Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus against clinically isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae: an in vitro study

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae are Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen, belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae that can cause severe nosocomial infections particularly in immuno-compromised individuals. They exhibit co-resistance to multiple antibiotics which emphasize the need for non-antibiotic therapies. The goal of the presented study was to investigate the antimicrobial ability of probiotic Lactobacilli on clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, antimicrobial activities of probiotic L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus on K. pneumoniae were evaluated by Agar overlay interference technique. Clear zone around Lactobacilli were taken as positive inhibition. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of K. pneumoniae were determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, analyzed using interpretive standards of CLSI M100-S33 and categorized into MDR, XDR and Non MDR groups. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard error and inferential statistics such as ANOVA single factor. Results: K. pneumoniae exhibited positive inhibition with both the probiotic strain. On comparing the zone of inhibition of L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus (both treated-pH adjusted and untreated), L. acidophilus had greater zone of inhibition against K. pneumoniae but concluded that statistically the values are insignificant (p>0.05). Based on antibiotic susceptibility pattern of K. pneumoniae, 63% of isolates were XDR, 3% were MDR and 34% were Non MDR Conclusions: It can be concluded that L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus had significant inhibitory effect against K. pneumoniae in vitro and should be further studied for their human health benefit.

Observational study of vaginal culture in symptomatic and asymptomatic non pregnant female patient in tertiary care hospital

Background: Vaginal miroflora plays an important role in maintaining healthy microenvironment. Lactobacilli are the dominant flora responsible for this. Any disturbance in balance of normal and abnormal flora leads to different types of vaginal infections like, vulvo-vaginal candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis. Most common organisms causing vaginitis is Gardnerella vaginalis which causes bacterial vaginosis. Other organisms responsible for infections are, candida, trichomonas, and viruses. Abnormal growth of pathogenic bacteria during pregnancy can lead to various adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods: This is an observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital over a period of 6 months (January 2023 to June 2023). Overall, out of 135 women, sample of 120 women were taken and treated accordingly.Results: Among 120 women, 52 (43.3%) women had no growth on culture, while 20 patients (16.6%) showed growth of Klebsiella and 20 (16.6%) patient shows Candida and rest shows growth of other pathogen.Conclusions: In our study, half of the women were found to be with positive culture report, who shown improvement after treatment.

Efecto de los probióticos en los niveles de glucosa y el incremento de peso en ratones expuestos a dosis bajas de malatión / Effect of probiotics on glucose levels and weight gain in mice exposed to low doses of malathion

Resumen Introducción: Debido a su capacidad para reducir la toxicidad de contaminantes ambientales que constituyen factores de riesgo de diabetes y obesidad, el uso de bacterias probióticas podría ayudar al tratamiento de esas enfermedades. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de la exposición crónica a malatión a dosis bajas sobre el peso y los niveles de glucosa de ratones, así como evaluar el papel protector de un suplemento probiótico. Métodos: Cada 10 días se determinó el peso y la glucosa sérica de cuatro grupos de ratones (de control, expuestos a malatión (10 ppm), probióticos y malatión + probióticos) durante 180 días. Resultados: La administración de malatión provocó un incremento del peso y los niveles de glucosa en los ratones del grupo con malatión comparados con los demás grupos. Conclusiones: El consumo de alimentos contaminados con residuos de malatión aumenta los niveles de glucosa y favorece el incremento del peso; el consumo de probióticos disminuye los efectos generados por los residuos en los alimentos.

Abstract Introduction: Owing to its ability to reduce the toxicity of environmental pollutants that are risk factors for diabetes and obesity, the use of probiotic bacteria might aid the treatment of these diseases. Objective: To determine the effects of chronic exposure to low-dose malathion on weight and glucose levels in mice, as well as to evaluate the protective role of a probiotic supplement. Methods: Weight and serum glucose levels of four groups of mice (control, malathion-exposed [10 ppm], probiotics and malathion + probiotics) were determined every 10 days for 180 days. Results: Malathion administration induced an increase in weight and glucose levels in the malathion group mice in comparison with the other groups. Conclusions: Consumption of food contaminated with malathion residues increases glucose levels and favors weight gain, while consumption of probiotics reduces the effects generated by residues in food.

Investigation of the effect of breast milk, probiotic supplemented and plain milk formulas on some oral bacteria in infants: an observational and in-vitro study / Investigação do efeito do leite materno, fórmulas de leite puro e suplementado com probióticos sobre algumas bactérias orais em lactentes: um estudo observacional e in vitro

Objetivo: existem evidências inconclusivas sobre a potencial carogenicidade das fórmulas lácteas em comparação com o leite materno. O estudo teve como objetivo comparar a detecção e contagem de Streptococcus mutans(S. mutans) e lactobacilos da saliva entre lactentes alimentados com leite materno (B), com fórmulas de leite puro (France Lait-FL) e suplementada com probióticos (Nan 1 optipro-N), e avaliar crescimento in vitro dessas bactérias em amostras de leite materno e fórmulas lácteas. Material e Métodos: amostras salivares foram obtidas com swabs de algodão estéreis de 60 lactentes que foram agrupados de acordo com o tipo de leite. As amostras foram cultivadas para obter a frequência de detecção e contagens bacterianas. Para a investigação in vitro, sete amostras de leite materno doado e sete amostras recém-preparadas de ambas as fórmulas lácteas foram inoculadas por ambas as bactérias e então cultivadas para avaliar o crescimento bacteriano. Resultados:lactobacilos foram detectados em todos os lactentes, enquanto não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na detecção de S. mutans entre os grupos. As contagens de ambos os microrganismos na saliva foram menores em (B), enquanto uma diferença insignificante foi encontrada entre (B) e (N). Diferenças significativas foram evidentes nas contagens bacterianas in vitro sendo mais baixas em (B) seguido por (N) e (FL). Conclusão: o leite materno e as fórmulas lácteas com suplementos probióticos podem ter um papel protetor contra a cárie dentária em lactentes. (AU)

Objective: inconclusive evidence exists regarding potential cariogenicity of milk formulas compared to breast milk. The study aimed to compare Salivary Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and lactobacilli detection and counts among breastfed (B), plain formula (France Lait 1) (FL) and probiotic supplemented formula (Nan 1 optipro) (N) infants and to assess in-vitro growth of these bacteria in breast milk and milk formula samples. Material and Methods:salivary samples were obtained using sterile cotton swabs from 60 infants that were grouped according to nursing milk type. Samples were cultured to obtain the detection frequency and bacterial counts. For the in-vitro investigation, seven donated breast milk samples and seven freshly prepared samples of both milk formulas were inoculated by both bacteria and then cultured to assess bacterial growth. Results:lactobacilli were detected in all infants, while no significant differences were found in S. mutans detection among groups. Counts of both microorganisms in saliva were lowest in (B) while, insignificant difference was found between (B) and (N). Significant differences were evident in in-vitro bacterial counts being lowest in (B) followed by (N) and (FL). Conclusion: breast milk and probiotic supplement infants' milk formulas may have a protective role against dental caries in infants.(AU)

AISLAMIENTO E IDENTIFICACIÓN DE Lactobacillus spp. (LACTOBACILLACEAE) RESISTENTES A Cd(II) Y As(III) RECUPERADOS DE FERMENTO DE CACAO / Isolation and identification of Lactobacillus spp. (Lactobacillaceae) resistant to Cd(II) and As(III) from fermented cocoa

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue aislar e identificar a partir de cacao fermentado en Caldas Colombia, bacterias con potencial de aplicación en procesos biotecnológicos, como la detoxificación de cadmio (Cd(II)) y arsénico (As(III)) en el organismo humano. En total se recuperaron 36 aislados de los cuales se recuperaron 11 en presencia de 1,0 mg/L de Cd(II) y 25 en presencia de 0,1 mg/L de As(III). Su identificación molecular determinó que la mayoría de los aislados son del género Lactobacillus. Los ensayos de crecimiento en presencia de diferentes concentraciones de los elementos evaluados permitió determinar que gran parte de los aislamientos presentan resistencia a mayores concentraciones de As(III) (300 mg/L) que de Cd(II) (10 mg/L). En ensayos de tolerancia a la acidez (pH 2,5) se encontró que la cepa tipo Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1055, junto con los aislamientos nativos L. plantarum A19, A26 y C16, mostraron la mayor tolerancia, por lo que se seleccionaron para evaluar su tolerancia a condiciones de salinidad. Las bacterias evaluadas mostraron crecimiento en concentraciones de hasta 4 g/L de sales biliares. Se concluye que los L. plantarum evaluados en este trabajo tienen un gran potencial para futuros ensayos en los que se busque demostrar la disminución de la bioaccesibilidad de Cd(II) y As(III) en condiciones in vitro del sistema digestivo humano debido a su resistencia a altas concentraciones de estos elementos y su tolerancia a condiciones de acidez y salinidad. Esto, junto con el reconocido potencial probiótico que tienen estos microorganismos, permitirá a futuro su uso en procesos biológicos de mitigación de Cd(II) y As(III).

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to isolate and identify from fermented cocoa in Caldas Colombia, bacteria with potential application in biotechnological processes such as detoxification of cadmium (Cd(II)) and arsenic (As(III)) in the human organism. In total, 36 isolates were obtained, from which 11 were recovered in the presence of 1.0 mg/L of Cd(II) and 25 in presence of 0.1 mg/L of As(III). Molecular identification showed most isolates belong to the genera Lactobacillus. Minimum inhibitory concentration assays, in presence of different concentrations of the elements, allowed to determine that the majority of isolates have resistance to higher concentration of As(III) (300 mg/L) than Cd(II) (10 mg/L). Acidity tolerance assays at pH 2.5 showed that type strain Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1055, and native isolates L. plantarum A19, A26, and C16, presented the highest tolerance, thus they were selected to evaluate their tolerance to salinity conditions. The evaluated bacteria could grow in bile salts up to 4 g/L. It is concluded that the evaluated L. plantarum have great potential to be used in assays in which bioaccessibility of Cd(II) and As(III) is diminished under in vitro conditions of the human digestive system, due to its resistance to high concentrations of the elements and tolerance to acidic and high bile salt conditions. These facts, together with the recognized probiotic potential of these microorganisms, may allow their future use in biological processes to mitigate Cd(II) and As(III).

Efficacy and safety of Bifidobacteria in preventing caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacteria in preventing caries.@*Methods @#Databases including PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Clinicaltrials. gov, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP were electronically searched from inception to April 2020 to collect randomized controlled trials of Bifidobacterium for caries. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.4 software. @*Results@# In total, 10 randomized controlled trials (RCT) of 518 patients, including 262 in the test group and 256 in the control group, were included. Meta-analysis results reveal no statistically significant differences in salivary Streptococcus mutans counts (SMD=-0.31, 95%CI -0.66 to 0.04, P=0.08) (RR=0.53, 95%CI 0.17 to 1.66, P=0.28) and salivary Lactobacilli counts (SMD=-0.07, 95%CI -0.39 to 0.26, P=0.69) (RR=0.87, 95%CI 0.59 to 1.29, P=0.50). No statistical differences in the counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts were noted in dental plaque, and no statistical difference in the occurrence of caries in deciduous teeth. Three of the 10 RCTS included in this study did not report adverse events, 5 had no adverse reactions, and 2 reported gastrointestinal discomfort.@*Conclusion@# Current evidence suggests that Bifidobacteria do not effectively reduce Streptococcus mutans counts and Lactobacillus counts in saliva and dental plaque, or reduce the occurrence of caries in deciduous teeth. The safety of this treatment also requires further investigation.

Clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of bacterial vaginosis: a hospital based cross-sectional study

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is most common cause of vaginal discharge. Clinical presentation varies from person to person. The management of bacterial vaginosis is largely syndromic and empirical, it is usually based on naked eye examination of vaginal discharge and that is unsatisfactory because the diagnostic accuracy is lost without microscopic examination. The modern management of bacterial vaginosis demands a specific diagnosis which is a combination of naked eye examination plus laboratory workup.Methods: The study was carried out on 183 females with complaint of vaginal discharge in the outpatient department of obstetrics and gynecology. Specimens were collected in outpatient department of Jhalawar Medical College in associated Zanana Hospital. The laboratory work was conducted in the department of microbiology in Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar, Rajasthan, India.Results: The prevalence of microbial positivity in our study was 79.9%. Bacterial vaginosis was the most common diagnosis seen in 86 (47.0%) cases. Maximum patients presented with complaint of copious amount of foul-smelling yellow discharge.Conclusions: The study concludes that it is important to know the various presentations, confirm the diagnosis by proper microbiological tests, and provide appropriate treatment to patients to prevent resistance and recurrence of bacterial vaginosis.

Probiotics for woman’s health focus on urogenital infections and reproductive outcomes

Depletion in vaginal Lactobacilli colonization is associated with poor urogenital health and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Probiotic supplements containing lactobacilli, when administered in adequate amounts, increased vaginal and gut colonization of Lactobacilli, reduced the incidence of bacterial vaginosis and other urogenital infections. Probiotic Lactobacilli reduced preterm births and improved fertility rates in women following in vitro fertilization. Probiotics may also improve implantation rate and live-birth rate in women undergoing IVF. The purpose of this review was to critically analyse the available literature for synthesizing evidence on the use of probiotics and its effect on urogenital and reproductive health in women.

Antagonistic and antiadhesive effects of two Lactobacillus probiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burn patients

@#Aims: Today, probiotic bacteria can be used as safe and suitable candidates for the prevention of pathogenic bacterial infections. They produce antimicrobial components and compete with pathogens for host cell receptors. The present study aimed at evaluating probiotic lactobacilli antagonistic and antiadhesive activities against multi-antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burned patients. Methodology and results: This study examined 100 strains of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa isolated from patients, who were admitted to the burn units of hospitals. Antagonistic activity of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum against P. aeruginosa was determined by a modified double layer and well diffusion methods. The antiadhesive effects of two probiotic lactobacilli and co-aggregation assay were determined by the microtiter plate method. Finally, the expression of two main adhesion genes, algD, and pelA was investigated in 100 MDR P. aeruginosa isolates via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Based on the results, the algD gene was detected in 97 out of 100 P. aeruginosa isolates, and the pelA gene was found in all of the isolates. Based on our findings, lactobacilli bacteria exerted good inhibitory effects on P. aeruginosa, especially on algD and pelA expression. Also, co-aggregation and antiadhesive results showed the positive effects of lactobacilli on P. aeruginosa. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Probiotic lactobacilli can be a new suitable candidate for controlling P. aeruginosa infections.

Comparative study of Bacillus clausii and multistrain probiotics in the management of acute diarrhoea in children

Background: Diarrhoea is the second most common cause of under-five mortality especially in developing world. Many studies have been conducted so far using different probiotic strains with variable outcome. So, the aim of the present study was to compare the clinical efficacy of Bacillus clausii and multi strain probiotic formulation as adjunct treatment of acute diarrhoea.Methods: This prospective single blind randomized controlled clinical trial included 300 infants and children between 6 months to 6 years of age admitted in a tertiary care hospital Sylhet, Bangladesh with acute watery diarrhoea having varied dehydration status ranging from no to severe dehydration excluding shocked state. Cases were randomly assigned to three groups which were group I (n=100) comprised of children who were treated with standard treatment (according to WHO guideline) only as control group, group II (n=100) who received standard treatment plus Bacillus clausii and group III (n=100) who received standard treatment plus multi strain probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Streptococcus thermophilus). Primary outcome variables were duration, frequency of diarrhoea and consistency of stool. Secondary outcome variable was duration of hospital stay.Results: Mean duration of diarrhoea was significantly shorter (p=0.001) in group III (2.62 days) compared to group I (3.26 days) and group II (3.22 days). Frequency of diarrhoea was significantly lower on day 3 of probiotic administration in group III (p <0.05) and on day 5 of treatment in group II (p <0.05). Stool consistency significantly improved on day 3 in group III (p <0.05) while it was on day 4 in group II. The duration of diarrhoea, hospital stay, stool consistency and frequency of stool on day 3 were not statistically significant (p >0.05) in group II in comparison to group I and group III.Conclusions: Multistrain probiotic formulation is effective in reducing the duration, frequency of diarrhoea and duration of hospital stay.

Antimicrobial activity of probiotics against endodontic pathogens:- A preliminary study

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effectiveness of probiotics lactobacilli group and Bifidobacterium against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans in both planktonic stage and biofilm stage. Materials and Methods: Phase 1 of the study was conducted by agar well diffusion method. About 0.5 ml of test pathogen culture was inoculated on 20 ml of molten agar and allowed to solidify. 4�circular wells of diameter 8� mm were punched in each poured plates and 150 ?l of diluted test samples were added to the wells. Phase 2 was deferred antagonism test, wherein purified culture of pathogen strain was streaked at right angle to the original producer growth and incubated at 37癈 for 24 h. Zone of inhibition was measured for both the phases. Phase 3 biofilm stage evaluation was conducted by mixing 9 ml of 30% poloxamer 407 and De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth in a test tube with 500 ?l of either pathogen, together with 500 ?l of test probiotic strains and incubated (37癈, 48 h), followed by serially diluting the mixture by 1 ml into 9 ml sterile saline till 108 dilutions for evaluation of colony-forming unit/ml counts. Controls were endodontic pathogens in 30% poloxamer with MRS broth and no probiotics. Results: Results were evaluated and statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance and unpaired t-test. In the planktonic stage, probiotics showed inhibitory activity against endodontic pathogens with valid statistical significance (P < 0.05), while there was no activity by deferred antagonism method. In biofilm stage, all three probiotics showed growth reduction for E. faecalis, while lactobacilli group showed reduction in C. albicans colonies. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggested that probiotics are effective for preventing the growth of endodontic pathogens in vitro. Poloxamer could be utilised as an ideal delivery vehicle for probiotics.

Characterisation of the Probiotic Qualities Exhibited by Lactobacilli Strains Isolated from the Anogenital Tract

@#Introduction: Lactobacilli are well-documented probiotics that exert health benefits on their host. They exhibit characteristics that make them potential alternative treatments to address the antimicrobial resistance conundrum and diseases. Their mechanism of action varies with strain and species. Five lactobacilli strains previously isolated from the anogenital region were subjected to several assessments highlighted in the FAO/WHO document, ‘Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food’ to determine its suitability as potential probiotics. Methods: The five lactobacilli strains were subcultured onto Man de Rogosa agar (MRS). Their ability to auto- and co-aggregate was determined spectrophotometrically. Simultaneously, the cell surface hydrophobic properties of these strains towards xylene and toluene were evaluated using the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon (MATH) test. The lactobacilli strains were also tested for their ability to withstand acid, bile and spermicide to determine their level of tolerance. Results: Lact. reuteri 29A, L. delbrueckii 45E and L. reuteri 29B exhibited the highest degree of auto- and co-aggregation properties. These lactobacilli strains also demonstrated high cell surface hydrophobicity, with the exception of L. delbrueckii 45E. Further tests to evaluate the isolated lactobacilli tolerance identified L. reuteri 29B as the most tolerant strain towards low pH (pH 2.5 for 4 h), high bile concentration (0.5% for 4 h) and high spermicides concentration (up to 10%). Conclusion: Out of the five lactobacilli strains which possessed high antimicrobial activities, L. reuteri 29B portrayed the best probiotic qualities with good auto- and co-aggregation abilities and high tolerance against acid, bile and spermicide

Research on interaction between Coptidis Rhizoma extracts and intestinal bacteria / 中草药

Objective To investigate the interaction between Coptidis Rhizoma extracts and intestinal bacteria. Methods The metabolites of Coptidis Rhizoma extracts by human gut microbiota were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Furthermore, the effects of Coptidis Rhizoma extracts on the growth of Bifiobactderia, Lactobacilli, Enterobacter, and Enterococcus were evaluated by the colorimetric method. Results Alkaloids in Coptidis Rhizoma were mainly degraded by reduction and demethoxy, among which berberine and coptisine were converted to reductive products and palmatine was metabolized to a demethoxyl product. Additionally, pathogens such as Enterobacter and Enterococcus were obviously inhibited and probiotics such as Lactobacilli and Bifiobactderia were notably promoted by Coptidis Rhizoma extracts. Conclusion Gut microflora can metabolize alkaloids from Coptidis Rhizoma by multiple ways, and Coptidis Rhizoma extracts can improve the intestinal microecology.

Probióticos en la avicultura: una revisión / Probiotics in poultry farming: A review / Probióticos na avicultura: uma revisão

Resumen Los probióticos y prebióticos actualmente se postulan como una alternativa potencial de reemplazo a los antibióticos utilizados como subterapéuticos, a modo de promotores de crecimiento. Su ventaja es que no dejan residuos en el huevo ni en la carne del ave, y no generan riesgo de resistencia antibiótica en la microbiota humana. El uso de los microorganismos probióticos, principalmente bacterias productoras de ácido láctico en la alimentación de las aves, contribuye al mantenimiento de la integridad y estabilidad de la flora intestinal. Esto dificulta la proliferación de microorganismos perjudiciales, lo cual ayuda a prevenir la aparición de enfermedades y a mejorar el rendimiento productivo. Sin embargo, en cuanto a su efecto como promotor de crecimiento, los resultados son contradictorios, en gran medida debido a la variedad de microorganismos y dosis que se pueden suministrar, al tipo de aves utilizadas, a los métodos de administración, a la composición de las dietas de alimentación de las aves y a las condiciones ambientales en que se realizan los bioensayos. Por lo tanto, y debido a la necesidad de prescindir de los antibióticos como promotores de crecimiento, es indispensable continuar investigando y ampliando el conocimiento de estos aditivos, mediante la realización de bioensayos que permitan determinar las cepas bacterianas y los métodos de administración más idóneos en los linajes de aves modernas bajo producción intensiva. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar un análisis de las condiciones en las que estas sustancias actúan, y explicar por qué a veces sus efectos son insignificantes.

Abstract Probiotics and prebiotics are currently postulated as a potential replacement alternative to sub-therapeutic antibiotics as growth promoters. The advantage is that these agents do not leave residues in the egg or meat of the poultry, and do not cause risk of developing antibiotic resistance in human microbiota. The use of probiotic microorganisms, mainly lactic acid-producing bacteria in poultry feeding, contributes to maintaining the integrity and stability of the intestinal flora. This hampers the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, which helps to prevent the onset of disease and improves productive performance. Nevertheless, regarding their effect as growth promoters, results are contradictory, largely because of the variety of microorganisms and doses that can be administered, the type of poultry used, methods of administration, diet compositions, and environmental conditions in which bioassays are performed. Therefore, given the need to eliminate antibiotics as growth promoters, it is essential to continue researching and expanding our knowledge of these additives, by conducting bioassays to determine bacterial strains and the most suitable methods of administration in modern poultry lineages under intensive production. The objective of this review is to present an analysis of the conditions under which these substances work, and to explain why their effects are sometimes insignificant.

Resumo Os probióticos e prebióticos atualmente se postulam como uma alternativa potencial de substituição aos antibióticos utilizados como subterapêuticos, a modo de promotores de crescimento. Têm como vantagem que estes agentes não deixam resíduos no ovo nem na carne da ave, e não geram risco de resistência antibiótica na microbiota humana. O uso dos micro-organismos probióticos, principalmente bactérias produtoras de ácido láctico na alimentação das aves, contribui para a manutenção da integridade e estabilidade da flora intestinal. Isto dificulta a proliferação de micro-organismos prejudiciais, fator que ajuda a prevenir a aparição de doenças e a melhorar o rendimento produtivo. No entanto, em relação ao seu efeito como promotor de crescimento, os resultados são contraditórios, em grande medida devido à variedade de micro-organismos e doses que podem ser administradas, ao tipo de aves utilizadas, aos métodos de administração, à composição das dietas de alimentação das aves e às condições ambientais em que se realizam os bioensaios. Portanto, e devido à necessidade de prescindir dos antibióticos como promotores de crescimento, é indispensável continuar pesquisando e ampliando o conhecimento destes aditivos, mediante a realização de bioensaios que permitam determinar as cepas bacterianas e os métodos de administração mais idôneos nas linhagens de aves modernas sob produção intensiva. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar uma análise das condições nas que estas substâncias atuam, e explicar por que às vezes os seus efeitos são insignificantes.

Growth kinetic models of five species of Lactobacilli and lactose consumption in batch submerged culture

Abstract Kinetic behaviors of five Lactobacillus strains were investigated with Contois and Exponential models. Awareness of kinetic behavior of microorganisms is essential for their industrial process design and scale up. The consistency of experimental data was evaluated using Excel software. L. bulgaricus was introduced as the most efficient strain with the highest biomass and lactic acid yield of 0.119 and 0.602 g g-1 consumed lactose, respectively. The biomass and carbohydrate yield of L. fermentum and L. lactis were slightly less and close to L. bulgaricus. Biomass and lactic acid production yield of 0.117 and 0.358 for L. fermentum and 0.114 and 0.437 g g-1 for L.actobacillus lactis were obtained. L. casei and L. delbrueckii had the less biomass yield, nearly 11.8 and 22.7% less than L. bulgaricus, respectively. L. bulgaricus (R 2 = 0.9500 and 0.9156) and L. casei (R 2 = 0.9552 and 0.8401) showed acceptable consistency with both models. The investigation revealed that the above mentioned models are not suitable to describe the kinetic behavior of L. fermentum (R 2 = 0.9367 and 0.6991), L. delbrueckii (R 2 = 0.9493 and 0.7724) and L. lactis (R 2 = 0.8730 and 0.6451). Contois rate equation is a suitable model to describe the kinetic of Lactobacilli. Specific cell growth rate for L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. fermentum, L. delbrueckii and L. lactis with Contois model in order 3.2, 3.9, 67.6, 10.4 and 9.8-fold of Exponential model.

Selected lactobacilli and bifidobacteria development in solid state fermentation using soybean paste / Desarrollo de lactobacilos y bifidobacterias seleccionadas en fermentación en estado sólido utilizando pasta de soja

At present, consumers are looking for more natural foods so as to improve health through their active compounds. Within this context, soybean is an excellent substrate due to its beneficial effects on consumers' health. Moreover, lactic cultures are widely used in the food industry to improve the technological, nutritional and functional characteristics of fermented foods. It is interesting to find new matrices in which to transport these starter cultures (potentially probiotic microorganisms). The aim of this research was to obtain a solid state fermentation system from soybean to analyze the behavior of selected lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, with the potential to develop a functional vegetarian food to serve as carrier for the microorganisms. A soybean solid substrate system was optimized by selecting the relationship of the main processing parameters. Homogeneous soybean pastes with different moisture content (60-80%) were obtained and used as substrate and support for solid substrate fermentation. Moisture, inoculum size and temperature were optimized: 80%, 4%, 37 °C, respectively. L. rhamnosus CRL 981 was chosen as the best starter to use in this kind of fermentation, showing high acidification and cell counts at 24 h of fermentation and increased specific growth rate in tested soybean pastes. It was demonstrated that the selected soybean paste could be used as a carrier of these microorganisms having probiotic potential for the production of vegetarian foods. Moreover, these microorganisms are able to modify the substrate to enhance their nutritional and functional characteristics, which would change the soybean into a more attractive product for consumers.

Actualmente los consumidores están en la búsqueda de alimentos naturales, a fin de mejorar la salud a través de sus compuestos activos. En este contexto, la soja es un excelente sustrato debido a sus efectos beneficiosos sobre la salud del consumidor. En la industria alimentaria se emplean cultivos lácticos para mejorar las características tecnológicas, nutricionales y funcionales de los alimentos fermentados. Es interesante encontrar nuevas matrices para transportar estos cultivos iniciadores, que potencialmente son microorganismos probióticos. El objetivo de este estudio fue obtener un sistema de fermentación en estado sólido a partir de soja para analizar el comportamiento de lactobacilos y bifidobacterias seleccionadas, con potencial para desarrollar un alimento vegetariano funcional que sirva de portador de los microorganismos. El sistema de sustrato sólido de soja se optimizó mediante la selección de la relación de parámetros principales de procesamiento. Se obtuvieron pastas de soja homogéneas con diferente contenido humedad (60-80%) y se utilizaron como sustrato y soporte para la fermentación en sustrato sólido. Las variables humedad, tamaño del inóculo y temperatura fueron optimizadas en 80%, 4% y 37°C, respectivamente. Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL 981 fue elegido como el mejor cultivo iniciador para utilizar en este tipo de fermentación; este mostró acidificación y recuentos celulares altos en 24 horas de fermentación, y mayor velocidad específica de crecimiento en las condiciones evaluadas. Se demostró que la pasta de soja seleccionada podría ser utilizada como portadora de estos microorganismos con potencial probiótico para la elaboración de alimentos vegetarianos. Además, estos microorganismos son capaces de modificar el sustrato y mejorar sus características nutritivas y funcionales, lo que convertiría a la soja en un producto más atractivo para los consumidores.

Comparison of the efficacy of metronidazole and metronidazole plus probiotics capsule in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis among non-pregnant patients seen at the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital: A single blind randomized controlled trial / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent cause of symptomatic vaginitis. In the Philippines, prevalence of BV is at 28.16%. The mainstay for the treatment of BV is Metronidazole. Although antibiotic therapy has been shown to eliminate BV associated organisms, there is extremely high recurrence rate.OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of metronidazole and metronidazole plus lactobacilli tablet in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis among non-pregnant patients seen at the outpatient department of a tertiary medical center.METHODOLOGY: The population included non-pregnant women ages 15 t0 44 years old, with bacterial vaginosis diagnosed by Amsel's criteria and Nugent's scoring. The participants were randomly assigned to their treatment group, one is Metronidazole only and other received Metronidazole plus Lactobacillus tablet. All participants followed up on day 8,15,22 and 56 from initiation of treatment resolution or persistence of symptoms and collection of vaginal specimen for gram stain and inquire on adverse effects.RESULTS: On day 8 treatment, there were significantly more participant in the metronidazole plus probiotic arm with an estimated lactobacilli count of more than 30/hpf as comapred to metronidazole alone. On day 15 post treatment, there was no statistically significant difference with the estimated Gardnerella vaginalis count, lactobacilli count, presence or absence of malodorous vaginal discharge between the metronidazole plus probiotic and the metronidazole alone arm. With metronidazole plus probiotic group, the proportion of women with less than 30 per hpf Gardnella vaginalis count and absent foul smelling vaginal discharge were accounted among 100% of the participants from day 8 to 56 post treatment. The early reduction in the causative agent and symptoms can be attributed to an increase in the estimated lactobacilli count sustained until 56 days post treatment metronidazole plus probiotic. However, from day 15 to 22 and 56 post- treatment, the proportion of participants who had a nugent's score of less than 4 were greater for both the metronidazole plus probiotic (100%) and metronidazole alone (95%) arm, when compared to day 8 post-treatment. This finding for the metronidazole plus probiotic group is due to sustained reduction in the Gardnella vaginalis count and increase in lactobacilli counts. Potentially , the metronidazole plus probiotic treatment was found to be more favorable in sustaining the normal flora and probiotic can be used as an adjunct may enhance the efficacy of metronidazole in the treatment of BV.CONCLUSION: Metronidazole plus probiotic and metronidazole only treatment are comparable in treating bacterial vaginosis. In terms of restoring and maintaining the normal flora, metronidazole plus probiotic appears to be more significantly efficacious. Probiotic in the form of lactobacilli is a promising adjunct to enhance the efficacy of metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

Inocuidad, prevención y riesgos de los probióticos / Probiotics: innocuousness, prevention and risks

Los probióticos son microorganismos vivos que cuando son administrados en cantidades adecuadas confieren beneficios a la salud del huésped. Su empleo es muy amplio en todas las edades, y los episodios adversos asociados con ellos, incluyendo casos de sepsis, que hagan suponer un riesgo real y manifiesto de invasión del torrente sanguíneo o algún tipo de contagio son muy infrecuentes. Sin embargo, algunos profesionales de la salud manifiestan dudas respecto de su inocuidad. Esta revisión revela que la incidencia de sepsis por probióticos, principalmente lactobacilos y bifidobacterias, evaluada en casuísticas numerosas a lo largo de decenios usando métodos de biología molecular o cultivos, es muy baja: del orden de 0,021% en algunas estadísticas y podría llegar hasta 1 caso/1.000.000 de habitantes. Estos datos son importantes teniendo en cuenta el empleo masivo de diversas especies y cepas, sin restricciones de ninguna especie y en todas las edades. Algunos estudios que comunican otros efectos adversos tienen problemas de diseño que ponen en duda su validez. Por el contrario, se ha demostrado que los probióticos ejercen efectos positivos estimulando la inmunidad innata y adquirida, en el tratamiento de la atopia y eccema y en la prevención de la enterocolitis necrosante en sujetos tan vulnerables como los prematuros.

Probiotics have been defined as live microorganisms which, when ingested in adequate numbers, confer health benefits to the host. They are currently consumed without any age restrictions and adverse effects such as sepsis, a marker of the risk of invasion of the bloodstream, are extremely infrequent. However, some health professionals express doubts about probiotics being truly innocuous. This review discusses the incidence of sepsis secondary to probiotics use, mainly lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, evaluated through molecular biology or classic culture techniques, showing that sepsis in large numbers of individuals along decennia is extremely low, of the order of 0,02% en some centers or as low as 1 case/million population in France. These data are important considering the use different species and strains of these microorganisms. Few studies which have reported other adverse effects but many of these have problems with their design that cast doubt about the validity of their results. On the contrary, it has been shown that probiotic microorganisms exert positive stimulatory effects on innate and acquired immunity, with decrease of the manifestations of atopy and eczema. These positive effects are further evidenced by the beneficial effects of many species of probiotics in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis in patients as functionally labile as premature-born babies.

Aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities in lactobacilli and streptococci

ABSTRACT Aminotransferases and glutamate dehydrogenase are two main types of enzymes involved in the initial steps of amino acid catabolism, which plays a key role in the cheese flavor development. In the present work, glutamate dehydrogenase and aminotransferase activities were screened in twenty one strains of lactic acid bacteria of dairy interest, either cheese-isolated or commercial starters, including fifteen mesophilic lactobacilli, four thermophilic lactobacilli, and two streptococci. The strains of Streptococcus thermophilus showed the highest glutamate dehydrogenase activity, which was significantly elevated compared with the lactobacilli. Aspartate aminotransferase prevailed in most strains tested, while the levels and specificity of other aminotransferases were highly strain- and species-dependent. The knowledge of enzymatic profiles of these starter and cheese-isolated cultures is helpful in proposing appropriate combinations of strains for improved or increased cheese flavor.

Comparative assessment of antibacterial activity of different glass ionomer cements on cariogenic bacteria

OBJECTIVES: Glass ionomer cements (GICs), which are biocompatible and adhesive to the tooth surface, are widely used nowadays for tooth restoration. They inhibit the demineralization and promote the remineralization of the tooth structure adjacent to the restoration, as well as interfere with bacterial growth. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess and compare the antimicrobial activity of three commercially available GICs against two cariogenic bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An agar plate diffusion test was used for evaluating the antimicrobial effect of three different GICs (Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, and d-tech) on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). Thirty plates were prepared and divided into two groups. The first group was inoculated with S. mutans, and the second group was inoculated with L. acidophilus. These plates were then incubated at 37℃ for 24 hours. Zones of bacterial growth inhibition that formed around each well were recorded in millimeters (mm). RESULTS: The zones of inhibition for Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, and d-tech on S. mutans were found to be 10.84 ± 0.22 mm, 10.23 ± 0.15 mm, and 15.65 ± 0.31 mm, respectively, whereas those for L. acidophilus were found to be 10.43 ± 0.12 mm, 10.16 ± 0.11 mm, and 15.57 ± 0.13 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: D-tech cement performed better in terms of the zone of bacterial inhibition against the two test bacteria, than the other two tested glass ionomers.