Disruptions in the intestinal epithelial barrier can result in devastating consequences and a multitude of disease syndromes, particularly among preterm neonates. The association between barrier dysfunction and intestinal dysbiosis suggests that the intestinal barrier function is interactive with specific gut commensals and pathogenic microbes. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that probiotic supplementation promotes significant upregulation and relocalization of interepithelial tight junction proteins, which form the microscopic scaffolds of the intestinal barrier. Probiotics facilitate some of these effects through the ligand-mediated stimulation of several toll-like receptors that are expressed by the intestinal epithelium. In particular, bacterial-mediated stimulation of toll-like receptor-2 modulates the expression and localization of specific protein constituents of intestinal tight junctions. Given that ingested prebiotics are robust modulators of the intestinal microbiota, prebiotic supplementation has been similarly investigated as a potential, indirect mechanism of barrier preservation. Emerging evidence suggests that prebiotics may additionally exert a direct effect on intestinal barrier function through mechanisms independent of the gut microbiota. In this review, we summarize current views on the effects of pro- and prebiotics on the intestinal epithelial barrier as well as on non-epithelial cell barrier constituents, such as the enteric glial cell network. Through continued investigation of these bioactive compounds, we can maximize their therapeutic potential for preventing and treating gastrointestinal diseases associated with impaired intestinal barrier function and dysbiosis.

Felis catus gammaherpesvirus-1 (FcaGHV1), a novel candidate oncogenic virus, infects cats worldwide. Whether the oropharynx is a site of virus shedding and persistence, and whether oronasal carcinomas harbor FcaGHV1 nucleic acid were investigated. In a prospective molecular epidemiological study, FcaGHV1 DNA was detected by cPCR in oropharyngeal swabs from 26/155 (16.8%) of cats. Oropharyngeal shedding was less frequently detected in kittens ≤3 months of age (5/94, 5.3%) than in older animals; >3 months to ≤1 year: 8/26, 30.8%, (p = 0.001, OR 7.91, 95% CI (2.320, 26.979)); >1 year to ≤6 years: 10/20, 50%, (p < 0.001, OR 17.8 95% CI (5.065, 62.557)); >6 years: 3/15, 33% (p = 0.078). Provenance (shelter-owned/privately owned) was not associated with shedding. In situ hybridization (ISH) identified FcaGHV1-infected cells in salivary glandular epithelium but not in other oronasal tissues from two of three cats shedding viral DNA in the oropharynx. In a retrospective dataset of 11 oronasopharyngeal carcinomas, a single tumor tested positive for FcaGHV1 DNA by ISH, a papillary carcinoma, where scattered neoplastic cells showed discrete nuclear hybridization. These data support the oronasopharynx as a site of FcaGHV1 shedding, particularly after maternal antibodies are expected to decline. The salivary epithelium is identified as a potential site of FcaGHV1 persistence. No evidence supporting a role for FcaGHV1 in feline oronasal carcinomas was found in the examined tumours.

Objective: To report the first documented case of corneal sequestration and distichiasis in a binturong ( Arctictis binturong ), discuss implications of disease prevalence in a non‐domestic feliform, and hypothesize on potential etiology and predisposing factors for corneal sequestration. Animal Studied: A 15‐year‐old intact male binturong. Procedures: Anesthetized physical examination and ophthalmic assessment were performed by board‐certified specialists. Corneal cytology, culture and sensitivity, debridement of the sequestra in lieu of keratectomy, histopathology, and cryoepilation were performed, followed by 4 weeks of topical therapy. The patient was euthanized 3 years later for unrelated reasons, and a necropsy was performed. Results: Examination found bilateral distichiasis. In the left cornea, two brown, ovoid lesions flanked an area of yellow infiltrate, all overlying a raised, ulcerated granulation bed. Corneal cytology identified neutrophils, cocci, and rare rods. Histopathology of the debrided tissue showed coagulative to lytic necrosis with intralesional gram‐positive cocci, indicating sequestration and secondary infection. Aerobic culture yielded Staphylococcus delphini and Streptococcus acidominimus . Photo updates 4 weeks post‐operation showed resolution of clinical signs. Later, necropsy and histology showed chronic ocular changes without recurrence of sequestra. Conclusions: Clinical and histopathologic findings identified corneal sequestration, with chronic irritation secondary to distichiasis as a suspected factor. Surgical debridement and cryoepilation achieved long‐term clinical resolution, with only mild distichiae regrowth and no sequestration recurrence after 3 years. Corneal sequestration is thought to predominantly affect domestic cats ( Felis catus ); this report expands the clinical relevance of corneal sequestration to an exotic species and supports chronic corneal irritation as a predisposing factor.