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Microbial shifts associated with necrotic enteritis.
Gunther Antonissen1,2, Venessa Eeckhaut1, Karolien Van Driessche1
1a Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Ghent University , Merelbeke , Belgium.
Avian Pathology : Journal of the W.V.P.A
|March 8, 2016
Summary
Necrotic enteritis (NE) outbreaks involve predisposing factors like diet and infections, altering gut microbiota. These shifts, particularly reduced butyrate producers and altered lactic acid bacteria, impact NE pathogenesis and gut health.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Microbiology
- Poultry Health
Background:
- Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a complex poultry disease.
- Predisposing factors include diet (fishmeal, non-starch polysaccharides) and infections (Eimeria, mycotoxins).
- These factors can damage intestinal epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how predisposing factors alter intestinal microbiota composition in broilers.
- To explore the link between microbiota shifts and NE pathogenesis.
- To understand the role of specific bacterial groups in gut health and NE.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of intestinal microbiota composition in broilers exposed to different predisposing factors.
- Comparison of shifts in bacterial abundance (e.g., Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillus, Weissella, Candidatus Savagella).
- Correlation of microbiota changes with known functions like butyrate production and immune modulation.
Main Results:
- Fishmeal and Eimeria reduced butyrate-producing Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae.
- Fishmeal and mycotoxins decreased lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus, Weissella).
- Eimeria and fumonisins reduced Candidatus Savagella abundance.
Conclusions:
- Predisposing factors induce consistent shifts in the gut microbiota.
- Microbiota alterations, especially reduced butyrate producers and altered immune-stimulating bacteria, likely contribute to NE.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of microbiota changes in NE development.
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