Protecting the piglet gut microbiota against ETEC-mediated post-weaning diarrhoea using specific binding proteins.
NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes
; 10(1): 42, 2024 May 02.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38697985
ABSTRACT
Post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets presents a widespread problem in industrial pig production and is often caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) strains. Current solutions, such as antibiotics and medicinal zinc oxide, are unsustainable and are increasingly being prohibited, resulting in a dire need for novel solutions. Thus, in this study, we propose and evaluate a protein-based feed additive, comprising two bivalent heavy chain variable domain (VHH) constructs (VHH-(GGGGS)3-VHH, BL1.2 and BL2.2) as an alternative solution to manage PWD. We demonstrate in vitro that these constructs bind to ETEC toxins and fimbriae, whilst they do no affect bacterial growth rate. Furthermore, in a pig study, we show that oral administration of these constructs after ETEC challenge reduced ETEC proliferation when compared to challenged control piglets (1-2 log10 units difference in gene copies and bacterial count/g faeces across day 2-7) and resulted in week 1 enrichment of three bacterial families (Prevotellaceae (estimate 1.12 ± 0.25, q = 0.0054), Lactobacillaceae (estimate 2.86 ± 0.52, q = 0.0012), and Ruminococcaceae (estimate 0.66 ± 0.18, q = 0.049)) within the gut microbiota that appeared later in challenged control piglets, thus pointing to an earlier transition towards a more mature gut microbiota. These data suggest that such VHH constructs may find utility in industrial pig production as a feed additive for tackling ETEC and reducing the risk of PWD in piglet populations.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Doenças dos Suínos
/
Desmame
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Diarreia
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Infecções por Escherichia coli
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Escherichia coli Enterotoxigênica
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Microbioma Gastrointestinal
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Dinamarca