ARS | Publication request: Probiotics and antibiotics change microbial diversity and decrease gut growth in neonatal pigs

Submitted to: Acta Paediatrica
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 9, 2009
Publication Date: October 9, 2009
Citation: Puiman, P., Stoll, B., Burrin, D.G., Boehm, G., Sangild, P., Boye, M., Molbak, L., Van Goudoever, J. 2009. Probiotics and antibiotics change microbial diversity and decrease gut growth in neonatal pigs [abstract]. Acta Paediatrica. 98(Suppl.460):44.

Technical Abstract: Both probiotics and antibiotics are used as a therapy against infection and gut inflammatory disorders. The impact of these interventions on the gut microbiota, intestinal function and protein metabolism in preterm infants is unknown. We investigated the effect of antibiotics and probiotics on intestinal flora and growth in neonatal pigs. Three day old neonatal pigs were randomized to either: Control (C), Probiotics (PRO: Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium Bb2, dose 2x10(10) CFU/ml) or antibiotics (AB: gentamicine, ampicilline, metronidazole)(n = 7/group). After 9 days, piglets received an [U-13C, 1-15N]-threonine tracer infusion to measure intestinal protein synthesis before tissue collection. The intestinal microbiota was investigated using Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Colonic bacterial density was diminished in AB pigs but was more diverse compared to C and PRO. Probiotics supplementation induced growth of existing bifidobacterium species resulting in a more bifidogenic flora compared to CO. AB and PRO did not affect body weight, but both decreased jejunal weight(ABP < 0.05;PROP < 0.001), protein content(PRO P < 0.01) and DNA content (AB P < 0.05; PRO P < 0.001) compared to C. Protein synthesis in the jejunum measured by GC-IRMS was lower in AB(P < 0.001)and PRO (P < 0.01) compared to C. The ileum and colon showed a similar trend as the jejunum. AB and PRO differentially changed the intestinal microbiota and both decreased gut growth. Body growth was not affected indicating adequate nutrient uptake and body protein synthesis despite alteration of the gut microbiota both quantitatively and in diversity.