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Differences in Faecal Microbiome Taxonomy, Diversity and Functional Potential in a Bovine Cohort Experimentally

Chloe Matthews1,2, Aaron M Walsh2, Stephen V Gordon3

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland.

Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|May 27, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) exposure alters cattle gut microbiomes, with key changes observed by 3 months post-challenge. These microbiome shifts correlate with immune markers, offering potential diagnostic insights for Johne's disease.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary microbiology
  • Ruminant immunology
  • Metagenomics and microbiome analysis

Background:

  • Johne's disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a significant enteric disease in ruminants.
  • Metagenomics offers advanced tools to study complex gastrointestinal microbiomes and pathogen impacts.
  • Understanding microbiome alterations is crucial for managing MAP infections in cattle.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the taxonomic and compositional changes in the fecal microbiome of cattle experimentally challenged with MAP.
  • To compare the gut microbiota of MAP-exposed cattle with an unexposed control group over time.
  • To identify specific microbial species and functional changes associated with MAP exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental challenge of cattle with MAP.
  • Collection of fecal swab samples at 3, 6, and 9 months post-inoculation from exposed (n=35) and control (n=20) groups.
  • Metagenomic analysis of fecal microbiota to assess taxonomic diversity and functional potential.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in fecal microbiome composition and function were observed between MAP-exposed and control cattle (p < 0.05).
  • Primary taxonomic and functional shifts occurred at 3 months post-inoculation, with altered abundance of Methanobrevibacter, Bifidobacterium, and 11 other species.
  • Microbiome changes correlated with immunopathology markers, including miRNA-155, miR-146b, and IFN-ɣ.

Conclusions:

  • MAP exposure significantly impacts the fecal microbiome composition in cattle.
  • Specific microbial species and functional pathways are altered following MAP challenge.
  • Identified microbiome alterations may serve as potential biomarkers for tracking MAP exposure and disease progression in veterinary medicine.
Keywords:
Johne’s diseaseMAPexperimental modelimmune functionmicrobiome

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