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Potential relationship between gut microbiota and animal diarrhea: a systematic review

Summary

This review explains how the trillions of microorganisms living in animal intestines are crucial for health and digestion. When these microbial communities become imbalanced, animals develop diarrhea, which is a major problem in farming causing economic losses and animal suffering. The review shows that adding beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and their food sources (prebiotics) to animal diets can restore balance and prevent diarrhea, offering practical solutions to reduce the need for antibiotics.

Background

Diarrhea is a significant challenge to livestock production, decreasing productivity and increasing mortality rates in animals. The gut microbiota, consisting of trillions of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in host metabolism, immunity, and nutrient absorption. Gut microbial dysbiosis has been identified as a driving factor in animal diarrhea development.

Objective

This systematic review examines the composition, metabolites, and functions of gut microbiota, as well as the causes of diarrhea and alterations in gut microbiota during diarrhea. The review aims to provide insights for future research in alleviating animal diarrhea from a gut microbial perspective.

Results

The review identifies that diarrhea significantly reduces gut microbial diversity and alters taxonomic composition, with diarrheic animals showing decreased beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides and Lactobacillus, and increased pathogenic bacteria. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms involving bacteria, viruses, and parasites are detailed, along with evidence that probiotics and prebiotics can maintain microbial homeostasis and alleviate diarrhea symptoms.

Conclusion

Maintaining gut microbial homeostasis is essential for preventing and treating animal diarrhea. Interventions including probiotics, prebiotics, herbal additives, and polysaccharides show effectiveness in regulating gut microbiota and alleviating diarrhea symptoms in young animals.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Systematic Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40778205, PMC: PMC12330394, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1637331
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