Oral administration of Enterococcus lactis strain SF68 speeds the recovery of amoxicillin-clavulanate-induced dysbiosis in cats
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objectives In a previous study by Torres-Henderson et al, the probiotic Enterococcus lactis strain SF68 was clinically shown to lessen amoxicillin-clavulanate-associated diarrhea. The cause or mechanism as to why this clinical benefit occurred, however, was not apparent in that study. Since the completion of that work, a new feline dysbiosis index (DI) has been developed and new information concerning the microbiome and bile acid metabolism has been published. The objective of this study was to assess changes in the feline DI and fecal bile acid metabolism to explain how this probiotic lessened amoxicillin-clavulanate-associated diarrhea. Methods A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study was conducted with 27 healthy, young, adult, purpose-bred cats that were used for a previous study. The cats were randomized into the probiotic group (13 cats) or placebo group (14 cats). Each cat received amoxicillin-clavulanate for 7 days at a standard dose and either the probiotic or placebo for 14 days. Fecal samples from all cats were obtained at baseline, day 7 and day 14. All samples were frozen at −80°C until assessed. Targeted quantitative PCR assays were then used to determine the fecal feline DI, and unconjugated fecal bile acid concentrations were measured at each time point. Results An antibiotic-induced shift in fecal microbiota and unconjugated bile acids was observed, with the probiotic group showing normalization of the feline DI and increased secondary bile acids on day 14 compared with the placebo group ( P = 0.0322). Conclusions and relevance The probiotic E lactis strain SF68 lessened amoxicillin-clavulanate-associated clinical signs of disease at least in part from the positive effects on the selected microbiota and bile acid metabolism. These findings support supplementing this probiotic to cats who have a clinical need for amoxicillin-clavulanate treatment.
Institutions: Colorado State University, Texas A&M University
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,800
OpenAlex ID: W7146957439