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Effect of Eimeria spp. and Staphylococcus aureus challenge on cecal microbiome in broilers
Venkata Sesha Reddy Choppa1, Hamid Reza Rafieian Naeini1, Daniel Junpyo Lee2
1Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.
Poultry Science
|September 20, 2025
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus and Eimeria spp. co-infection in broilers significantly alters the cecal microbiome, increasing lameness risk. These changes are dose- and time-dependent, highlighting the need for microbiome-targeted strategies to prevent Bacterial Chondronecrosis and Osteomyelitis (BCO).
Area of Science:
- Poultry Health and Microbiology
- Avian Gut Microbiome Dynamics
- Bacterial Chondronecrosis and Osteomyelitis (BCO) Pathogenesis
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a primary cause of lameness in broilers, often linked to Bacterial Chondronecrosis and Osteomyelitis (BCO).
- Gut health issues, including coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species, frequently coexist with S. aureus infections in broilers.
- The impact of combined S. aureus and Eimeria challenge on the broiler cecal microbiome remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the alterations in the cecal microbiome of broilers challenged with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Eimeria species.
- To elucidate the dose- and time-dependent effects of S. aureus exposure on the gut microbial community.
- To identify potential links between cecal microbiome shifts and the pathogenesis of Bacterial Chondronecrosis and Osteomyelitis (BCO).
Main Methods:
- Day-old male Cobb broilers were subjected to varied doses and timings of S. aureus challenge.
- A mixed Eimeria spp. challenge was administered to most treatment groups.
- Cecal contents were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on days 20 and 26 post-hatching.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in alpha and beta diversity of the cecal microbiome were observed in response to S. aureus and Eimeria co-challenge.
- Higher or repeated S. aureus exposure led to pronounced microbial shifts, including alterations in Actinobacteria, Microbacteraceae, and Leuconostocaceae.
- Functional pathway analysis indicated changes in lipid metabolism and immune signaling pathways, potentially contributing to BCO pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Co-infection with Eimeria and S. aureus significantly modifies the broiler cecal microbiome in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
- These microbial alterations are associated with pathways linked to bone health, suggesting a predisposition to BCO.
- Targeting the gut microbiome presents a promising strategy for mitigating skeletal issues and lameness in poultry.
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