Replacement of Metaphylactic Antimicrobial Therapy by Oral Administration of Ligilactobacillus salivarius MP100 in a Pig Farm.

Odón J Sobrino,Julián De María,Antonio Fumanal,Leónides Fernández,Rebeca Arroyo,Susana Delgado,Pilar Fumanal,Juan M Rodríguez,Claudio Alba,Lydia Sariego,Inés Pérez

doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.666887

Abstract

Antibiotic use in swine production contributes to the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria, which poses a threat on human health. Therefore, alternative approaches must be developed. The objective of this work was the characterization of the probiotic properties of a Ligilactobacillus salivarius strain isolated from sow's milk and its application as an inoculated fermented feed to pregnant sows and piglets. The study was carried in a farm in which metaphylactic use of antimicrobials (including zinc oxide) was eliminated at the time of starting the probiotic intervention, which lasted for 2 years. Feces from 8-week-old piglets were collected before and after the treatment and microbiological and biochemical analyses were performed. The procedure led to an increase in the concentrations of clostridia and lactobacilli-related bacteria. Parallel, an increase in the concentration of butyrate, propionate and acetate was observed and a notable reduction in the presence of antibiotic resistant lactobacilli became apparent. In conclusion, replacement of antimicrobials by a microbiota-friendly approach was feasible and led to positive microbiological and biochemical changes in the enteric environment.

Highlights

During the last decades, antibiotic-(multi)resistant bacteria have become a global threat for human health
Identification by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing of the isolate that showed the best growth revealed that it belonged to the species Ligilactobacillus salivarius and the nomenclature MP100 was ascribed to the strain
The cut-off values were those established by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) [27]. aL. reuteri and L. johnsonii are intrinsically resistant to kanamycin

Summary

Introduction

Antibiotic-(multi)resistant bacteria have become a global threat for human health. The overuse, abuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals have accelerated the development and spread of resistances. Prolonged prophylactic and metaphylactic use of antibiotics is widespread in intensive food animal management systems worldwide as low-cost growth promoters [5]. The addition of sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics in feed or water can improve growth rates by reducing the morbidity and mortality burden associated to bacterial diseases [6]. Such practice has notably contributed to the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria, both by direct contact with

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion