Osteopontin-Enriched Algae Modulates the Gut Microbiota Composition in Weaning Piglets Infected with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli (P06-069-19)

Objectives Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are an important cause of diarrhea in human infants and young farm animals. Osteopontin (OPN), a glycoprotein present in high concentration in human milk, has immunomodulatory functions, which could indirectly impact the microbiota. Furthermore, a previous study has shown fecal microbiota composition differs between wild-type and OPN knockout mice. Herein, the effects of OPN-enriched algae on the gut microbiota composition and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations of ETEC-infected piglets were assessed.