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Lactic acid bacteria for mink. Colonization and persistence of Enterococcus faecium Cernelle 68 in the digestive
1Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
A method was developed to follow a lactic acid bacterial strain, Enterococcus faecium Cernelle 68, with respect to adhesion, multiplication, colonization, and persistence in the digestive tract of mink. Also the spread of the strain in the cage was examined. When adding 5 x 10(9) c.f.u. of a rifampicin resistant mutant per kg feed, high viable counts were registered throughout the digestive tract, apart from the oesophagus. Counts were increasing in the aboral direction, suggesting some multiplication in the intestine. It was possible to detect the strain in the intestinal tract 4 days after discontinuation of administration. Neither culture nor scanning electron microscopy gave evidence to suggest that E. faecium Cernelle 68 adhered to the mucosa. The spread of the E. faecium strain was observed in the environment. Counts of E. coli, lactobacilli, staphylococci, and clostridia were low, and none of these bacteria were constant findings.
Insights
This study tracked the lactic acid bacteria Enterococcus faecium Cernelle 68 in mink digestive tracts. The bacteria multiplied in the intestine and persisted for days, spreading within the cage environment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Animal Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Lactic acid bacteria are crucial for gut health.
- Understanding their behavior in animal digestive tracts is important for feed additive development.
- Enterococcus faecium Cernelle 68 is a potential probiotic strain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adhesion, multiplication, colonization, and persistence of Enterococcus faecium Cernelle 68 in mink.
- To examine the spread of this strain within the mink's cage environment.
- To assess the impact of Enterococcus faecium Cernelle 68 on the native gut microbiota.
Main Methods:
- A rifampicin-resistant mutant of Enterococcus faecium Cernelle 68 was administered via feed.
- Bacterial counts were determined throughout the digestive tract.
- Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate mucosal adhesion.
- Environmental samples were analyzed for strain spread.
Main Results:
- High viable counts of Enterococcus faecium Cernelle 68 were found in the digestive tract, increasing aborally.
- The strain persisted for 4 days after administration ceased.
- No evidence of mucosal adhesion was observed.
- The strain spread within the cage environment.
- Counts of other bacteria like E. coli and lactobacilli remained low.
Conclusions:
- Enterococcus faecium Cernelle 68 can multiply and persist in the mink digestive tract.
- The strain does not appear to adhere to the intestinal mucosa.
- Environmental dissemination of the strain occurs.
- Further research is needed to understand its full impact on the gut ecosystem.