Salmonella had decreased richness and evenness compared to healthy horses (P < .05). Univariable analysis of the 3 groups identified increases in Bacteroidetes (Q = 0.002) and Protebacteria (Q = 0.001) and decreases in Verrucomicrobia (Q = 0.001) in AAD horses whereas Salmonella horses had less Firmicutes (Q = 0.001) when compared to healthy horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Although the amount of grain in the diet had some impact on the fecal microbiome, colitis had a significantly larger influence. Horses with ADD have a more severe dysbiosis than do horses with Salmonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn E Arnold
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Pilla
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - M Keith Chaffin
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Tryon A Wickersham
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Todd R Callaway
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Sara D Lawhon
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jonathan A Lidbury
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Joerg M Steiner
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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22
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Johnson ACB, Biddle AS. A Standard Scale to Measure Equine Keeper Status and the Effect of Metabolic Tendency on Gut Microbiome Structure. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071975. [PMID: 34359102 PMCID: PMC8300108 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Horses with different metabolic tendencies are anecdotally referred to as “easy” or “hard” keepers. Easy keepers tend to gain weight easily while hard keepers require extra feed to maintain condition. Both easy and hard keeper horses carry a managerial and financial burden which can be a dissuading factor for horse shoppers. This research uses energy intake/need and body condition to develop a standard Equine Keeper Status Scale (EKSS) for assigning keeper status. The microbiome compositions based on EKSS assignments are then compared to explore microbiome differences based on metabolic tendencies of each group. The EKSS can be used by owners to accurately assess their horses’ metabolic tendencies and make improved feeding decisions to meet their horses’ needs. Understanding microbiome differences between easy, medium and hard keeper horses points to potential microbial roles in these metabolic tendencies. Abstract Thriftiness in horses has been associated with more efficient nutrient harvesting in digestion, absorption and/or utilization, but the relative contribution of the gut microbiome to host metabolic tendency is not well understood. Recognizing the unreliability of owner reported assignment of keeper status, this research describes a novel tool for calculating whether a horse is an easy (EK) or hard (HK) keeper and then characterizes microbiome differences in these groups. The Equine Keeper Status Scale (EKSS) was developed and validated based on data gathered from 240 horses. Estimates of dietary energy intakes and requirements to achieve the optimal BCS score of 5 were used in EKSS assignments. Sixty percent of owners’ characterizations disagreed with EKSS identified keeper assignments. Equine fecal 16S rRNA profiles (n = 73) revealed differences in α and β diversities and taxa abundances based on EKSS assignments. EK communities had more Planctomycetes and fewer Euryarcheaota, Spirochaetes and Proteobacteria than HK indicating functional differences in nutrient harvesting between groups. Differences in the gut microbiomes of horses based on keeper assignment point to host/microbial interactions that may underlie some differences in metabolic tendency. The EKSS enables robust, repeatable determination of keeper status which can be used by researchers and horse owners.
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Hashimoto-Hill S, Alenghat T. Inflammation-Associated Microbiota Composition Across Domestic Animals. Front Genet 2021; 12:649599. [PMID: 34239536 PMCID: PMC8257562 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.649599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic animals represent important resources for understanding shared mechanisms underlying complex natural diseases that arise due to both genetic and environmental factors. Intestinal inflammation, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is a significant health challenge in humans and domestic animals. While the etiology of IBD is multifactorial, imbalance of symbiotic gut microbiota has been hypothesized to play a central role in disease pathophysiology. Advances in genomic sequencing and analytical pipelines have enabled researchers to decipher the composition of the intestinal microbiota during health and in the context of naturally occurring diseases. This review compiles microbiome genomic data across domestic species and highlights a common occurrence of gut microbiome dysbiosis during idiopathic intestinal inflammation in multiple species, including dogs, cats, horses, cows, and pigs. Current microbiome data obtained from animals with intestinal inflammation are mostly limited to taxonomical analyses in association with broad clinical phenotype. In general, a pathogen or pathosymbiont were not detected. Rather, functional potential of the altered microbiota has been suggested to be one of the key etiologic factors. Among the domestic species studied, canine analyses are currently the most advanced with incorporation of functional profiling of microbiota. Canine IBD parallels features of the disease in humans, thus canines represent a strong natural model for human IBD. While deeper analyses of metagenomic data, coupled with host molecular analyses are needed, comparative studies across domestic species can reveal shared microbial alterations and regulatory mechanisms that will improve our understanding of intestinal inflammation in both animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theresa Alenghat
- Division of Immunobiology and Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Park T, Cheong H, Yoon J, Kim A, Yun Y, Unno T. Comparison of the Fecal Microbiota of Horses with Intestinal Disease and Their Healthy Counterparts. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8060113. [PMID: 34204317 PMCID: PMC8234941 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8060113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The intestinal microbiota plays an essential role in maintaining the host's health. Dysbiosis of the equine hindgut microbiota can alter the fermentation patterns and cause metabolic disorders. (2) Methods: This study compared the fecal microbiota composition of horses with intestinal disease and their healthy counterparts living in Korea using 16S rRNA sequencing from fecal samples. A total of 52 fecal samples were collected and divided into three groups: horses with large intestinal disease (n = 20), horses with small intestinal disease (n = 8), and healthy horses (n = 24). (3) Results: Horses with intestinal diseases had fewer species and a less diverse bacterial population than healthy horses. Lactic acid bacteria, Lachnospiraceae, and Lactobacillaceae were overgrown in horses with large intestinal colic. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B), which is a relevant marker of gut dysbiosis, was 1.94, 2.37, and 1.74 for horses with large intestinal colic, small intestinal colic, and healthy horses, respectively. (4) Conclusions: The overgrowth of two lactic acid bacteria families, Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae, led to a decrease in hindgut pH that interfered with normal fermentation, which might cause large intestinal colic. The overgrowth of Streptococcus also led to a decrease in pH in the hindgut, which suppressed the proliferation of the methanogen and reduced methanogenesis in horses with small intestinal colic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taemook Park
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju 63346, Korea; (T.P.); (J.Y.); (A.K.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
| | - Heetae Cheong
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
| | - Jungho Yoon
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju 63346, Korea; (T.P.); (J.Y.); (A.K.)
| | - Ahram Kim
- Equine Clinic, Jeju Stud Farm, Korea Racing Authority, Jeju 63346, Korea; (T.P.); (J.Y.); (A.K.)
| | - Youngmin Yun
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (T.U.); Tel.: +82-64-754-3376 (Y.Y.); +82-64-754-3354 (T.U.)
| | - Tatsuya Unno
- Faculty of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, SARI, Jeju 63243, Korea
- Subtropical/Tropical Organism Gene Bank, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (T.U.); Tel.: +82-64-754-3376 (Y.Y.); +82-64-754-3354 (T.U.)
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The Equine Faecal Microbiota of Healthy Horses and Ponies in The Netherlands: Impact of Host and Environmental Factors. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061762. [PMID: 34204691 PMCID: PMC8231505 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Several studies have described the bacterial composition in the intestines of horses, and several factors of influence have been detected. Variation in the results between studies, however, is substantial. Therefore, the current study aimed to study the bacterial composition in the faeces of healthy horses and ponies kept under standard housing and management condition in The Netherlands. Seventy-nine horses and ponies originating from two farms were included. Several factors, such as location, age, the season of sampling, horse type (horses vs. ponies) and pasture access significantly affected the bacterial composition. The current study provides important baseline information on variation in the bacterial composition in healthy horses and ponies under standard housing and management conditions. The aforementioned factors identified in this study to affect the bacterial population of the gut should be considered in future studies regarding the bacterial population of the equine gut. Abstract Several studies have described the faecal microbiota of horses and the factors that influence its composition, but the variation in results is substantial. This study aimed to investigate the microbiota composition in healthy equids in The Netherlands under standard housing and management conditions and to evaluate the effect of age, gender, horse type, diet, pasture access, the season of sampling and location on it. Spontaneously produced faecal samples were collected from the stall floor of 79 healthy horses and ponies at two farms. The validity of this sampling technique was evaluated in a small pilot study including five ponies showing that the microbiota composition of faecal samples collected up to 6 h after spontaneous defaecation was similar to that of the samples collected rectally. After DNA extraction, Illumina Miseq 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to determine microbiota composition. The effect of host and environmental factors on microbiota composition were determined using several techniques (NMDS, PERMANOVA, DESeq2). Bacteroidetes was the largest phylum found in the faecal microbiota (50.1%), followed by Firmicutes (28.4%). Alpha-diversity and richness decreased significantly with increasing age. Location, age, season, horse type and pasture access had a significant effect on beta-diversity. The current study provides important baseline information on variation in faecal microbiota in healthy horses and ponies under standard housing and management conditions. These results indicate that faecal microbiota composition is affected by several horse-related and environment-related factors, and these factors should be considered in future studies of the equine faecal microbiota.
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Hu D, Chao Y, Zhang B, Wang C, Qi Y, Ente M, Zhang D, Li K, Mok KM. Effects of Gasterophilus pecorum infestation on the intestinal microbiota of the rewilded Przewalski's horses in China. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251512. [PMID: 33974667 PMCID: PMC8112688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Horse botflies have been a threat to the Przewalski’s horses in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve in Xinjiang of China since their reintroduction to the original range. As larvae of these parasites could infest the intestine of a horse for months, they could interact with and alter the structure and composition of its intestinal microbiota, affecting adversely its health. Nonetheless, there are no such studies on the rewilded Przewalski’s horses yet. For the first time, this study characterizes the composition of the intestinal microbiota of 7 rewilded Przewalski’s horses infected severely by Gasterophilus pecorum following and prior to their anthelmintic treatment. Bioinformatics analyses of the sequence data obtained by amplicon high throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed that G. pecorum infestation significantly increased the richness of the intestinal microbial community but not its diversity. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were found the dominant phyla as in other animals, and the parasitic infestation decreased the F/B ratio largely by over 50%. Large reduction in relative abundances of the two genera Streptococcus and Lactobacillus observed with G. pecorum infestation suggested possible changes in colic and digestion related conditions of the infected horses. Variations on the relative abundance of the genus groups known to be pathogenic or symbiotic showed that adverse impact of the G. pecorum infestation could be associated with reduction of the symbiotic genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that are probiotics and able to promote immunity against parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhu Chao
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Boru Zhang
- Qinhuangdao Forestry Bureau, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Altay Management Station of Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Altay, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Altay Management Station of Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Altay, China
| | - Make Ente
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski’s Horse, Urumqi, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (KL); (KMM)
| | - Kai Meng Mok
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Macau, Macao, China
- * E-mail: (KL); (KMM)
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Effects of Pasture Grass, Silage, and Hay Diet on Equine Fecal Microbiota. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051330. [PMID: 34066969 PMCID: PMC8148540 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The intestinal microbial community in horses is very complex and interacts closely with diets. Apart from traditional forage diets, such as hay and pasture grass, silage is used to feed horses in China and other areas of the world for economic reasons or convenience of storage. Additionally, silage is also used for its convenience of harvesting and its nutrient components, including lactic acid and volatile fatty acids. In this study, we detected the characteristic composition of a fecal microbial community in horses that were fed silage with the use of a relatively new sequencing technique; we compared this result with that from horses that were fed hay and pasture grass. This study revealed some characteristic findings on the fecal microbial composition in horses that were given each of type of diet and showed significant differences between the groups. Our results provided novel data about the fecal microbial composition in horses on the silage diet. We hope that these could help balance the intestinal microbiota in horses that are mainly fed silage in combination with other types of forages in order to maintain intestinal health. Abstract Diet is an important factor affecting intestinal microbiota in horses. Fecal microbiota is commonly used as a substitute for studying hindgut microbiota when investigating the relationship between intestinal microbial changes and host health. So far, no study has compared the difference between the fecal microbiota found in horses that are fed pasture grass, silage, and hay. The present study aims to characterize the fecal microbiota in horses that were exclusively on one of the three forage diets, and to analyze the potential impact of these forages, especially silage, on horse intestinal health. There were 36 horses randomly assigned to each of the three groups; each group was fed only one type of forage for 8 weeks. High throughput sequencing was applied to analyze the bacterial taxa in fecal samples collected from the horses at the end of the feeding trial. The Lachnospiraceae family was statistically more abundant in horses fed with hay, while it was the least abundant in horses fed with silage. The Streptococcaceae spp., considered a core microbial component in equine intestinal microbiota, were present in significantly lower quantities in feces from horses that were fed pasture grass as compared to those from horses fed hay or silage. The novel data may help promote the balancing of horse intestinal microbiota and the maintenance of intestinal health in horses.
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Wimmer-Scherr C, Taminiau B, Renaud B, van Loon G, Palmers K, Votion D, Amory H, Daube G, Cesarini C. Comparison of Fecal Microbiota of Horses Suffering from Atypical Myopathy and Healthy Co-Grazers. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020506. [PMID: 33672034 PMCID: PMC7919468 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine atypical myopathy (AM) is caused by hypoglycin A (HGA) and methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG) intoxication resulting from the ingestion of seeds or seedlings of some Acer tree species. Interestingly, not all horses pasturing in the same toxic environment develop signs of the disease. In other species, it has been shown that the intestinal microbiota has an impact on digestion, metabolism, immune stimulation and protection from disease. The objective of this study was to characterize and compare fecal microbiota of horses suffering from AM and healthy co-grazers. Furthermore, potential differences in fecal microbiota regarding the outcome of diseased animals were assessed. This prospective observational study included 59 horses with AM (29 survivors and 30 non-survivors) referred to three Belgian equine hospitals and 26 clinically healthy co-grazers simultaneously sharing contaminated pastures during spring and autumn outbreak periods. Fresh fecal samples (rectal or within 30 min of defecation) were obtained from all horses and bacterial taxonomy profiling obtained by 16S amplicon sequencing was used to identify differentially distributed bacterial taxa between AM-affected horses and healthy co-grazers. Fecal microbial diversity and evenness were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in AM-affected horses as compared with their non-affected co-grazers. The relative abundance of families Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae and Akkermansiaceae were higher (p ≤ 0.001) whereas those of the Lachnospiraceae (p = 0.0053), Bacteroidales (p < 0.0001) and Clostridiales (p = 0.0402) were lower in horses with AM, especially in those with a poor prognosis. While significant shifts were observed, it is still unclear whether they result from the disease or might be involved in the onset of disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wimmer-Scherr
- Equine Clinical Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.W.-S.); (H.A.)
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.T.); (B.R.); (D.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Bernard Taminiau
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.T.); (B.R.); (D.V.); (G.D.)
- Department of Food Sciences–Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 10, Bât. B43b, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Benoît Renaud
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.T.); (B.R.); (D.V.); (G.D.)
- Department of Functional Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Gunther van Loon
- Large Animal Internal Medicine, Gent University, 9820 Gent, Belgium;
| | | | - Dominique Votion
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.T.); (B.R.); (D.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Hélène Amory
- Equine Clinical Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.W.-S.); (H.A.)
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.T.); (B.R.); (D.V.); (G.D.)
| | - Georges Daube
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.T.); (B.R.); (D.V.); (G.D.)
- Department of Food Sciences–Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Avenue de Cureghem 10, Bât. B43b, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Carla Cesarini
- Equine Clinical Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bât. B41, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (C.W.-S.); (H.A.)
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sart Tilman, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (B.T.); (B.R.); (D.V.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence:
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Willette JA, Pitta D, Indugu N, Vecchiarelli B, Hennessy ML, Dobbie T, Southwood LL. Experimental crossover study on the effects of withholding feed for 24 h on the equine faecal bacterial microbiota in healthy mares. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:3. [PMID: 33402190 PMCID: PMC7786913 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02706-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An association between equine gastrointestinal disease causing colic signs and changes in faecal bacterial microbiota has been identified. The reasons for these changes and their clinical relevance has not been investigated. Withholding feed, which is an integral part of managing horses with colic, may contribute to the observed changes in the microbiota and impact interpretation of findings in horses with colic. Study objectives were, therefore, to determine the effect of withholding feed for 24 h on equine faecal bacterial microbiota in healthy mares to differentiate the effects of withholding feed from the changes potentially associated with the disease. RESULTS Species richness and Shannon diversity (alpha diversity) were significantly lower at the late withheld (10-24 h post withholding feed) and early refed (2-12 h post re-feeding) time points compared to samples from fed horses (P < 0.01). Restoration of species richness and diversity began to occur at the late refed (18-24 h post re-feeding) time points. Horses having feed withheld had a distinct bacterial population compared to fed horses (beta diversity). Bacteroidetes BS11 and Firmicutes Christensenellaceae, Christensenella, and Dehalobacteriaceae were significantly increased in horses withheld from feed primarily during the late withheld and early refed time points. Bacteroidetes Marinilabiaceae and Prevotellaceae, Firmicutes Veillonellaceae, Anaerovibrio, and Bulleidia, and Proteobacteria GMD14H09 were significantly decreased in horses with feed withheld at late withheld, early refed, and late refed time periods (P < 0.01). Changes in commensal gut microbiota were not significant between groups. CONCLUSIONS Withholding feed has a significant effect on faecal bacterial microbiota diversity and composition particularly following at least 10 h of withholding feed and should be taken into consideration when interpreting data on the equine faecal bacterial microbiota in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn A Willette
- Departments of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA
- Present address: Department of Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Dipti Pitta
- Departments of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA
| | - Nagaraju Indugu
- Departments of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA
| | - Bonnie Vecchiarelli
- Departments of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA
| | - Meagan L Hennessy
- Departments of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA
| | - Tamara Dobbie
- Departments of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA
| | - Louise L Southwood
- Departments of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA.
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Kopper JJ, Alexander TL, Kogan CJ, Berreta AR, Burbick CR. In Vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Storage at -20°C and Proximal Gastrointestinal Conditions on Viability of Equine Fecal Microbiota Transplant. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 98:103360. [PMID: 33663713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), a technique used to restore normal intestinal microbial communities, has been successful in treating humans with Clostridioides difficile colitis. Subsequently, FMT is being used in veterinary patients with suspected intestinal dysbiosis. Unfortunately, little data are available regarding best practices for FMT in horses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of storing manure prepared for equine FMT (MP-FMT) at -20°C for up to 4 weeks and passage through a simulated proximal gastrointestinal (GI) tract on the viability of MP-FMT. The results of this study indicate that storage at -20°C for greater than 1 week and exposure to conditions consistent with the proximal GI tract significantly decreased viability of the microbial population, with gram-negative enteric bacteria most significantly impacted. This preliminary evaluation indicates that further work is necessary to determine best practices to preserve the viability MP-FMT in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie J Kopper
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA.
| | - Trevor L Alexander
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Clark J Kogan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Statistical Education and Research, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Ana R Berreta
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Claire R Burbick
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA; Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
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Stewart HL, Pitta D, Indugu N, Vecchiarelli B, Hennessy ML, Engiles JB, Southwood LL. Changes in the faecal bacterial microbiota during hospitalisation of horses with colic and the effect of different causes of colic. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:1119-1131. [PMID: 33222287 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have identified alterations in the faecal microbiota of horses with colic; however, further work is needed to interpret these findings. OBJECTIVES To compare the faecal microbiota of horses presenting for colic at hospital admission, day 1 and day 3/discharge and with different colic duration and lesion locations. STUDY DESIGN Prospective observational clinical study. METHODS Faecal samples were collected from 17 colic cases at hospital admission, on day 1 and on day 3 post-admission or at the time of hospital discharge if prior to 72 hours. Faecal samples were extracted for genomic DNA, PCR-amplified, sequenced and analysed using QIIME. Species richness and Shannon diversity (alpha diversity) were estimated. The extent of the relationship between bacterial communities (beta diversity) was quantified using pairwise UniFrac distances, visualised using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and statistically analysed using permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). The relative abundance of bacterial populations at the different time points and in different types of colic was compared using ANCOM. RESULTS There was a decrease in species richness from admission to day 3/hospital discharge (P < .05), and a lower species richness (P = .005) and Shannon diversity (P = .02) in horses with colic ≥60 h compared to <60 h. Based on PCoA and PERMANOVA, there was a significant difference in bacterial community composition for horses with different colic duration (P = .001) and lesion location (P = .006). Several differences in bacterial phyla and genera were observed at different time points and with different types of colic. MAIN LIMITATIONS Relatively low numbers and a diverse population of horses. CONCLUSIONS The microbiota change from hospital admission to day 3/discharge in horses with colic and horses with colic ≥60 h and large colon lesions have a distinct bacterial population compared to horses with colic <60 h and small intestinal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly L Stewart
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Dipti Pitta
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Nagaraju Indugu
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Bonnie Vecchiarelli
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Meagan L Hennessy
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Julie B Engiles
- Department of Pathobiology, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Louise L Southwood
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
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Walshe N, Mulcahy G, Crispie F, Cabrera-Rubio R, Cotter P, Jahns H, Duggan V. Outbreak of acute larval cyathostominosis - A "perfect storm" of inflammation and dysbiosis. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:727-739. [PMID: 32920897 PMCID: PMC8246859 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Cyathostomins are prevalent and pathogenic intestinal helminths of horses, causing acute and chronic disease, including acute larval cyathostominosis, which has a mortality rate of 50%. Factors determining individual susceptibility to acute larval cyathostominosis are unknown. Investigation of these factors could lead to novel treatment and prevention strategies. Objectives To investigate clinicopathological and faecal microbiota changes associated with disease in individual horses in an acute larval cyathostominosis outbreak. Study design Case series. Methods The study population was a herd of 23 mixed breed horses in Ireland. The outbreak occurred in November 2018. Fourteen horses were clinically affected. Clinical status was monitored and recorded. Blood and faecal sampling allowed clinicopathological, faecal 16s rRNA gene sequencing and faecal egg count analyses. Results Two horses were euthanised, whilst 12 recovered. Common clinical signs included loose faecal consistency, weight loss and pyrexia. Consistent clinicopathological findings were borderline anaemia, leucocytosis, thrombocytosis, hyperfibrinogenaemia, hyperglobulinaemia and a reverse A: G ratio. Decreased alpha‐diversity of the faecal microbiota and greater relative abundance of the genus Streptococcus, class Bacilli, order Lactobacillales and family Streptococcaceae, and family Prevotelleceae was found in clinically affected horses compared to their clinically normal cohorts. An increase in obligate fibrolytic bacteria was seen in the clinically normal group compared to the clinical group. Histopathological findings of the colon and caecum revealed a severe necrotising typhlocolitis associated with cyathostomin larvae and bacterial overgrowth in the mucosa of the large intestine. Main limitations The study population in this outbreak is small. There are several confounding factors limiting this to a descriptive case series. Faecal microbiota has been shown to reflect the large intestinal microbiota but do not represent changes directly. Conclusions These findings suggest that acute larval cyathostominosis is associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota as well as the inflammatory stimulus of numerous emerging larvae leading to structural and functional pathology of the large intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Walshe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Crispie
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, APC Microbiome, Moorepark, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, Moorepark, Ireland
| | | | - Paul Cotter
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, APC Microbiome, Moorepark, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, Moorepark, Ireland.,Vistamilk, Moorepark, Ireland
| | - Hanne Jahns
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vivienne Duggan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Garber A, Hastie P, McGuinness D, Malarange P, Murray JA. Abrupt dietary changes between grass and hay alter faecal microbiota of ponies. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237869. [PMID: 32810164 PMCID: PMC7446798 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abrupt dietary changes, as can be common when managing horses, may lead to compositional changes in gut microbiota, which may result in digestive or metabolic disturbances. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the faecal microbiota of ponies abruptly changed from pasture grazing ad libitum to a restricted hay-only diet and vice versa. The experiment consisted of two, 14-day periods. Faecal samples were collected on day 0 and days 1–3,7,14 after abrupt dietary change from grass to hay and from hay to grass. Microbial populations were characterised by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform, 4,777,315 sequences were obtained from 6 ponies. Further analyses were performed to characterise the microbiome as well as the relative abundance of microbiota present. The results of this study suggest that the faecal microbiota of mature ponies is highly diverse, and the relative abundances of individual taxa change in response to abrupt changes in diet. The faecal microbiota of ponies maintained on a restricted amount of hay-only was similar to that of the ponies fed solely grass ad libitum in terms of richness and phylogenetic diversity; however, it differed significantly in terms of the relative abundances at distinct taxonomic levels. Class Bacilli, order Lactobacillales, family Lactobacillaceae, and genus Lactobacillus were presented in increased relative abundance on day 2 after an abrupt dietary change from hay to grass compared to all other experimental days (P <0.05). Abrupt changes from grass to hay and vice versa affect the faecal microbial community structure; moreover, the order of dietary change appears to have a profound effect in the first few days following the transition. An abrupt dietary change from hay to grass may represent a higher risk for gut disturbances compared to abrupt change from grass to hay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Garber
- AB Vista, Marlborough, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Peter Hastie
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David McGuinness
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow Polyomics, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Pauline Malarange
- EPLEFPA des Combrailles, Saint Gervais D’Auvergne, Puy-de-Dôme, France
| | - Jo-Anne Murray
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Arnold CE, Isaiah A, Pilla R, Lidbury J, Coverdale JS, Callaway TR, Lawhon SD, Steiner J, Suchodolski JS. The cecal and fecal microbiomes and metabolomes of horses before and after metronidazole administration. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232905. [PMID: 32442163 PMCID: PMC7244109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic administration can be a cause of gastrointestinal disease in horses, creating a disruption in the normal population and function of bacteria found in the hindgut. The objective of this study was to describe the changes in the cecal and fecal microbiomes and metabolomes of clinically healthy horses before and after metronidazole administration. Metronidazole (15 mg/kg BID PO) was given to five horses with cecal cannulas. The study was suspended on Day 3 due to adverse gastrointestinal effects. Cecal and fecal samples were obtained before (Days minus52, m28, m14, and 0) and after (Days 7, 14, 28, and 52) metronidazole administration. DNA was extracted from the cecal and fecal samples, and 16S rRNA genes were sequenced. Richness and evenness indices were significantly decreased by metronidazole administration in both cecal and fecal samples, but the overall composition was only significantly changed in fecal samples on Day 3 (ANOSIM, p = 0.008). The most dominant phyla were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in all groups examined. In fecal samples, significant changes of the phyla Actinobacteria, Spirochaetes, Lentisphaerae, and Verrucomicrobia occurred on Day 3, which correlated with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease. The metabolome was characterized by mass spectrometry-based methods and only named metabolites were included in the analysis. Fecal, but not cecal, metabolites were significantly affected by metronidazole. The fecal metabolites affected represent diverse metabolic pathways, such as the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and cofactors and vitamins. Metronidazole administration has potential to cause adverse effects in horses, alters the bacterial composition of the horse’s cecal and fecal content, and the metabolome of fecal samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn E. Arnold
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Anitha Isaiah
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Lidbury
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Josie S. Coverdale
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Todd R. Callaway
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sara D. Lawhon
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joerg Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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Paßlack N, Vahjen W, Zentek J. Impact of Dietary Cellobiose on the Fecal Microbiota of Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 91:103106. [PMID: 32684251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cellobiose is a disaccharide with potential prebiotic effects, as demonstrated in different animal species, but not yet in horses. It was, therefore, the aim of the present study to evaluate the impact of dietary cellobiose on the fecal microbiota of horses. Eight healthy adult horses and two ponies were included in this study. The animals received a diet without or with 10 g and 20 g cellobiose per day for 14 days each. At the end of the feeding periods, fresh fecal samples were collected to measure bacterial metabolites and the microbial composition. For the microbiota analysis, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used. Cellobiose was well accepted and tolerated by the animals. The lowest fecal concentrations of D-lactate, propionic acid, i-valeric acid, and total short-chain fatty acids were measured at the dose 10 g cellobiose per horse per day (quadratic effect: P < .05). A dose-dependent increase of the relative abundance of Firmicutes (P = .049), Coriobacteriales (P < .001), and Clostridium (P = .031) could be detected. In addition, a dose-dependent decrease of the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (P = .035) was observed. In conclusion, the increase of Coriobacteriales and Clostridium indicates a bacterial fermentation of cellobiose in the equine intestine, as members of both groups exert saccharolytic activity. As clostridia have previously been assumed to be a key component of the intestinal microbiota in horses, the observed increase of Clostridium in the feces might indicate beneficial and potentially prebiotic effects of cellobiose in horses. However, this finding requires further investigation, particularly with regard to the Clostridium species that have been promoted by dietary cellobiose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Paßlack
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Wilfried Vahjen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Zentek
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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36
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Garber A, Hastie P, Murray JA. Factors Influencing Equine Gut Microbiota: Current Knowledge. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 88:102943. [PMID: 32303307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal microbiota play a crucial role in nutrient digestion, maintaining animal health and welfare. Various factors may affect microbial balance often leading to disturbances that may result in debilitating conditions such as colic and laminitis. The invention of next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatics has provided valuable information on the effects of factors influencing equine gut microbiota. Among those factors are nutrition and management (e.g., diet, supplements, exercise), medical substances (e.g., antimicrobials, anthelmintics, anesthetics), animal-related factors (breed and age), various pathological conditions (colitis, diarrhea, colic, laminitis, equine gastric ulcer syndrome), as well as stress-related factors (transportation and weaning). The aim of this review is to assimilate current knowledge on equine microbiome studies, focusing on the effect of factors influencing equine gastrointestinal microbiota. Decrease in microbial diversity and richness leading to decrease in stability; decrease in Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae family members, which contribute to gut homeostasis; increase in Lactobacillus and Streptococcus; decrease in lactic acid utilizing bacteria; decrease in butyrate-producing bacteria that have anti-inflammatory properties may all be considered as a negative change in equine gut microbiota. Shifts in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes have often been observed in the literature in response to certain treatments or when describing healthy and unhealthy animals; however, these shifts are inconsistent. It is time to move forward and use the knowledge now acquired to start manipulating the microbiota of horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Garber
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Peter Hastie
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jo-Anne Murray
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Salem SE, Maddox TW, Antczak P, Ketley JM, Williams NJ, Archer DC. Acute changes in the colonic microbiota are associated with large intestinal forms of surgical colic. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:468. [PMID: 31864369 PMCID: PMC6925886 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2205-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Horses that undergo surgery for treatment of primary large colon disease have been reported to be at increased risk of developing recurrent colic episodes postoperatively. The reasons for this are currently unknown. The aim of the current study was to characterise the faecal microbiota of horses with colic signs associated with primary large colon lesions treated surgically and to compare the composition of their faecal microbiota to that of a control group of horses undergoing emergency orthopaedic treatment. Faecal samples were collected from horses in both groups on admission to hospital, during hospitalisation and following discharge from hospital for a total duration of 12 weeks. Additionally, colonic content samples were collected from surgical colic patients if pelvic flexure enterotomy was performed during laparotomy. A total of 12 samples were collected per horse. DNA was extracted from samples using a commercial kit. Amplicon mixtures were created by PCR amplification of the V1 – V2 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes and submitted for sequencing using the Ion Torrent PGM next-generation sequencing system. Multivariate data analysis was used to characterise the faecal microbiota and to investigate differences between groups. Results Reduced species richness was evident in the colonic samples of the colic group compared to concurrent sampling of the faeces. Alpha and beta diversity differed significantly between the faecal and colonic microbiota with 304 significantly differentially abundant OTUs identified. Only 46 OTUs varied significantly between the colic and control group. There were no significant differences in alpha and beta diversity of faecal microbiota between colic and control horses at admission. However, this lack of significant differences between groups should be interpreted with caution due to a small sample size. Conclusions The results of the current study suggest that faecal samples collected at hospital admission in colic cases may not accurately represent changes in upper gut microbiota in horses with colic due to large colon disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shebl E Salem
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Thomas W Maddox
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Philipp Antczak
- Computational Biology Facility, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Julian M Ketley
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Nicola J Williams
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Debra C Archer
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK.
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Pitta DW, Indugu N, Vecchiarelli B, Hennessy M, Baldin M, Harvatine KJ. Effect of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoate (HMTBa) supplementation on rumen bacterial populations in dairy cows when exposed to diets with risk for milk fat depression. J Dairy Sci 2019; 103:2718-2730. [PMID: 31864737 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Diet-induced milk fat depression (MFD) is a condition marked by a reduction in milk fat yield experimentally achieved by increasing dietary unsaturated fatty acids and fermentable carbohydrates. 2-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoate (HMTBa) is a methionine analog observed to reduce diet-induced MFD in dairy cows. We hypothesize that the reduction in diet-induced MFD by HMTBa is due to changes in the rumen microbiota. To test this, 22 high-producing cannulated Holstein dairy cows were placed into 2 groups using a randomized block design and assigned to either control or HMTBa supplementation (0.1% of diet dry matter). All cows were then exposed to 3 different diets with a low risk (32% neutral detergent fiber, no added oil; fed d 1 to 7), a moderate risk (29% neutral detergent fiber and 0.75% soybean oil; fed d 8 to 24), or a high risk (29% neutral detergent fiber and 1.5% soybean oil; fed d 25 to 28) for diet-induced MFD. Rumen samples were collected on d 0, 14, 24, and 28, extracted for DNA, PCR-amplified for the V1-V2 region of the 16S rRNA gene, sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq (Illumina, San Diego, CA), and subjected to bacterial diversity analysis using the QIIME pipeline. The α diversity estimates (species richness and Shannon diversity) were decreased in the control group compared with the HMTBa group. Bacterial community composition also differed between control and HMTBa groups based on both weighted UniFrac (relative abundance of commonly detected bacteria) and unweighted UniFrac (presence/absence) distances. Within the HMTBa group, no differences were observed in bacterial community composition between d 0 and d 14, 24, and 28; however, in the control group, d 0 samples were different from d 14, 24, and 28. Certain bacterial genera including Dialister, Megasphaera, Lachnospira, and Sharpea were increased in the control group compared with the HMTBa group. Interestingly, these genera were positively correlated with milk fat trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid and trans-10 C18:1, fatty acid isomers associated with biohydrogenation-induced MFD. It can be concluded that diet-induced MFD is accompanied by significant alterations in the rumen bacterial community and that HMTBa supplementation reduces these microbial perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Pitta
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348.
| | - N Indugu
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348
| | - B Vecchiarelli
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348
| | - M Hennessy
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348
| | - M Baldin
- MILC Group, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
| | - K J Harvatine
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802
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Kauter A, Epping L, Semmler T, Antao EM, Kannapin D, Stoeckle SD, Gehlen H, Lübke-Becker A, Günther S, Wieler LH, Walther B. The gut microbiome of horses: current research on equine enteral microbiota and future perspectives. Anim Microbiome 2019; 1:14. [PMID: 33499951 PMCID: PMC7807895 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-019-0013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complex interactions of microbial communities including bacteria, archaea, parasites, viruses and fungi of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) associated with states of either health or disease is still an expanding research field in both, human and veterinary medicine. GIT disorders and their consequences are among the most important diseases of domesticated Equidae, but current gaps of knowledge hinder adequate progress with respect to disease prevention and microbiome-based interventions. Current literature on enteral microbiomes mirrors a vast data and knowledge imbalance, with only few studies tackling archaea, viruses and eukaryotes compared with those addressing the bacterial components.Until recently, culture-dependent methods were used for the identification and description of compositional changes of enteral microorganisms, limiting the outcome to cultivatable bacteria only. Today, next generation sequencing technologies provide access to the entirety of genes (microbiome) associated with the microorganisms of the equine GIT including the mass of uncultured microbiota, or "microbial dark matter".This review illustrates methods commonly used for enteral microbiome analysis in horses and summarizes key findings reached for bacteria, viruses and fungi so far. Moreover, reasonable possibilities to combine different explorative techniques are described. As a future perspective, knowledge expansion concerning beneficial compositions of microorganisms within the equine GIT creates novel possibilities for early disorder diagnostics as well as innovative therapeutic approaches. In addition, analysis of shotgun metagenomic data enables tracking of certain microorganisms beyond species barriers: transmission events of bacteria including pathogens and opportunists harboring antibiotic resistance factors between different horses but also between humans and horses will reach new levels of depth concerning strain-level distinctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kauter
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS-4), Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lennard Epping
- Microbial Genomics (NG1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Semmler
- Microbial Genomics (NG1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Dania Kannapin
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabita D Stoeckle
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heidrun Gehlen
- Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antina Lübke-Becker
- Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Centre for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Günther
- Pharmaceutical Biology Institute of Pharmacy, Universität Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Walther
- Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS-4), Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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40
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Affiliation(s)
- P. R. Murcia
- MRC‐University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research Glasgow UK
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