Authors: Li Zhenghao, Luo Zhengwei, Hu Defu
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Fecal Microbiota and Hormonal Changes in Diarrhoeic Przewalski's Horses Diarrhoea represents a critical welfare indicator in recently reintroduced wild equine populations, yet little is known about the underlying microbial and endocrine mechanisms. Li and colleagues examined faecal bacterial communities and stress hormone profiles in Przewalski's horses, comparing healthy animals with those experiencing active diarrhoea, to identify potential biomarkers of gastrointestinal disease during the challenging transition to wild habitats. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and immunological analysis, the researchers documented significantly reduced bacterial alpha diversity in diarrhoeic animals, alongside marked shifts in the relative abundance of key bacterial taxa—most notably a substantial decrease in Pseudobutyrivibrio and reductions across multiple short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing genera (Christensenellaceae, Ruminococcus, Lachnospiraceae, and Prevotella), whilst pathogenic or inflammatory taxa (Erysipelotrichaceae, Candidatus Saccharimonas, and Mogibacterium) increased markedly. Additionally, faecal immunoglobulin IgA and cortisol concentrations were significantly elevated in diarrhoeic individuals compared to healthy counterparts, indicating concurrent intestinal immune activation and systemic stress responses. These findings suggest that diarrhoea in reintroduced Przewalski's horses is associated with dysbiotic microbiota characterised by impaired SCFA production capacity, which may compromise intestinal barrier function and increase susceptibility to pathogenic colonisation—implications worth considering when designing probiotic or dietary interventions for wild horse populations under management.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Fecal microbiota composition and diversity serve as useful biomarkers for monitoring gastrointestinal health in reintroduced wild equines during adaptation periods
- •Elevated stress hormones (cortisol) and immune markers (IgA) alongside dysbiosis may indicate subclinical or clinical diarrhea requiring intervention
- •Supporting beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria through dietary management may help prevent or resolve diarrhea in recently released wild horses
Key Findings
- •Diarrheal Przewalski's horses showed significantly reduced alpha diversity of fecal bacterial communities compared to healthy individuals
- •Short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (Pseudobutyrivibrio, Christensenellaceae, Ruminococcus, Lachnospiraceae) were diminished in diarrheal horses
- •Immunoglobulin IgA and cortisol levels were significantly elevated in diarrhea-affected horses versus healthy controls
- •Erysipelotrichaceae, Phoenicibacter, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and Mogibacterium were significantly increased in diarrheal animals