Microflora Of Gastrointestinal Tract Research Articles

153 Use of probiotics in feedlot diets

Abstract The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization classifies probiotics as live microorganisms that have health benefits when fed to animals. While the original purpose of probiotic use in beef cattle was to enhance rumen health and to establish a healthy gastrointestinal tract microflora in young calves, probiotic use in finishing cattle has been steadily increasing. The reason for this increase in use of probiotics in feedlot cattle diets is primarily due to public health concern with antimicrobial resistance from the use of antimicrobial technologies in feedlot cattle diets to improve performance and reduce the incidence of disease. Feedlot cattle consuming high concentrate diets for extended periods of time can experience shifts in rumen microflora that may be detrimental to rumen health which can impact overall animal performance. There are several different strains of probiotics (e.g., lactic acid producing, lactic acid utilizing bacteria,) that can function to optimize the microbial populations within the gastrointestinal tract to improve gut health. With improved gut health, improvements in nutrient digestion, absorption, immune function, and barrier function are possible. Several recent experiments supplementing feedlot cattle with probiotics have reported improved ADF digestibility, increased ruminal pH, improved ruminal lactic acid clearance, inhibited C. perfringens Types A and C growth in vitro, increased red blood cell superoxide dismutase activity, and improved average daily gains during certain portions of the feeding period. However, other probiotic supplementation experiments have not observed improvements in growth and health responses in feedlot cattle. The reason for the discrepancies between the experiments may be due to differences in animal production scenarios, the ingredient and nutrient composition of the basal diet, dosage of the probiotic, and the bacterial composition of the probiotic. Future research investigating the impact of individual strains of probiotics and combinations of different probiotic bacteria is warranted.

53889 Impact of DFD-29, a Low-Dose Oral Minocycline, on Skin, Gastrointestinal Tract, and Vaginal Microflora in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

53889 Impact of DFD-29, a Low-Dose Oral Minocycline, on Skin, Gastrointestinal Tract, and Vaginal Microflora in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Feather meal processing methods impact the production parameters, blood biochemical indices, gut function, and hepatic enzyme activity in broilers.

This study investigated the effects of feather meal (FM) processing methods on production parameters, blood biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, digestive and hepatic enzyme activities, and gastrointestinal tract pH and microflora of broilers. A total of 480-d-old male broilers were used for 42 d in a completely randomized design with eight treatments and five replicates (12 chicks/replicate). Treatments were 1) a control diet (without FM), 2) a diet containing 4% raw FM (RFM), 3) a diet containing 4% processed FM (PFM) by autoclave (Au-PFM), 4) a diet containing 4% fermented FM (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), 5) a diet containing 4% FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), 6) a diet containing 4% FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), 7) a diet containing 4% FFM by B. licheniformis + B. subtilis + A. niger (Co-FFM), and 8) a diet containing 4% PFM by an enzyme (En-PFM). Results showed that in the FFMs the contents of ash, ether extract, total volatile nitrogen, and amino acids including Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, His, Leu, Gly, Ile, Phe, and Tyr increased (P < 0.05), while crude fiber, crude protein, and dry matter content decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, the Co-FFM diet had no significant differences (P > 0.05) in total body weight gain (2,827 vs. 2,791g/chick), total feed intake (5,018 vs. 4,991g/chick), European production efficiency factor (375 vs. 377), European Broiler Index (371 vs. 371), and feed conversion ratio (1.77 vs. 1.78g/g). Feeding FFM decreased (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol (1.46-fold), triglyceride (1.61-fold), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.61-fold), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.27-fold) compared to the control. Also, FFM increased (P < 0.05) villus height (1,045 to 1,351, 661 to 854, and 523 to 620 μm), and villus height to crypt depth ratio (6.15 to 8.45, 4.55 to 7.04, and 4.27 to 5.45), in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively, compared to the control. Compared to the control, the Co-FFM diet increased (P < 0.05) protease (34, 39, and 45 %) in the pancreas, duodenum, and jejunum, as well as amylase (73, and 97 %) activities in the duodenum, and jejunum, respectively. Diets containing FFM reduced (P < 0.05) pH in the crop, gizzard, and ileum, and decreased (P < 0.05) Escherichia coli (6.12 to 5.70) count in ileum compared to the control. The Co-FFM diet increased (P < 0.05) lactic acid bacteria count in crop (6.77 to 7.50) and ileum (6.94 to 7.73), also decreased (P < 0.05) coliforms (6.31 to 5.75) count in ileum compared to the control. In conclusion, FM fermentation, particularly Co-FFM, improves the nutritional value of FM, converting it into a decent source of dietary protein for broilers.

Probiotics as an alternative to antibiotics in modulating the intestinal microbiota and performance of broiler chickens.

Gut bacteria play an important role in poultry nutrition and the immune defense system. Changes in the intestinal microbiome affect the physiological state, metabolism and innate im-munity of poultry. The present study aimed to characterize age-related changes in the gastrointestinal tract microflora in broiler chickens, depending on supplementation of the diet with the in-feed antibiotic Stafac® 110 and a Bacillus subtilis strain-based probiotic. In this regard, a comprehensive analysis of the taxonomic structure of the microbial community in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of broiler chickens was carried out using a molecular genetic technique of the Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis and taking into account age dynamics and feeding treatment. A beneficial effect on the microbiological composition and body weight of broilers was observed when using the antibiotic and probiotic in compound feeds. Different bacterial communities were revealed in the duodenum and cecum and their positive impact on broiler growth was established. The results obtained shed light on the formation of GIT microflora of broiler chickens during the growing period and its changes in response to the use of the antibiotic and the probiotic. We suggest that the implementation of the tested in-feed antibiotic and probiotic can be beneficial in regulating the intestinal microflora microbiological processes in the GIT and improving the feeding efficiency and productivity of broiler chickens.

Structural insights into substrate accommodation by Escherichia coli adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) reveal a unique mechanism in enterobacterales.

Nucleotide biosynthesis is one of the vital mechanisms of living organisms. The salvage pathway of nucleotide synthesis governs an energy efficient route, utilizes the intermediates from the degradation pathway and provides the swift supply of nucleotides needed for essential cellular activities. The adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) is a part of the purine salvage pathway enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of the phosphoribosyl moiety from 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) to free nucleotide bases. Though this enzyme is well characterized across various taxonomical orders still the details of substrate specificity, enzyme activity and its physiological role in survival are still unexplored in Enterobacterales. This group comprised species that form the largest group of bacterial pathogens along with being the part of gastrointestinal tract microflora in humans. Therefore, a thorough investigation of the function of Enterobacterales's APRT and identification of a novel mechanism may aid in the development of new antibiotics to prevent the spread of multidrug resistance strains of the Enterobacterales. In order to delineate molecular mechanism of the substrate binding, we determined the high-resolution crystal structure of E. coli APRT (EcAPRT) in both apo and adenine bound forms. The EcAPRT enzyme has a core PRPP binding domain and a distinct auxiliary region comprising an N-terminal hood and flexible loop. The binding of adenine in EcAPRT is facilitated through an interesting mechanism in which the side chain conformation of carboxy-terminal residue flips and a substrate trap is generated by the side chain residues.

Impact Of Steroidal and Non- Steroidal Drugs on The Microflora of Gastrointestinal Tract

Antimicrobial agents are supposed to be the most important means for treating bacterial infections. The use of steroidal and non-steroidal drugs is leading the disturbance of the normal microflora of gastrointestinal tract. This interference may result in abnormality of natural defence mechanism which is due to the colonic microbial ecosystem, making the host resistant to infections caused by commensal microorganisms and nosocomial pathogens. The agar well diffusion assay method was performed to observe the zones of inhibition caused by antimicrobial agents. Up to 25 antimicrobial drugs were used and out of 25 drugs, five antimicrobial drugs gave huge zones of inhibition.

Utilization of Probiotics in Treatment of Gastrointestinal Infections among Children

Probiotics have been extensively studied and examined globally. Probiotics are extremely important for human health and encourage the growth of good bacteria in the human body. Probiotics exert its beneficial effect in the human body through a number of mechanisms, including the production of antibacterial chemicals, the eradication of pathogenic bacteria, and the prevention of the synthesis of toxic substances. Probiotics are now available in the market as functional foods and dietary supplements. The probiotics market is expected to increase from $35.6 billion in 2015 to $64.6 billion in 2023. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria are the most commonly used probiotics in the infant formulas. Probiotics are extremely beneficial for the gut health. Various factors disrupt the microflora of gastrointestinal tract of infants and cause various GI infections and diseases. Methods: Previous articles have been studied to develop this review article about a broad spectrum of pediatric disorders treated with probiotics. Probiotics are helpful in the prevention of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, acute gastroenteritis, infantile colic and necrotizing enterocolitis. Different types of probiotic mixtures and probiotic bacteria are utilized in the treatment of GI diseases. Probiotics have also proved its effectiveness in the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. Conclusion: Efforts to improve human health are concentrating on methods for modifying the indigenous microflora using live microorganisms, now referred to as “probiotics”. The probiotic market is expanding and is expected to rise to $64.6bn by the year 2023. Probiotics are now added to a variety of food products such as cereals, fruit juices and milk-based product

Efficiency of the use of probiotics in comparison with antibiotics in pig breeding

The article presents materials on the study of effect of complex of biologically active substances "Lactumin" and "Lactusil" based on lactulose as an alternative to antibiotics in diets of young pigs on state of microflora of gastrointestinal tract and the formation of productive qualities of animals. The scientific research was carried out on basis of farm-breeding plant named after Lenin of Surovikinsky District of Volgograd Region. The level of humoral immunity was assessed according to results of bactericidal activity of blood serum obtained from results of zootechnical studies. The assessment of dynamics of live weight was carried out on the basis of control weighings and the calculation of absolute and average daily gains. Control slaughter of 5 animals from each studied group was carried out according to methodology generally of All-Russian Institute of Animal Husbandry accepted in Russia. It was found that the use of studied probiotic supplements in diets of pigs promoted a higher level of metabolic processes in their bodies, improved biochemical, morphological indicators and the level of natural resistance, and also influenced in live weight and slaughter indicators.

Contribution of Ghrelin to the Pathogenesis of Growth Hormone Deficiency.

In this review we described the interactions between ghrelin and the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis in children and adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). A possible involvement of these interactions in the pathogenesis of unexplained cases of GHD was suggested. Current research provides more and more details to the knowledge on the circadian rhythm of ghrelin. We gathered reports on the decreasing effect of Helicobacter pylori-related chronic gastritis on the number of ghrelin immunopositive cells and the consequent decrease in ghrelin serum concentration. The gastrointestinal tract microflora modification of the ghrelin action, by the mechanism of molecular mimicry, was also stressed. Moreover, the mutual relationships between ghrelin and the TSH-FT4/FT3 axis in growth and metabolic processes are described. It is to be recalled that FT4 and FT3 exert a permissive impact on IGF-1 action and, in turn, GH, in reaction mediated by IGF-1, enhances the monodeiodination of FT4 to FT3. Finally, we discussed the latest attempts to use the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) analogues for possible diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Use of probiotics for formation of microflora of gastrointestinal tract of calves

The results of the use of probiotic strains of microorganisms of the Bacillus family for the correction and formation of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and the impact on metabolism in calves are presented.&#x0D; The aim of the study. To analyze the effect of probiotics on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract in calves and biochemical parameters of blood in calves up to one month.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The research was conducted during 2020 in the conditions of Ukrainian farms for cattle breeding. Five experimental groups of five one-week-old calves were formed in each and one control group. Calves were kept separately in the same conditions on the same diet, but with feeding together with colostrum substitute probiotics of five grams per animal: Bacillus amyloliquefaciense, Bacillus mucilaginosus, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus. The strains are deposited and produced by “Kronos Agro” Ukraine.&#x0D; Results. It was found that as a result of studies when feeding calves B. coagulans, B. pumilus and B. mucilaginosus the number of Lactobacillus sp. was 80 % higher than in the control group. The level of opportunistic pathogens in the experimental group with B. coagulans had minimal values. Animals in the group where B. mucilaginosus was given had a higher amount of Candida - up to 300 CFU/g and Enterobacteriaceae – 200 CFU/g; which is 50 % less compared to control groups, but more than in the experiment with B. coagulans. According to the results of biochemical examination of blood serum in calves, the absence of toxic effects of probiotic strains: Bacillus amyloliquefaciense, Bacillus mucilaginosus, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus on the internal organs of animals was established.&#x0D; Conclusions. It was found that the maximum positive effect on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of calves up to 30 days of age had B. coagulans (1×109) when fed at a dose of 5 g per animal. The amount of Lactobacillus sp. was the maximum and reached 800 CFU/g, which is 80 % more than in the control group. At the same time, the level of opportunistic pathogens in the experimental group with B. coagulans had minimal indicators and was: Clostridium by 20 %, Escherichia coli – by 70 %, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus and Candida – 100 % less than the control.&#x0D; In the study of biochemical parameters, it was found that the activity of enzymes, protein and glucose levels in the serum of experimental animals fed with B. coagulans were within the physiological norm, indicating a normal metabolic process and no toxic effects.

Enzyme compositions in biological processes of animals to obtain environmentally friendly products

The urgency of the investigated problem is due to the fact that enzymatic compositions in the diets of agricultural mammals contribute to better digestion of nutrients, which allows increasing the rate of inexpensive raw materials ‘rich’ in anti-nutritional factors without compromising the health and productivity of the animal. The article is aimed at researching the digestibility of nutrients and the effect of enzyme compositions on the productivity of cows, and on the analysis of changes in live weight and average daily increments, slaughter and meat qualities of experimental young fattening pigs. The leading method of study is conducting scientific, economic and physiological experiments. Studies allow revealing the effects of enzyme compositions on the gastrointestinal tract microflora, which will directly affect the digestibility of nutrients and productive qualities. The digestibility ratios of feed nutrients were greater in the animals of the experimental groups receiving the enzyme compositions. In cows, milk production increased, and milk composition improved. In the experimental groups of pigs, there was an increase in live weight and average daily growth; a high yield of meat was obtained and the best ratio of meat to fat was observed. The results can be used to study metabolic processes in animals.

Changes in the microflora of the intestinal tract of pigs when using Vetom 1

The effect of the probiotic preparation Vetom 1 was studied on the quantitative indicators of microflora of gastrointestinal tract of pigs of the Large White breed kept at a pig farm. Vetom 1 is a powder for oral administration and rectal administration, containing dry bacterial mass of live spore-forming bacteria of Bacillus subtilis DSM 32424 strain. Based on the analogue principle, experimental and control groups of 10 animals in each were formed. Pigs of the experimental group were given Vetom 1 at a dose of 75 mg/kg of live body weight once a day every day for 15 days. When applied, the concentration of bifidobacteria increased. Vetom 1 did not affect the dynamics of the concentration of lactobacilli, enterobacteria and fungi in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs. Under the influence of the preparation, the correlation dependences between different populations of microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract of animals changed. Without the use of the probiotic preparation, the concentrations of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria inversely correlated with each other with an average intensity. When using Vetom 1, the populations of these microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs were synergistic in relation to each other and showed a positive correlation dependence of the average intensity. No correlation dependences were found between concentrations of enterobacteria and other studied microorganisms. Without the use of the probiotic preparation, concentrations of bifidobacteria and fungi inversely correlated with each other with a strong intensity. When Vetom 1 was used, the populations of these microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs did not show either synergistic or antagonistic activity among themselves, since the confidence interval of the correlation coefficient equaled zero.

Development of the gastrointestinal tract microflora in young carrier pigeons

The high demands placed on the performance of carrier pigeons are often reflected in their health and reduced immunity. Therefore, it is important to take sufficient care of their health from the hatching throughout the rearing of future competitors. The aim of the study was to monitor the development of the bacterial microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) during the first month of their life. Two examinations of young pigeons involved taking of swabs from crop and cloaca at 5th day after hatching and 30th day of weaning, when exposure of young pigeons to stress was expected. The results of the study suggested that crop microbiota of young pigeons until weaning is dominated by lactobacilli, such as L. fermentum, L. mucosae or L. agilis, and host-specific bacteria, namely enterococci and streptococci. From the cloacal swabs, E. coli, Ent. faecalis and Str. faecalis were most frequently detected during the two samplings. Commensal bacteria, particularly Str. gallolyticus and Str. sanguinis, which are part of the gastrointestinal microbiota, can act as opportunistic pathogens, mainly under stress conditions resulting in susceptibility to various diseases.

Development of the gastrointestinal tract microflora in young carrier pigeons

Development of the gastrointestinal tract microflora in young carrier pigeons

Microflora of upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis complicated by gastrointestinal dysfunction

Microflora of upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis complicated by gastrointestinal dysfunction

Biologically active additives in the 21st century: undenatured type II collagen as an example of good medical practice

The paper deals with an update on biologically active additives (BAAs) and emphasizes their role in normalizing and/or improving the functional status of organs and systems, including the gastrointestinal tract microflora, in reducing the risk of diseases, etc. It gives data on the consumption and turnover of BAAs, definitions and classifications of this group of substances, the basic documents governing the control of their production and promotion in different countries and in Russia. Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II ® ) that is made from the chicken sternal cartilage and is a component of Sustaflex is considered as an example of the BAA that is compliant with good medical practice regulations. The therapeutic properties of UC-II ® have been confirmed in clinical trials. The paper describes the mechanism of action of the BAA, evidence for its efficacy and safety, and the possibility of its administration for the prevention and combination treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and its use as an alternative treatment for OA.

Specific composition of indigenous microflora (Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Lactococcus spp.) in farm animals

To maintain a stable composition of the gastrointestinal tract microflora in farm animals it is necessary to use probiotic agents to ensure the full functioning of the digestive, hormonal, and immune systems of the body. Most modern probiotics include lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, which are the most physiologically valuable components of a healthy organism’s an indigenous microflora. The aim of this study was to provide indication and identification from the milk of healthy cows and gastric tract of healthy pigs and calves of the genus bacteria Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Lactococcus. The objects of research were cultures of microorganisms isolated from cows milk (82), the gastrointestinal tract of cattle (317), and piglets of different age groups (114). Bacteriological studies were carried out on the basis of the veterinary sanitation and parasitology laboratory of the National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine" (Kharkiv) in accordance with current regulatory documents. According to the research of the gastrointestinal tract of clinically healthy calves and piglets isolated and typified to 317 and 114 cultures of microorganisms, the species composition of the microflora (82 bacterial cultures) of the cisternous and parenchymatous milk of clinically healthy cows was determined. A total of 513 isolates of microorganisms were isolated, including: Enterobacter spp. –2 (0,39%), Staphylococcus spp. – 7 (1,37%), Bacillus spp. – 11 (2,14%), Enterococcus spp. – 33 (6.43%), Lactococcus spp. – 75(14,62%), Bifidоbacterium spp. – 170 (33,14%), and Lactobacillus spp. – 215 (41,91%). In the study of the biological properties of isolated microorganisms Lactobacillus spp. (215) established their species identity: L. brevis – 7 (3.26%), L. delbrueckii – 9 (4,19%), L. acidophilus – 21 (9,77%), L. fermentum – 23 (10,69%), L. casei – 57 (26,51%), and L. plantarum – 98 (45.58%). Cultures of Bifidobacterium spp. (170) belong to B. suis – 2 (1,18%), B. breve – 7 (4,12%), B. lactentis – 15 (8,82%), B. bifidum – 21 (12,35%), B. longum – 22 (12,94%), B. infantis – 25 (14,71%), and B. adolescentis – 78 (45,88%). From samples of biological material of farm animals, 75 cultures of the genus Lactococcus spp. were isolated (75) of which Lactococcus lactis is representative. Isolated bacteria Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactococcus spp. promising when creating innovative probiotic products for farm animals.

Bifidostimulating ingredients for dessert fermented products

Fermented sour-milk dessert products of a functional orientation are becoming increasingly popular in Ukraine. Dairy desserts have good taste properties, high nutritional and biological value and dense, non-flowing consistency. A wide range of additions, fillers, flavors, stabilizers are used in the production of desserts. Fermented dairy products are the main suppliers of probiotic microorganisms that promote the maintenance and restoration of human microbial ecology. Probiotic cultures that provide beneficial effects on the consumer's body and normalize the composition and function of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract include the following types of lactobacterial bifidobacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium spp. (V. adolescentis, B. animalis spp. Lactis, B. bifidum, B. longum, B. breve). Bifidobacteria – is one of the most important groups of intestinal microorganisms, which dominate the anaerobic flora of the colon. The International Dairy Federation defines such mixtures as bioproducts, which contain at least 1 × 106 bifidobacteria in 1 cm3. It should be noted that for most part of microorganisms, which are representatives of normal microflora of the human gastro intestinal tract, milk is an unfavorable environment for their development. This is due to the fact that there are no low molecules compounds in milk required for the development of microorganisms, such as free amino acids, monocourses, etc., as well as the fact that most bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and Bifidobacterium are related to obligated anaerobes that are adversely affected dissolved in milk oxygen air. Therefore, bifidobacteria, which belong to anaerobes, develop in milk very slowly. Bifidobacteria are actively involved in the restoration of normal intestinal microflora in gastrointestinal diseases and after treatment with antibiotics. It is necessary to use milk-adapted strains of bifidobacteria in order to stimulate their development and to provide the necessary composition of the nutrient environment and growth stimulants for their development, and to cultivate them together with lactic acid bacteria that have high β-galactosidase activity, which increases their own β-galactosidase activity bifidobacteria.

Vaccination of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) against Chlamydia pecorum using synthetic peptides derived from the major outer membrane protein.

Chlamydia pecorum is a mucosal infection, which causes debilitating disease of the urinary tract, reproductive tract and ocular sites of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). While antibiotics are available for treatment, they are detrimental to the koalas’ gastrointestinal tract microflora leaving the implementation of a vaccine as an ideal option for the long-term management of koala populations. We have previously reported on the successes of an anti-chlamydial recombinant major outer membrane protein (rMOMP) vaccine however, recombinant protein based vaccines are not ideal candidates for scale up from the research level to small-medium production level for wider usage. Peptide based vaccines are a promising area for vaccine development, because peptides are stable, cost effective and easily produced. In this current study, we assessed, for the first time, the immune responses to a synthetic peptide based anti-chlamydial vaccine in koalas. Five healthy male koalas were vaccinated with two synthetic peptides derived from C. pecorum MOMP and another five healthy male koalas were vaccinated with full length recombinant C. pecorum MOMP (genotype G). Systemic (IgG) and mucosal (IgA) antibodies were quantified and pre-vaccination levels compared to post-vaccination levels (12 and 26 weeks). MOMP-peptide vaccinated koalas produced Chlamydia-specific IgG and IgA antibodies, which were able to recognise not only the genotype used in the vaccination, but also MOMPs from several other koala C. pecorum genotypes. In addition, IgA antibodies induced at the ocular site not only recognised recombinant MOMP protein but also, whole native chlamydial elementary bodies. Interestingly, some MOMP-peptide vaccinated koalas showed a stronger and more sustained vaccine-induced mucosal IgA antibody response than observed in MOMP-protein vaccinated koalas. These results demonstrate that a synthetic MOMP peptide based vaccine is capable of inducing a Chlamydia-specific antibody response in koalas and is a promising candidate for future vaccine development.

Liver diseases: The pathogenetic role of the gut microbiome and the potential of treatment for its modulation

The paper gives an update on the role of the gut microbiome (GM) in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis (LC), and its complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and discusses the possibilities of its correction with prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). The pathophysiology of the liver diseases in question demonstrates some common features that are characterized by pathogenic changes in the composition of the gastrointestinal tract microflora, by intestinal barrier impairments, by development of endotoxemia, by increased liver expression of proinflammatory factors, and by development of liver inflammation. In progressive liver disease, the above changes are more pronounced, which contributes to the development of LC, HE, and HCC. GM modulation using prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, and FMT diminishes dysbacteriosis, strengthens the intestinal mucosal barrier, reduces endotoxemia and liver damage, and positively affects the clinical manifestations of HE. Further investigations are needed, especially in humans, firstly, to assess a relationship of GM to the development of liver diseases in more detail and, secondly, to obtain evidence indicating the therapeutic efficacy of GM-modulating agents in large-scale, well-designed, randomized, controlled, multicenter studies.