Online PhD Defence Igor Popov

Keywords: Gut microbiota, microbial ecology, One Health, artificial gastrointestinal models, wildlife
 

"Gut Microbiota Signatures in Artificial and Wildlife Models Related to Diet, Physiological State, and Rearing Environments of the Host"

This thesis explored gut microbiota signatures in both artificial in vitro models and wild animal hosts, focusing on the effects of diet, physiological state, and rearing environments. It investigated the microbiota of poultry, swine, and humans using bioreactor-based models (TIM-2, SLIM, CALIMERO-2) and characterized the gut communities of bats and dolphins. In vitro studies revealed that dietary interventions, such as phytogenic blends, casein, and fructooligosaccharides, modulate gut microbial composition and activity in species-specific ways. These artificial models provided a high-throughput, ethical alternative for preclinical testing of microbiome-targeted products. In wildlife, factors like hibernation, captivity, and diet influenced gut microbiota diversity and structure. Bats and dolphins exhibited host-specific microbial patterns, with implications for both animal health and zoonotic risk within a One Health framework. In conclusion, the host environment, diet, and physiological conditions significantly shape gut microbiota. Artificial gut models offer a flexible platform for microbiome research, while wildlife microbiota studies are essential for understanding microbial ecology and preventing pathogen spillovers.

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