Beneficial immunomodulatory and hematological effects of bifidobacterium and lactobacillus probiotics in canine coronavirus vaccine induction in a murine model
Open Veterinary Journal, cilt.16, sa.1, ss.337-345, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.5455/ovj.2026.v16.i1.30
- Dergi Adı: Open Veterinary Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.337-345
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Bifidobacterium, Canine coronavirus, Hematology, Isoprinosin, Probiotics
- Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Recent coronavirus (CoV) outbreaks have raised global concerns regarding their impact on public health and animal populations. Probiotics, particularly Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., are known to exert immunomodulatory and hematological benefits that may enhance vaccine responses. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory and hematological effects of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotics in a canine CoV (CCoV) vaccine-inducing murine model. Methods: Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: control, CCoV induction, CCoV induction + isoprinosine, and CCoV induction + probiotics. The CCoV vaccine (60 mg/kg body weight) was administered subcutaneously for 7 days, while probiotics were administered orally for 14 days. On day 15, we collected blood samples for hematological and immunological assessments, including leukocyte count, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, neutrophils, caspase-3 (Casp-3), and interferon (IFN)-gamma (IFN-γ) levels. Lung and duodenum tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned for hematoxylin–eosin staining. Immunohistochemistry staining for Casp-3 and IFN-γ was performed using specific primary antibodies (Abcam, UK), followed by HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies and 3,3-diaminobenzidine chromogen development. Sections were counterstained with hematoxylin and examined under a light microscope at 40× magnification. Results: The probiotic-treated group showed significant improvements in hematological parameters (leukocytes, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and neutrophils) as well as reduced Casp-3 levels and increased IFN-γ expression compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). The T2 group exhibited reduced staining intensity in the mucosal and submucosal regions of the duodenum and alveolar structures of the lung, indicating the downregulation of apoptosis and inflammation compared with the C+ and T1 groups. Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus demonstrated beneficial immunomodulatory and hematological effects in a murine CCoV vaccine model, supporting their potential role as adjuncts in CoV vaccination strategies.