Fundamentals of microbiome-based therapies for reproductive tract inflammatory diseases in domestic animals.

Abstract

Reproductive tract inflammatory diseases (RTID) present significant health challenges in domestic animals, impacting welfare, fertility, and productivity. Traditionally, antibiotics have been the primary treatment for these conditions, however, the rise of antimicrobial resistance calls for alternative approaches. The microbiome of the female reproductive tract plays a vital role in maintaining reproductive health, and emerging evidence suggests that microbiome-based therapies, such as 'natural' or 'synthetic' microbiome transplantation, may offer sustainable solutions for RTID management. This review explores the composition and dynamics of the reproductive microbiome in both healthy and diseased states in cows, mares, sows, dogs, and cats. It also examines current treatments and the potential for microbiome-based interventions to replace or complement antibiotic therapies. Although research on microbiome-based therapies for preventing or treating RTID in domestic animals is virtually non-existent, vaginal and uterine microbiomes transplantation in mice and women show promise but require further investigation to evaluate their efficacy and safety across species with varying reproductive physiologies. Additionally, synthetic microbiome therapies present a controlled and reproducible alternative, though they face challenges in design, engraftment, and regulatory approval. The transition from antibiotic dependence to microbiome-based solutions marks a paradigm shift in veterinary medicine, but successful implementation demands a deeper understanding of host-microbiome interactions, rigorous safety protocols, and species-specific research.