Multi-omics Analysis Reveals Host-Pathogen Interaction Mechanisms Between Gallibacter anatis and Chickens
Gallibacter anatis (G. anatis) is considered an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes the respiratory and reproductive tracts of poultry, causing peritonitis and oviduct diseases in chickens. It leads to decreased egg production and often triggers secondary and mixed infections, resulting in significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Moreover, this bacterium not only infects poultry but also cattle, sheep, pigs, and other farm animals, posing a considerable threat to public health security. This study employs multi-omics integrated analysis to systematically investigate the pathogenic mechanism of G. anatis. Based on an established chicken challenge model with G. anatis, we conducted comprehensive analyses of infected tissues through pathogen-host interaction transcriptomics, metabolomics, and gut microbiome profiling. Interactive transcriptomic sequencing revealed expression changes in key virulence genes during G. anatis infection, as well as expression patterns of stress response and immune defense-related genes in host tissues. The results indicated the activation of various defense-related pathways in the host during the interaction. Metabolomic analysis identified differences in metabolite profiles before and after infection, discovering characteristic metabolites closely associated with the pathogenic process. Gut microbiome sequencing results indicated that G. anatis infection significantly altered intestinal microbial structure and function, leading to microecological imbalance. By integrating data from these three omics levels, we constructed a comprehensive network model of G. anatis pathogenesis, revealing molecular mechanisms of colonization, immune response induction, and metabolic reprogramming. These findings provide new insights into understanding the pathogenic mechanism of G. anatis, while establishing a theoretical foundation for developing prevention and control strategies against avian gallibacteriosis.