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Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Aggravates Mycoplasma gallisepticum Colonization in the Chicken Lung

Jian Wang1, Xueping Chen1, Jichang Li2

  • 1College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China.

Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|December 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Disrupting gut microbiota in chickens worsens Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) lung infection. Restoring gut health with butyric acid or vitamin A aids MG clearance by boosting immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Immunology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Avian Pathology

Background:

  • Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) causes chronic respiratory disease in chickens.
  • The gut microbiota's role in respiratory health and MG infection resistance is unclear.
  • Understanding this link is crucial for poultry health management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between gut microbiota composition and MG infection in chickens.
  • To determine if gut microbiota dysbiosis impacts the pulmonary immune response to MG.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting the gut microbiota for MG control.

Main Methods:

  • Antibiotic cocktail used to induce gut microbiota dysbiosis in chickens.
  • MG colonization in the lungs assessed.
  • Immune responses evaluated, including Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), IL-17, and GM-CSF.
  • Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and vitamin A levels measured.
  • Effects of butyric acid and vitamin A supplementation studied.

Main Results:

  • Gut microbiota dysbiosis significantly increased MG colonization in the lungs.
  • Dysbiosis impaired pulmonary immune response, evidenced by reduced TLR2, IL-17, and GM-CSF.
  • Intranasal administration of TLR2 ligand, IL-17, or GM-CSF partially reversed MG colonization.
  • Reduced levels of SCFAs and vitamin A observed in dysbiosis group.
  • Butyric acid or vitamin A supplementation promoted MG clearance via enhanced immune gene expression.

Conclusions:

  • Gut microbiota plays a critical role in defending against Mycoplasma gallisepticum colonization in the chicken lung.
  • Gut microbiota dysbiosis compromises the pulmonary immune defense against MG infection.
  • Butyric acid and vitamin A show potential as feed additives to enhance resistance to MG infection by modulating the gut microbiota and immune pathways.
Keywords:
Mycoplasma gallisepticumchickenscolonizationgut microbiotaimmune response

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