Luminal and mucosal microbiota in the duodenum and jejunum of Eimeria acervulina-infected and control broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Eimeria acervulina infection on the luminal and mucosal microbiota in the duodenum and jejunum of broiler chickens at multiple time points during infection. The study demonstrates that luminal and mucosal bacterial populations differ in the duodenum and jejunum, making it important to understand both populations. Infections may have shorter or longer-term effects on microbiota diversity depending on luminal/mucosal and GIT region. Infection may also influence relative abundances of SCFA-producing bacteria in infected birds.