THE ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOTA IN IMMUNE SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT IN NEONATAL PIGS: CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR DISEASE RESISTANCE

Abstract

The intricate relationship between gut microbiota and immune system development in neonatal pigs significantly influences their disease resistance and overall health. This study systematically analyzed how early-life microbial colonization shapes immune maturation, intestinal barrier integrity, and metabolic modulation, highlighting both beneficial mechanisms and the consequences of microbiota disruptions (dysbiosis). The data indicated beneficial microbes like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia species maintain a vital role in strengthening immune responses while helping maintain proper intestinal barrier health and controlling inflammatory metabolic processes. Three microbiota perturbation processes including early weaning, antibiotic regime, and environmental stress were positively associated with declining immune capacity and increased pathogen penetration as well as inflammation. Oral products with L. rhamnosus along with prebiotics such as FOS and FMT therapies were helpful in eradicating the immune dysfunctionality caused by dysbiosis, alongside improving the balance of microbes and significantly reducing the incidence of the disease and disease intensity. Probiotics linked with prebiotics improved microbial balance and enhanced immunity and barrier functions while fecal microbiota transplant offered enhanced and greater and more durable functional improvements to health outcomes. The study, describes various clinical uses of microbial therapies for newborn pigs, which delivers valuable information for the care of human newborns. Subsequent research should enhance these practices by adding more accuracy and effectiveness in the creation of a healthy and robust immune system in the new born babies..