Exploring PLGA-OH-CATH30 Microspheres for Oral Therapy of Escherichia coli -Induced Enteritis

Antibiotic therapy effectively addresses -induced enteric diseases, but its excessive utilization results in microbial imbalance and heightened resistance. This study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of orally administered poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-loaded antimicrobial peptide OH-CATH30 microspheres in murine bacterial enteritis. Mice were categorized into the healthy control group (CG), untreated model group (MG), OH-CATH30 treatment group (OC), PLGA-OH-CATH30 treatment group (POC), and gentamicin sulfate treatment group (GS). Except for the control group, all other experimental groups underwent -induced enteritis, followed by a 5-day treatment period. The evaluation encompassed clinical symptoms, intestinal morphology, blood parameters, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota. PLGA-OH-CATH30 microspheres significantly alleviated weight loss and intestinal damage while also reducing the infection-induced increase in spleen index. Furthermore, these microspheres normalized white blood cell count and neutrophil ratio, suppressed inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and elevated the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing results demonstrated that microsphere treatment increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, including , in the intestinal tract while concurrently decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, such as . In conclusion, PLGA-OH-CATH30 microspheres have the potential to ameliorate intestinal damage and modulate the intestinal microbiota, making them a promising alternative to antibiotics for treating enteric diseases induced by .