Fecal microbiota transplantation modulates jejunal host-microbiota interface in weanling piglets

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Weaning-associated enteric diseases pose significant challenges in the swine industry.
• The jejunum's role in post-weaning enteric diseases and its microbiomic changes are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the jejunal microbiota of weanling piglets.
• To assess FMT's impact on jejunal health and its potential protective role against enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) infection.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two piglets were divided into Control and FMT groups.
• FMT group received fecal microbiota from healthy adult pigs.
• Half of each group was inoculated with ETEC; tissues and contents were analyzed post-weaning.

Main Results:

• FMT significantly increased jejunal microbial alpha diversity and enriched specific bacterial genera like Pseudoscardovia.
• Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed FMT's modulatory effects on immune, metabolic, and barrier functions.
• FMT showed a potential protective role against ETEC infection, reducing diarrhea severity.

Conclusions:

• Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) shows promise in enhancing jejunal health in swine.
• FMT may be a viable strategy for managing small intestinal dysbiosis in monogastric species, including humans.