Runting and stunting syndrome (RSS) is an enteric viral disease in commercial poultry that directly affects gut health; however, its influence on gut microbiota remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the compositional changes in the bacterial community of the ileum of 7-day-old broiler chicks naturally affected and not affected by RSS, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Twenty-one samples were obtained from the ileal contents and mucosa of 11 chicks with RSS and 10 healthy chicks, raised in a dark house system located on a farm in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The results revealed overall changes in the gut microbiota of the chicks with RSS, including a decrease in microbial richness and diversity. In particular, there was a decrease in Lactobacillus and an increase in Candidatus Arthromitus and Clostridium sensu stricto 1. These results indicate a relationship between viral infection and the gut microbial composition, which can cause gut dysbiosis and may influence inflammation in this organ.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSRSS causes dysbiosis of the gut microbiota of the ilea of chicks.A difference was found in gut microbiota between chicks with and without RSS.Candidatus Arthromitus was predominant in chicks with RSS.Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was strictly associated with chicks with RSS.
Keywords: Enteric diseases; chicks; genomic sequencing; gut microbiota; ileum; intestinal dysbiosis.