Rotavirus Infection Transiently Affects Intestinal Microbiome Composition in Newborn Calves - Abstract
Bovine rotavirus is the causative agent of diarrheal disease in calf, which is characterized by atony of the small intestinal wall and growth impairment, resultingin largeeconomic losses. The diarrheal infection also changes the commensal intestinal microbiome. The intestinal Microbiome balance in calves partially affects the innate immune system and plays an important role in prevention of pathogenic microbe infection. In this study, we investigated the changes in intestinal Microbiome composition of rotavirus-infected calves using metagenomics analysis. We collected feces samples from 16 calves at 14, 28, and 42 days after birth. Four of these calves developed diarrhea after 28 days. These calves and four other calves were diagnosed with rotavirus infection after 28 days. Fecal metagenomic analysis at the onset of the illness showed high Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio compared to the ratio in uninfected calves. The intestinal microbiomecomposition returned to normal levels 2 weeks after the onset of illness. The number of Prevotellaceae family members in Bacteroidetes increased in the healthy calves after 28 days; however, the rotavirus infection prevented similar increase in calves of the same age. These results indicate that rotavirus infection affects intestinal microbiome composition, which is important for the development of calf digestive organs.