Inhibition of equine Clostridium perfringens by probiotics derived from Lichuan horses

Abstract Clostridium perfringens infections cause intestinal diseases in numerous animal species, mediated by multiple enterotoxins. Given the potential of probiotics to prevent pathogenic infections, this study aimed to isolate and evaluate Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from healthy Lichuan horses as potential probiotics against equine-derived C. perfringens S5. Among the isolates, Lactococcus lactis H11 and Lactobacillus salivarius Y273 showed significant in vitro inhibition of S5 and key probiotic properties. In a mouse infection model, prophylactic administration of H11 or Y273 mitigated weight loss and intestinal damage, enhanced gut barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins, and reduced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. The strains also favorably modulated gut microbiota composition and host metabolism. These findings suggest that H11 and Y273 are promising equine-derived probiotic candidates for controlling C. perfringens infections, though further validation in equine hosts is warranted.