Effect of Enterococcus faecium EF 55 on morphometry and proliferative activity of intestinal mucosa in broilers infected with Salmonella Enteritidis

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Enterococcus faecium EF55 on chickens, as well as its influence on proliferative activity of epithelial intestinal cells after infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis phage type 4 (SE PT4). Moreover, the length and area of duodenal and jejunal villi of the birds were examined. Material and Methods: A pool of 80 birds was divided randomly into four groups. Probiotic group (EF) and Salmonella + probiotic group (EFSE) received E. faecium EF55 (10 9 CFU -3 g per group/day) during 22 d. Salmonella group (SE) and EFSE group were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis PT4 (10 8 CFU in 0.2 mL PBS) in a single dose per os on day four of the experiment, whereas control birds (C group) received only 0.2 mL of PBS on that day. Samples were taken on the 4 th and 18 th day post infection. Results: Supplementation of feed with E. faecium EF 55 confirmed its selective antibacterial activity against SE PT4. The chickens infected with SE PT4 and fed E. faecium EF55 supplemented diet showed increased proliferative activity of enterocytes in the jejunum in both samplings. Applied probiotic strain demonstrated positive impact on intestinal morphometry in the jejunum of both non-infected groups and in Salmonella-infected chickens. In the latter group, the beneficial effect of E. faecium EF 55 was manifested by more efficient tissue turnover in the jejunum.

In vivo Model Experiment Using Laying Hens Treated with Enterococcus faecium EM41 from Ostrich Faeces and its Enterocin EM41

“…The damage to microscopic and submicroscopic structures of enterocytes and goblet cells of the intestinal epithelium and its subsequent necrosis was less intensive after treatment with enterocin A (26). The beneficial effect of poultry-derived strain Enterococcus faecium EF55 (probiotic and enterocin-producing) in broilers was also reported by Ševčíková et al (27). Chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis and fed a diet supplemented with EF55 strain showed increased proliferative activity of enterocytes in the jejunum.…”

Muscle characteristics in chicks challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis and the effect of preventive application of the probiotic Enterococcus faecium

“…IgA helps to entrap antigens in the mucus and downregulates the expression of pro-inflammatory bacterial epitopes (Phalipon et al, 2002). In addition to its anti-inflammatory effect, EF supports gut villi development and, thus, the abilities for digestion and absorption in a positive way (Herich et al, 2010; Ševčíková et al, 2016). In contrast, a reduced proliferative activity of enterocytes, shorter villi in the jejunum and a decreased absorptive area (Herich et al, 2010; Ševčíková et al, 2016) have been found in SE-infected chicken, and these effects persist over longer time periods after infection.…”

“…EF strains are able to produce bacteriocins, which, in contrast to antibiotics, have a relative narrow killing spectrum and are toxic only to bacteria closely related to the producing strain (Riley and Wertz, 2002; Lauková et al, 2003; Lauková et al, 2012). In chicken, preventive early application of EF has been shown to decrease cecal colonization with pathogenic SE, to promote the development of the small intestine and its protection barrier (Herich et al, 2010; Ševčíková et al, 2016), and to stimulate innate and acquired immune responses (Levkut et al, 2012; Dina and Hams, 2016).…”

Evaluation of a new probiotic concept for broilers

“…Most significantly lactobacilli have been shown to have a protective effect against pathogenic bacteria as well as a beneficial effect on the digestive and immune responses in chickens. Additionally, both Enterococcus faecium and Escherichia coli have been shown to have a similar positive effect in chickens under experimental conditions [13-19].…”