Microbiota from Specific Pathogen-Free Mice Reduces Campylobacter jejuni Chicken Colonization

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Animal Science
• Food Safety

Background:

• Campylobacter jejuni is a major foodborne pathogen transmitted from poultry.
• Effective prevention strategies against C. jejuni colonization in chickens are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of specific pathogen-free (SPF) mouse microbiota on C. jejuni colonization in chickens.
• To explore potential microbial interventions for reducing C. jejuni in poultry.

Main Methods:

• SPF mouse-derived aerobic (SPF-Aerobe) and anaerobic (SPF-Anaerobe) microbiota were transplanted into chickens.
• Chickens were subsequently infected with C. jejuni AR101.
• Pathogen colonization, cecal microbiota composition, and in vitro growth inhibition were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Both SPF-Aerobe and SPF-Anaerobe microbiota significantly reduced C. jejuni colonization in chicken ceca.
• Transplanted microbiota altered cecal phyla, increasing Bacteroidetes and decreasing Firmicutes.
• Enterobacter 102, isolated from SPF-Aerobe-treated birds, inhibited C. jejuni growth in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:

• SPF mouse microbiota can successfully colonize the chicken gut.
• Microbiota transplantation demonstrates potential for reducing C. jejuni contamination in poultry.
• This approach may contribute to developing strategies against campylobacteriosis.