Systemic Effects of a Phage Cocktail on Healthy Weaned Piglets

Yankun Liu1,2, Yan Lin1,2,3, Weiyun Zhu1,2,3

  • 1Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.

Biology
|April 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Oral bacteriophages (phages) show complex systemic effects, enhancing intestinal barrier function and altering immune responses without negatively impacting piglet growth. Further research is needed to fully understand phage impact on overall health.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Animal Science

Background:

  • Bacteriophages (phages) are effective against intestinal bacterial infections.
  • Limited research exists on the systemic health effects of orally administered phages.
  • Understanding phage impact beyond the gut is crucial for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the systemic health effects of an oral phage cocktail in weaned piglets.
  • To investigate the impact of phages on growth, organ indices, intestinal environment, and immune status.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of phage therapy in a mammalian model.

Main Methods:

  • Weaned piglets were orally administered a phage cocktail targeting Salmonella and E. coli for 20 days.
  • Growth performance, serum biochemistry, organ indices, intestinal chyme pH, and microbiota were analyzed.
  • Immune cell counts, serum cytokine levels, and toll-like receptor (TLR) activation were measured.

Main Results:

  • Phage gavage did not affect growth, serum biochemistry, or most organ indices, except for a decreased pancreatic index.
  • Phages enhanced intestinal barrier function, altered microbiota, and increased specific short-chain fatty acids.
  • Significant changes in immune status were observed, including increased immunoglobulins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and TLR activation, with decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions:

  • Short-term oral phage administration in piglets demonstrated no significant negative health effects.
  • Phages can enhance intestinal barrier function and modulate the immune system.
  • The complex systemic effects of phages, particularly on immunity, require further investigation.

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