scholarly journals Mineral Phosphorus Supply in Piglets Impacts the Microbial Composition and Phytate Utilization in the Large Intestine

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1197
Author(s):  
Henry Reyer ◽  
Per J. R. Sjöberg ◽  
Michael Oster ◽  
Aisanjiang Wubuli ◽  
Eduard Murani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Intestine ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Core Microbiome ◽  
Phytate Degradation ◽  
P Utilization ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Dietary Treatments

A sufficient supply of phosphorus (P) to pigs in livestock farming is based on the optimal use of plant-based phytate and mineral P supplements to ensure proper growth processes and bone stability. However, a high P supplementation might bear the risk of higher environmental burden due to the occurrence of excess P and phytate degradation products in manure. In this context, the intestinal microbiota is of central importance to increase P solubility, to employ non-mineral P by the enzymatic degradation of phytate, and to metabolize residual P. A feeding experiment was conducted in which piglets were fed diets with different P levels, resulting in three groups with low, medium (covering requirements), and high concentrations of available P. Samples from caecum and colon digesta were analysed for microbial composition and phytate breakdown to estimate the microbial contribution to metabolize P sources. In terms of identified operational taxonomic units (OTU), caecum and colon digesta under the three feeding schemes mainly overlap in their core microbiome. Nevertheless, different microbial families correlate with increased dietary P supply. Specifically, microbes of Desulfovibrionaceae, Pasteurellaceae, Anaerovoracaceae, and Methanobacteriaceae were found significantly differentially abundant in the large intestine across the dietary treatments. Moreover, members of the families Veillonellaceae, Selenomonadaceae, and Succinivibrionaceae might contribute to the observed phytate degradation in animals fed a low P diet. In this sense, the targeted manipulation of the intestinal microbiota by feeding measures offers possibilities for the optimization of intestinal phytate and P utilization.

scholarly journals Unveiling the Biogeography and Potential Functions of the Intestinal Digesta- and Mucosa-Associated Microbiome of Donkeys

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruiyang Zhang ◽  
Junpeng Zhang ◽  
Wanyi Dang ◽  
David M. Irwin ◽  
Zhe Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Large Intestine ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Potential Functions ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
Degrading Bacteria

The intestinal microbial composition and metabolic functions under normal physiological conditions in the donkey are crucial for health and production performance. However, compared with other animal species, limited information is currently available regarding the intestinal microbiota of donkeys. In the present study, we characterized the biogeography and potential functions of the intestinal digesta- and mucosa-associated microbiota of different segments of the intestine (jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon) in the donkey, focusing on the differences in the microbial communities between the small and large intestine. Our results show that, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes dominate in both the digesta- and mucosa-associated microbiota in different intestinal locations of the donkey. Starch-degrading and acid-producing (butyrate and lactate) microbiota, such as Lactobacillus and Sarcina, were more enriched in the small intestine, while the fiber- and mucin-degrading bacteria, such as Akkermansia, were more enriched in the large intestine. Furthermore, metabolic functions in membrane transport and lipid metabolism were more enriched in the small intestine, while functions for energy metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, amino acid metabolism were more enriched in the large intestine. In addition, the microbial composition and functions in the digesta-associated microbiota among intestinal locations differed greatly, while the mucosal differences were smaller, suggesting a more stable and consistent role in the different intestinal locations. This study provides us with new information on the microbial differences between the small and large intestines of the donkey and the synergistic effects of the intestinal microbiota with host functions, which may improve our understanding the evolution of the equine digestive system and contribute to the healthy and efficient breeding of donkeys.

scholarly journals Evaluation of acidogenesis products’ effect on biogas production performed with metagenomics and isotopic approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Detman ◽  
Michał Bucha ◽  
Laura Treu ◽  
Aleksandra Chojnacka ◽  
Łukasz Pleśniak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Methane Production ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Stable Carbon Isotope ◽  
Anaerobic Sludge ◽  
Methane Formation ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Fermentation Products ◽  
Core Microbiome ◽  
Specific Species

Abstract Background During the acetogenic step of anaerobic digestion, the products of acidogenesis are oxidized to substrates for methanogenesis: hydrogen, carbon dioxide and acetate. Acetogenesis and methanogenesis are highly interconnected processes due to the syntrophic associations between acetogenic bacteria and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, allowing the whole process to become thermodynamically favorable. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of the dominant acidic products on the metabolic pathways of methane formation and to find a core microbiome and substrate-specific species in a mixed biogas-producing system. Results Four methane-producing microbial communities were fed with artificial media having one dominant component, respectively, lactate, butyrate, propionate and acetate, for 896 days in 3.5-L Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) bioreactors. All the microbial communities showed moderately different methane production and utilization of the substrates. Analyses of stable carbon isotope composition of the fermentation gas and the substrates showed differences in average values of δ13C(CH4) and δ13C(CO2) revealing that acetate and lactate strongly favored the acetotrophic pathway, while butyrate and propionate favored the hydrogenotrophic pathway of methane formation. Genome-centric metagenomic analysis recovered 234 Metagenome Assembled Genomes (MAGs), including 31 archaeal and 203 bacterial species, mostly unknown and uncultivable. MAGs accounted for 54%–67% of the entire microbial community (depending on the bioreactor) and evidenced that the microbiome is extremely complex in terms of the number of species. The core microbiome was composed of Methanothrix soehngenii (the most abundant), Methanoculleus sp., unknown Bacteroidales and Spirochaetaceae. Relative abundance analysis of all the samples revealed microbes having substrate preferences. Substrate-specific species were mostly unknown and not predominant in the microbial communities. Conclusions In this experimental system, the dominant fermentation products subjected to methanogenesis moderately modified the final effect of bioreactor performance. At the molecular level, a different contribution of acetotrophic and hydrogenotrophic pathways for methane production, a very high level of new species recovered, and a moderate variability in microbial composition depending on substrate availability were evidenced. Propionate was not a factor ceasing methane production. All these findings are relevant because lactate, acetate, propionate and butyrate are the universal products of acidogenesis, regardless of feedstock.

scholarly journals Ratio of Klebsiella/Bifidobacterium in early life correlates with later development of paediatric allergy

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 681-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.S.Y. Low ◽  
S.-E. Soh ◽  
Y.K. Lee ◽  
K.Y.C. Kwek ◽  
J.D. Holbrook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Allergic Disease ◽  
Early Life ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Early Infancy ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Healthy Infants ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Paediatric Allergy

Several studies have reported that intestinal microbial colonisation patterns differ between non-allergic and allergic infants. However, the microbial signature underlying the pathogenesis of allergies remains unclear. We aim to gain insight into the development of the intestinal microbiota of healthy infants and infants who develop allergy in early life, and identify potential microbiota biomarkers of later allergic disease. Using a case-control design in a Chinese sub-cohort of a Singaporean birth cohort (GUSTO), we utilised 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess intestinal microbial composition and diversity of 21 allergic and 18 healthy infants at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months of age, and correlated the microbiota with allergy at ages 18 and 36 months. Pronounced differences in intestinal microbiota composition between allergic and healthy infants were observed at 3 months of age. The intestine of healthy infants was colonised with higher abundance of commensal Bifidobacterium. Conversely, Klebsiella, an opportunistic pathogen, was significantly enriched in the allergic infants. Interestingly, infants with a high Klebsiella/Bifidobacterium (K/B) ratio (above the population median K/B ratio) at age 3 months had an odds ratio of developing allergy by 3 years of age of 9.00 (95% confidence interval 1.46-55.50) compared to those with low K/B ratio. This study demonstrated a relationship between the ratio of genera Klebsiella and Bifidobacterium during early infancy and development of paediatric allergy in childhood. Our study postulates that an elevated K/B ratio in early infancy could be a potential indicator of an increased risk of allergy development. This line of research might enable future intervention strategies in early life to prevent or treat allergy. Our study provides new insights into microbial signatures associated with childhood allergy, in particular, suggests that an elevated K/B ratio could be a potential early-life microbiota biomarker of allergic disease.

scholarly journals The effect of early social contact on the community structure and functions of  fecal microbiome in suckling - growing piglets

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanju Bi ◽  
Runze Liu ◽  
Wenbo Ji ◽  
Lei Pan ◽  
Haidong Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Environment ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Fecal Microbiome ◽  
The Social ◽  
Negative Effect

Abstract Background: Social contact in the early suckling period as an enriched social environment can reduce the aggressive behaviors of piglets at weaning regrouping, and improve their production performance and welfare. We speculated that the social environment could modulate the maturation of piglet intestinal microbiota at later growth stages. Therefore, we performed microbial 16S rRNA gene sequencing from fecal samples, collected at 16, 35, 42, and 63 days of age, to investigate the structure and function of intestinal microbiota in piglets that experienced early social contact. Results: The results showed that the litter weight of the piglets was not significantly different between the control (CON) and social contact (SC) groups at 35 days of age (P > 0.05), but the weight of piglets in the SC group significantly decreased at 63 days compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). While the proportion of Firmicutes were the most abundant bacterial phylum detected in both groups at all times, the proportion of Firmicutes and the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroides ratio were significantly higher in the SC group compared to the CON group and the proportion of Bacteroides was lower in the SC group compared to the CON group at 35, 42, and 63 days of age (P < 0.05). At the genus level, early social contact had a significant positive effect on the level of Lactobacillus at 35 and 42 days of age (P < 0.05), but a negative effect on Prevotella at 35, 42, and 63 days of age (P < 0.05). Furthermore, functional analysis of the microbial composition showed that the changes induced by early social contact mainly altered the relative abundance of metabolic and related pathways. From 35 days of age, the social contact notably had a negative effect on the abundance microbial pathways for protein digestion and absorption and lipid metabolism (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Early social contact truly changed the taxonomy of fecal microbiota in piglets, which in turn, impacted the potential for microbial function within the piglet intestine. At present, we speculate that providing continuous social contact negatively influences the nutrient metabolism for the growing piglets.

Inositol phosphates from barley low-phytate grain mutants analysed by metal-dye detection HPLC and NMR

2001 ◽  
Vol 354 (2) ◽  
pp. 473-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank HATZACK ◽  
Frank HÜBEL ◽  
Wei ZHANG ◽  
Poul E. HANSEN ◽  
Søren K. RASMUSSEN
Keyword(s):  
Nmr Spectroscopy ◽  
Inositol Phosphates ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Phytase Activity ◽  
Grain Development ◽  
Spectroscopy Analysis ◽  
Phytate Degradation ◽  
Parent Variety ◽  
Mutant Lines

Inositol phosphates from barley low-phytate grain mutants and their parent variety were analysed by metal-dye detection HPLC and NMR. Compound assignment was carried out by comparison of retention times using a chemical hydrolysate of phytate [Ins(1,2,3,4,5,6)P6] as a reference. Co-inciding retention times indicated the presence of phytate, D/L-Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P5, Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P5, D/L-(1,2,4,5,6)P5, D/L-(1,2,3,4)P4, D/L-Ins(1,2,5,6)P4 and D/L-Ins(1,4,5,6)P4 in PLP1B mutants as well as the parent variety. In grain extracts from mutant lines PLP1A, PLP2A and PLP3A unusual accumulations of D/L-Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 were observed whereas phytate and the above-mentioned inositol phosphates were present in relatively small amounts. Assignment of D/L-Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 was corroborated by precise co-chromatography with a commercial Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 standard and by NMR spectroscopy. Analysis of inositol phosphates during grain development revealed accumulation of phytate and D/L-Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, which suggested the tetrakisphosphate compound to be an intermediate of phytate synthesis. This assumption was strengthened further by phytate degradation assays showing that D/L-Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 did not belong to the spectrum of degradation products generated by endogenous phytase activity. Metabolic scenarios leading to accumulation of D/L-Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 in barley low-phytate mutants are discussed.

scholarly journals Exposure to Arsenite in CD-1 Mice during Juvenile and Adult Stages: Effects on Intestinal Microbiota and Gut-Associated Immune Status

mBio ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuppan Gokulan ◽  
Matthew G. Arnold ◽  
Jake Jensen ◽  
Michelle Vanlandingham ◽  
Nathan C. Twaddle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
Arsenic Exposure ◽  
Intestinal Bacteria ◽  
Repeated Exposure ◽  
Potential Toxicity ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Arsenic Resistance ◽  
Immune System Development ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Intestinal microbiota composition and gut-associated immune response can contribute to the toxicity of arsenic. We investigated the potential toxicity of short-term arsenic exposure on gut microbiome composition, intestinal immune status, microbial arsenic resistance gene, and arsenic metabolic profiles in adult and developmental stages of CD-1 mice. The potential toxicity of arsenite [As(III)] was determined for two life stages: (i) adult animals at 24 or 48 h after single gavage (0.05 mg/kg body weight [b.w.] [low dose], 0.1 mg/kg b.w. [medium dose], and 0.2 mg/kg b.w. [high dose]) and repeated exposure at 1 mg/liter for 8 days and (ii) postnatal day 10 (PND10) and PND21 after single gavage (0.05 mg/kg b.w.). Dose- and time-dependent responses in bacterial recovery/microbial composition were observed in adults after a single gavage. Repeated exposure caused a transient decrease in the recovery of intestinal bacteria, a shift in the bacterial population with abundance of arsenic resistance genes, and evidence for host metabolism of arsenite into less-reactive trivalent methylated species. Arsenic exposure in adult animals induced high levels of CC chemokines and of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion in intestine. Arsenic exposure at PND21 resulted in the development of distinct bacterial populations. Results of this study highlight significant changes in the intestinal microbiome and gut-associated immune status during a single or repeated exposure to arsenic in juvenile and adult animals. The data warrant investigation of the long-term effects of oral arsenic exposure on the microbiome and of immune system development and responses. IMPORTANCE Transformation of organic arsenic to toxic inorganic arsenic (iAs) is likely carried out by intestinal bacteria, and iAs may alter the viability of certain microbial populations. This study addressed the impact of arsenic exposure on intestinal microbiota diversity and host gut-associated immune mediators during early development or adulthood using scenarios of acute or repeated doses. During acute arsenic exposure, animals developed defense functions characterized by higher abundances of bacteria that are involved in arsenic resistance or detoxification mechanisms. Arsenite had a negative effect on the abundance of bacterial species that are involved in the conversion of protein to butyrate, which is an alternative energy source in the intestine. The intestinal mucosal immune cytokine profile reflected a mechanism of protection from arsenic toxicity.

scholarly journals Influence of the Intestinal Microbiota on Colonization Resistance to Salmonella and the Shedding Pattern of Naturally Exposed Pigs

mSystems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Héctor Argüello ◽  
Jordi Estellé ◽  
Finola C. Leonard ◽  
Fiona Crispie ◽  
Paul D. Cotter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
Core Microbiome ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Salmonella colonization and infection in production animals such as pigs are a cause for concern from a public health perspective. Variations in susceptibility to natural infection may be influenced by the intestinal microbiota. Using 16S rRNA compositional sequencing, we characterized the fecal microbiome of 15 weaned pigs naturally infected with Salmonella at 18, 33, and 45 days postweaning. Dissimilarities in microbiota composition were analyzed in relation to Salmonella infection status (infected, not infected), serological status, and shedding pattern (nonshedders, single-point shedders, intermittent-persistent shedders). Global microbiota composition was associated with the infection outcome based on serological analysis. Greater richness within the microbiota postweaning was linked to pigs being seronegative at the end of the study at 11 weeks of age. Members of the Clostridia, such as Blautia, Roseburia, and Anaerovibrio, were more abundant and part of the core microbiome in nonshedder pigs. Cellulolytic microbiota (Ruminococcus and Prevotella) were also more abundant in noninfected pigs during the weaning and growing stages. Microbial profiling also revealed that infected pigs had a higher abundance of Lactobacillus and Oscillospira, the latter also being part of the core microbiome of intermittent-persistent shedders. These findings suggest that a lack of microbiome maturation and greater proportions of microorganisms associated with suckling increase susceptibility to infection. In addition, the persistence of Salmonella shedding may be associated with an enrichment of pathobionts such as Anaerobiospirillum. Overall, these results suggest that there may be merit in manipulating certain taxa within the porcine intestinal microbial community to increase disease resistance against Salmonella in pigs. IMPORTANCE Salmonella is a global threat for public health, and pork is one of the main sources of human salmonellosis. However, the complex epidemiology of the infection limits current control strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of this infection in pigs. The present study analyzes for the first time the impact of the gut microbiota in Salmonella infection in pigs and its shedding pattern in naturally infected growing pigs. Microbiome (16S rRNA amplicon) analysis reveals that maturation of the gut microbiome could be a key consideration with respect to limiting the infection and shedding of Salmonella in pigs. Indeed, seronegative animals had higher richness of the gut microbiota early after weaning, and uninfected pigs had higher abundance of strict anaerobes from the class Clostridia, results which demonstrate that a fast transition from the suckling microbiota to a postweaning microbiota could be crucial with respect to protecting the animals.

scholarly journals P837 Changes in the intestinal microbiota of patients with inflammatory bowel disease during an 8-week infliximab infusion cycle

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S649-S649
Author(s):  
G Seong ◽  
J H Song ◽  
J Shin ◽  
S M Kong ◽  
E R Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Maintenance Therapy ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Clinical Remission ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Infliximab Infusion ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background This study investigated changes in the intestinal microbiota during 8-week infliximab maintenance therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with clinical remission. Microbial compositional differences were analysed according to the trough level of infliximab (TLI) and mucosal healing (MH) status. Methods 16S rRNA gene-based microbiome profiling was performed on 10 and 74 faecal samples from 10 healthy volunteers and 40 adult IBD patients, respectively. All enrolled IBD patients were in clinical remission during infliximab maintenance therapy. To identify changes in the intestinal microbiota, faecal sampling occurred at 1–2 weeks (1W) and 7–8 weeks (7W) after infliximab infusion. TLI was measured by ELISA at 8 weeks immediately before the subsequent infusion; MH was evaluated by endoscopy within 3 months. Results No significant differences were found in microbial composition, species richness, and diversity indices between 1W and 7W samples or in microbial composition and diversity between healthy volunteer and 1W or 7W samples. However, 7W faecal samples from the patients with TLI≥5 μg/ml showed increased species richness compared with TLI&lt;5 μg/ml, and patients with MH showed increased species diversity compared with non-MH. Beta-diversity analysis showed clustering between samples in the MH and non-MH groups. LefSe analysis identified differential expression of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii group between TLI &lt; 5 μg/ml and TLI ≥ 5 μg/ml and MH and non-MH groups. Conclusion There were no significant changes in the intestinal microbiota during an 8-week infliximab infusion cycle in IBD patients with clinical remission; however, microbial composition, species richness, and diversity were associated with TLI and MH status.

scholarly journals Effect of probiotics on nasal and intestinal microbiota in people with high exposure to particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongcan Wu ◽  
Caixia Pei ◽  
Xiaomin Wang ◽  
Mingjie Wang ◽  
Demei Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale ◽  
Probiotic Treatment ◽  
High Concentrations

Abstract Background Extended exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 changes the human microbiota profile, which in turn may increase morbidity and mortality due to respiratory system damage. A balanced microecosystem is crucial to human health, and certain health-related problems may be addressed by effective microecosystem regulation. Recent studies have confirmed that probiotics may reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases. However, few studies have investigated probiotic treatment outcomes in subjects exposed to high concentrations of PM2.5. Methods This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, participants- and assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. One hundred and twenty eligible volunteers recruited from October 2019 to July 2020 in downtown Chengdu, China, will be treated with either probiotics or placebo over 4 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome will be 16SrRNA sequencing assay data from nasal and intestinal secretions. Secondary outcomes will be pulmonary function, score on a gastrointestinal symptom rating scale, COOP/WONCA charts, and the Short-Form Health Survey 36 for quality of life. Results will be analyzed to assess differences in clinical efficacy between groups. Six-month follow-up examinations will evaluate the long-term value of probiotics on cardiovascular and respiratory disease end-point events. Discussion We will explore the characteristics of nasal and intestinal microbiota in a population with high exposure to PM2.5. Probiotics and placebo interventions will be tested for efficacy in microbial balance regulation, effects on lung and physical functions, and quality of life improvement. This study is expected to provide reliable evidence to support the widespread promotion of probiotics in clinical practice for the protection of individuals with high exposure to PM2.5. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900025469. Registered on 27 August 2019.

scholarly journals Genetic selection for growth drives differences in intestinal microbiota composition and parasite disease resistance in gilthead sea bream

Microbiome ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Carla Piazzon ◽  
Fernando Naya-Català ◽  
Erick Perera ◽  
Oswaldo Palenzuela ◽  
Ariadna Sitjà-Bobadilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Resistance ◽  
Intestinal Microbiota ◽  
Slow Growth ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Fast Growth ◽  
Gilthead Sea Bream ◽  
Sea Bream ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Bacterial Populations ◽  
Dietary Changes

Abstract Background The key effects of intestinal microbiota in animal health have led to an increasing interest in manipulating these bacterial populations to improve animal welfare. The aquaculture sector is no exception and in the last years, many studies have described these populations in different fish species. However, this is not an easy task, as intestinal microbiota is composed of very dynamic populations that are influenced by different factors, such as diet, environment, host age, and genetics. In the current study, we aimed to determine whether the genetic background of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) influences the intestinal microbial composition, how these bacterial populations are modulated by dietary changes, and the effect of selection by growth on intestinal disease resistance. To that aim, three different groups of five families of gilthead sea bream that were selected during two generations for fast, intermediate, or slow growth (F3 generation) were kept together in the same open-flow tanks and fed a control or a well-balanced plant-based diet during 9 months. Six animals per family and dietary treatment were sacrificed and the adherent bacteria from the anterior intestinal portion were sequenced. In parallel, fish of the fast- and slow-growth groups were infected with the intestinal parasite Enteromyxum leei and the disease signs, prevalence, intensity, and parasite abundance were evaluated. Results No differences were detected in alpha diversity indexes among families, and the core bacterial architecture was the prototypical composition of gilthead sea bream intestinal microbiota, indicating no dysbiosis in any of the groups. The plant-based diet significantly changed the microbiota in the intermediate- and slow-growth families, with a much lower effect on the fast-growth group. Interestingly, the smaller changes detected in the fast-growth families potentially accounted for more changes at the metabolic level when compared with the other families. Upon parasitic infection, the fast-growth group showed significantly lower disease signs and parasite intensity and abundance than the slow-growth animals. Conclusions These results show a clear genome-metagenome interaction indicating that the fast-growth families harbor a microbiota that is more flexible upon dietary changes. These animals also showed a better ability to cope with intestinal infections.

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