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Updated: Aug 19, 2025
High-throughput Assay to Phenotype Salmonella enterica Typhimurium Association, Invasion, and Replication in Macrophages
Published on: August 11, 2014
Examining the effects of Salmonella phage on the caecal microbiota and metabolome features in Salmonella-free
Laura Lorenzo-Rebenaque1, Cristina Casto-Rebollo2, Gianfranco Diretto3
1Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cardenal Herrera-CEU University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain.
Abstract:
Bacteriophages selectively infect and kill their target bacterial host, being a promising approach to controlling zoonotic bacteria in poultry production. To ensure confidence in its use, fundamental questions of safety and toxicity monitoring of phage therapy should be raised. Due to its high specificity, a minimal impact on the gut ecology is expected; however, more in-depth research into key parameters that influence the success of phage interventions has been needed to reach a consensus on the impact of bacteriophage therapy in the gut. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the interaction of phages with animals; more specifically, we compared the caecum microbiome and metabolome after a Salmonella phage challenge in Salmonella-free broilers, evaluating the role of the phage administration route. To this end, we employed 45 caecum content samples from a previous study where Salmonella phages were administered via drinking water or feed for 24 h from 4, 5 to 6-weeks-old broilers. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed a high level of similarity (beta diversity) but revealed a significant change in alpha diversity between broilers with Salmonella-phage administered in the drinking water and control. Our results showed that the phages affected only a few genera of the microbiota's structure, regardless of the administration route. Among these, we found a significant increase in Streptococcus and Sellimonas in the drinking water and Lactobacillus, Anaeroplasma and Clostridia_vadinBB60_group in the feed. Nevertheless, the LC-HRMS-based metabolomics analyses revealed that despite few genera were significantly affected, a substantial number of metabolites, especially in the phage administered in the drinking water were significantly altered (64 and 14 in the drinking water and feed groups, respectively). Overall, our study shows that preventive therapy with bacteriophages minimally alters the caecal microbiota but significantly impacts their metabolites, regardless of the route of administration.
Insights
Bacteriophage therapy in broilers minimally impacts gut microbiota structure but significantly alters gut metabolites, regardless of administration route (drinking water or feed). Further research is needed to understand phage interventions in poultry production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Animal Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Bacteriophages offer a promising, specific approach to control zoonotic bacteria like Salmonella in poultry.
- Ensuring the safety and minimal ecological impact of phage therapy is crucial for its widespread adoption.
- Understanding the influence of administration route on phage-host interactions in the gut microbiome is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Salmonella bacteriophage administration on the caecum microbiome and metabolome in Salmonella-free broilers.
- To compare the impact of phage administration via drinking water versus feed on gut ecology.
- To evaluate the safety and specificity of bacteriophage therapy in poultry.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 45 caecum content samples from broilers receiving Salmonella phages via drinking water or feed.
- High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess microbial community structure (alpha and beta diversity).
- Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) based metabolomics to analyze metabolite profiles.
Main Results:
- Bacteriophages minimally altered the overall caecal microbiota structure, affecting only a few bacterial genera.
- Significant changes in alpha diversity were observed in broilers receiving phages via drinking water compared to controls.
- Metabolomics revealed substantial alterations in metabolite profiles, particularly in the drinking water group (64 altered metabolites vs. 14 in the feed group).
Conclusions:
- Preventive bacteriophage therapy in broilers has a minimal impact on caecal microbiota composition.
- Phage administration significantly alters the gut metabolome, with route-dependent variations.
- These findings contribute to understanding the safety and efficacy of bacteriophage interventions in poultry production.
