2017-063 – Improving Outcome after Respiratory Infection: Novel Microbiome Therapeutic

Research at Kansas State University has discovered a novel approach for improving response to respiratory pathogens through modulating the gut microbiome. The microbiome is defined as the collection of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tact (GI) that are critical for the development of immunity and digestion of nutrients. It is well known that probiotics can help alleviate GI issues in humans and animals. However, our research has shown that modulating the microbiome of animals prior to challenge with respiratory pathogens reduces morbidity and mortality associated with infection. This pioneering research at K-State is the first to make the connection between a healthy & diverse gut microbiome in commercial pigs and enhanced immunity against the most significant and costly respiratory diseases of swine. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) are two of the most important pathogens affecting the swine industry, decreasing production and animal welfare due to respiratory disease and reduced growth performance. In a co-infection model using PRRSV and PCV2, we showed that high-health conventional nursery pigs administered a microbiome therapeutic at weaning had significantly higher survival (Fig), reduced clinical disease, and decreased virus replication when compared to controls. Bret Ford bretford@ksu.edu 785-532-3924