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Gut microbiota features associated with Clostridioides difficile colonization in dairy calves
Laurel E Redding1, Alexander S Berry2,3, Nagaraju Indugu1
1Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, United States of America.
Plos One
|December 15, 2021
Summary
Clostridioides difficile colonization in young dairy calves is not linked to overall gut dysbiosis or increased diarrhea risk. However, it is associated with altered gut microbiota composition and reduced bacterial interactions.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Gut Microbiome Research
- Dairy Calf Health
Background:
- Diarrheal disease is a significant cause of mortality in dairy calves, often linked to gut microbiota health.
- Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is an opportunistic pathogen implicated in gut dysbiosis across various species.
- The interaction between C. difficile and the gut microbiota in dairy calves remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific microbial features associated with C. difficile colonization in pre-weaned dairy calves.
- To investigate the impact of C. difficile on the fecal microbiota composition and diversity in young dairy calves.
- To determine if C. difficile colonization correlates with gut dysbiosis or increased risk of diarrhea in this population.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples from 80 pre-weaned dairy calves (<2 weeks old) across 23 farms were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Calf microbiota was compared between C. difficile-positive (n=24) and C. difficile-negative (n=56) groups, controlling for age, diet, and farm.
- Alpha and beta diversity metrics (Shannon, weighted UniFrac, Bray-Curtis) and specific bacterial taxa abundance were assessed.
Main Results:
- Farm of origin was the primary driver of gut microbiota variability.
- No significant differences in Shannon alpha diversity or weighted UniFrac beta diversity were observed between C. difficile-positive and -negative calves.
- Bray-Curtis beta diversity was significantly different, with C. difficile-positive calves showing increased levels of Ruminococcus (gnavus group), Lachnoclostridium, Butyricicoccus, and Clostridium sensu stricto 2.
- C. difficile-positive calves exhibited fewer microbial co-occurrences, suggesting reduced bacterial synergies.
Conclusions:
- C. difficile colonization in young dairy calves is not directly associated with overall gut dysbiosis or an increased likelihood of diarrhea.
- Colonization may be linked to a more disrupted microbiota with altered specific bacterial populations and reduced inter-bacterial interactions.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term implications of C. difficile colonization on dairy calf gut health.
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