Clustering analysis of cecal microbiota dynamics in Eimeria maxima-infected chickens

Abstract

This study analyzed temporal changes in the cecal microbial community of chickens infected with Eimeria maxima to advance microbiome-based strategies against coccidiosis. Utilizing hierarchical clustering based on cosine distance and variance ratio criterion (VRC) scores on cecal digesta samples from 3 to 21 days post-infection, we identified distinct clustering patterns between infected and mock-infected groups. These findings highlight dynamic restructuring of the intestinal microbiota community and emphasize the potential for targeted intervention strategies.