ARS | Publication request: The Effects of Dietary Probiotics on Immunity to Ascaris Suum in Pigs

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: July 10, 2003
Publication Date: July 19, 2003
Citation: Solano Aguilar, G., Dawson, H.D., Ledbetter, T., Shea Donohue, P.T., Schoene, N.W., Call, J., Beshah, E., Hare Jr, W.R., Urban Jr, J.F. 2003. The effects of dietary probiotics on immunity to ascaris suum in pigs [abstract]. Proceedings of American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. Paper No. 56-54.

Technical Abstract: A probiotic is a product containing viable, defined microorganism in sufficient numbers to alter the microflora of the host by implantation or colonization, and exert beneficial effects on host health. The objective of the study was to validate the pig as a model for the efficacy of human-derived dietary probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) (ATCC 53103) and Bifidobacterium lactis (Bb12) on immunity to nematode parasites. The strains were evaluated for 1) effective delivery to the gastrointestinal tract, 2) enumeration at various locations in the host intestine, and 3) for effects on immune and intestinal function. A clear association between LGG and the intestinal mucosa was observed along with enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines after in vitro mitogen stimulation of blood mononuclear cells and the intracellular signaling molecule NF-?B in ex vivo blood and brochoalveolar lavage cells. There was no effect on differential blood cell counts or serum liver function enzymes, but a positive effect on weight gain suggesting improved neonatal growth and health. Probiotic treatment with Bb12 did not alter absorption of glucose in the small intestine however; it did attenuate A. suum-induced inhibition of glucose absorption. This suggests that probiotics can modulate immune function and ameliorate the effect of parasitic disease on intestinal function in pigs. This work provides a basis for the use of probiotics in promoting swine health as well as a model for effects on allergic disease in swine and humans.