Open AccessFeeding of Lactobacillus sobrius reduces Escherichia coli F4 levels in the gut and promotes growth of infected piglets
Author(s) -
Konstantinov Sergey R.,
Smidt Hauke,
Akkermans Antoon D.L.,
Casini Luisa,
Trevisi Paolo,
Mazzoni Maurizio,
De Filippi Sara,
Bosi Paolo,
De Vos Willem M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
fems microbiology ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.377
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1574-6941
pISSN - 0168-6496
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2008.00517.x
Subject(s) - biology , probiotic , enterotoxigenic escherichia coli , lactobacillus , weaning , weight gain , microbiology and biotechnology , escherichia coli , colonization , ileum , feces , diarrhea , zoology , food science , body weight , bacteria , medicine , enterotoxin , fermentation , endocrinology , biochemistry , genetics , gene
The microbial community in the guts of mammals is often seen as an important potential target in therapeutic and preventive interventions. The aim of the present study was to determine whether enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4 infection in young animals might be counteracted by a probiotic treatment with Lactobacillus sobrius DSM 16698. The experiment was conducted in three randomized consecutive replications, each consisting of 16 piglets, and including a control group and an L. sobrius fed group, both experimentally challenged with ETEC. During the entire trial, the animals' health status, body weight, and microbial parameters were monitored periodically. Probiotic supplementation containing L. sobrius significantly reduced the levels of ETEC in the ileum when fed directly to piglets after weaning. In contrast, the number of days when the piglets had an increased faecal water content was significantly higher in the probiotic group. Nevertheless, an improved daily weight gain was also observed in the animals that received probiotic L. sobrius relative to the control fed group. The data indicate that L. sobrius may be effective in the reduction of the E. coli F4 colonization and may improve the weight gain of infected piglets.