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Home / Equine Research Bank / Environ Microbiol / Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of hindgut bacte...
Environmental microbiology2007; 9(8); 2090-2100; doi: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01327.x

Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of hindgut bacteria associated with the development of equine laminitis.

Abstract: Carbohydrate-induced laminitis in horses is characterized by marked changes in the composition of the hindgut microbiota, from a predominantly Gram-negative population to one dominated by Gram-positive bacteria. The objective of this study was to monitor changes in the relative abundance of selected hindgut bacteria that have previously been implicated in the pathophysiology of equine laminitis using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Caecal cannulae were surgically implanted in five Standardbred horses and laminitis induced by oral administration of a bolus dose of oligofructose. Caecal fluid and faecal specimens were collected over a 48 h period at 2 to 4 h intervals post-oligofructose administration and subjected to FISH using probes specific for nine bacterial groups to determine changes in their relative abundance compared with total bacteria hybridizing to the generic EUBMIX probe. Additionally, hoof biopsies were taken over the course of the experiment at 6 h intervals and evaluated for histopathological changes consistent with laminitis, allowing changes in hindgut microbiota to be correlated with the onset of lesions in the foot. Of the microorganisms specifically targeted, streptococci of the Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex were the only bacteria that consistently proliferated in both caecal fluid and faeces immediately before the onset of histological signs of laminitis. Furthermore, lactobacilli, Enterobacteriaceae, Allisonella histaminiformans, enterococci, Bacteroides fragilis, Mitsuokella jalaludinii and Clostridium difficile did not establish significant populations in the hindgut before the onset of equine laminitis.
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Publication Date: 2007-07-20 PubMed ID: 17635552DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01327.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the changes in hindgut bacteria of horses during carbohydrate-induced laminitis — a disease affecting the horse’s hoof — using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques. Specifically, it explores the role of specific bacterial groups that proliferate before the onset of laminitis, which helps understand the disease pathophysiology.

Understanding the Investigation

  • Carbohydrate-induced laminitis in horses shows significant shifts in the bacteria residing in the hindgut, with a shift from Gram-negative to Gram-positive bacteria. Within this context, the research sought to monitor fluctuations in selected bacteria groups previously linked to this disease’s pathophysiology.
  • Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), a cytogenetic technique allowing imaging of specific parts of the genetic material in a cell, was employed in the study.
  • Five Standardbred horses underwent surgery to implant caecal cannulae, devices that allow for the withdrawal of digestive fluids from the caecum, which is part of the large intestine. Laminitis was then caused by administering a single, strong dose of oligofructose.

Procedure and Findings

  • Radically, caecal fluid and faecal specimens were taken at 2 to 4-hour intervals over a 48 hour period after oligofructose was administered. These samples were subject to FISH using probes distinct for nine bacterial groups. The aim was to identify changes in their relative abundance compared to the total bacteria interacting with the generic EUBMIX probe.
  • Hoof biopsies were also taken at six-hour intervals and evaluated for changes consistent with laminitis. Such a comparison allowed for correlating alterations in hindgut bacteria with the appearance of foot lesions.
  • The Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex was the only bacterial group that noticeably proliferated in both caecal fluid and faeces right before displaying laminitis signs.
  • Other specific bacteria such as lactobacilli, Enterobacteriaceae, Allisonella histaminiformans, enterococci, Bacteroides fragilis, Mitsuokella jalaludinii, and Clostridium difficile didn’t establish significant populations before the onset of laminitis.

Implication of the Research

  • The study gives critical insights into the complex bacterial changes in the horse’s hindgut preceding laminitis. Notably, the proliferation of the Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex might be an important warning signal of the disease.
  • The use of FISH provides a methodological pathway for further, in-depth investigation of microorganisms involved in the pathophysiological development of equine laminitis, opening avenues for potential preventative treatments or therapeutic interventions for this severe and often debilitating condition.

Cite This Article

APA
Milinovich GJ, Trott DJ, Burrell PC, Croser EL, Al Jassim RA, Morton JM, van Eps AW, Pollitt CC. (2007). Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of hindgut bacteria associated with the development of equine laminitis. Environ Microbiol, 9(8), 2090-2100. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01327.x

Publication

Environmental microbiology
ISSN: 1462-2912
NlmUniqueID: 100883692
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 2090-2100

Researcher Affiliations

Milinovich, Gabriel J
  • Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia. g.milinovich@uq.edu.au
Trott, Darren J
    Burrell, Paul C
      Croser, Emma L
        Al Jassim, Rafat A M
          Morton, John M
            van Eps, Andrew W
              Pollitt, Christopher C

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Bacteria / classification
                • Bacteria / isolation & purification
                • Cecum / microbiology
                • Feces / microbiology
                • Foot Diseases / chemically induced
                • Foot Diseases / microbiology
                • Foot Diseases / pathology
                • Foot Diseases / veterinary
                • Hoof and Claw / pathology
                • Horse Diseases / chemically induced
                • Horse Diseases / microbiology
                • Horse Diseases / pathology
                • Horses
                • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
                • Oligosaccharides

                Citations

                This article has been cited 27 times.
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