Authors: Zhu Yiping, Chen Shulei, Yi Ziwen, Holyoak Reed, Wang Tao, Ding Zhaoliang, Li Jing
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Nasopharyngeal Microbiome in Donkey Strangles Carriers Persistent carriers of *Streptococcus equi* represent a significant biosecurity challenge in donkey populations, yet little is known about how carriage affects the upper respiratory tract microbiota or whether microbiological signatures could aid in identifying these asymptomatic shedders. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, researchers compared nasopharyngeal samples from 21 donkeys: seven confirmed *S. equi* carriers (recovered from clinical strangles but still culture/PCR positive) and 14 unexposed, healthy controls, revealing marked dysbiosis in carrier animals. Carrier donkeys demonstrated significantly elevated relative abundance of Proteobacteria whilst Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were substantially reduced; notably, *Nicoletella* emerged as a dominant genus in carriers—a bacterium not previously documented in the equine upper respiratory tract—and appears to suppress typical commensals including *Streptococcus*, *Staphylococcus*, and *Corynebacterium* species. The persistence of microbial dysbiosis in asymptomatic carriers suggests these animals remain predisposed to secondary airway infections and warrants consideration in quarantine protocols and pre-movement screening; microbiome profiling may eventually complement traditional culture and PCR diagnostics, though validation studies in larger populations would be needed before clinical implementation.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Donkeys recovered from strangles can remain persistent carriers with altered upper respiratory microbiota, representing ongoing infection risk to herd-mates regardless of clinical appearance
- •Nasopharyngeal microbiome analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing may become a useful diagnostic tool to identify carrier animals beyond traditional PCR/culture methods
- •Carrier donkeys with dysbiotic microbiota may be at increased risk for secondary respiratory infections, warranting enhanced monitoring and management protocols
Key Findings
- •Carrier donkeys showed significantly higher relative abundance of Proteobacteria and lower Firmicutes and Actinobacteria compared to healthy donkeys (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively)
- •Nicoletella genus was detected for the first time in donkey upper respiratory tract and dominated the microbiome of S. equi carrier animals
- •Nasopharyngeal microbiome in S. equi carrier donkeys exhibited persistent dysbiosis despite clinical recovery
- •Microbial dysbiosis in carrier donkeys may predispose them to secondary airway diseases