Adhesion Properties of Enterococci to Intestinal Mucus of Different Hosts

The adhesive capacity of selected enterococci to human, canine and porcine intestinal mucus was investigated in order to select for potential probiotic strains with good adhesive properties for human or animal use. The adhesion to the human intestinal mucus of the tested strains was found to range from log10 3.8 to log10 8.6 cfu per microtitre plate well. The highest adhesion to the human intestinal mucus was found among strains from horse faeces, dog faeces and dog feed. The adhesion to canine mucus was observed to range from log10 3.8 to log10 8.3 cfu/well, with the highest adhesive capacity among strains from dog faeces, horse faeces and dog's feed; on average log10 7.9, 7.3 and 7.0 cfu/well, respectively. Isolates from dogs did not bind at higher levels to canine mucus than to human mucus. A strong correlation was observed for the adhesion to human and canine intestinal mucus (p < 0.0001) and also between porcine and canine or human mucus (p < 0.05 for both). When comparing the adhesion of Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis, no statistical significant differences were observed for any of the tested mucus types. The tested Enterococcus strains were found to exhibit a strain dependent on in vitro adhesion to human, canine and porcine intestinal mucus and did not exhibit host specificity in their adhesion, though some sources appeared to contain more adhesive strains than others. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the in vivo adhesion to intestinal mucus of a large number of enterococci from different sources.     

Interaction between probiotic lactic acid bacteria and canine enteric pathogens: a risk factor for intestinal Enterococcus faecium colonization?

Selected probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been shown to elicit positive health effects particularly in humans. Competitive exclusion of pathogens is one of the most important beneficial health claims of probiotic bacteria. The effect of probiotic LAB on competitive exclusion of pathogens has been demonstrated in humans, chicken and pigs. In this study we evaluated the ability of certain LAB strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12, Lactobacillus pentosus UK1A, L. pentosus SK2A, Enterococcus faecium M74 and E. faecium SF273) to inhibit the adhesion of selected canine and zoonotic pathogens (Staphylococcus intermedius, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Clostridium perfringens and Campylobacter jejuni) to immobilised mucus isolated from canine jejunal chyme in vitro. Adhesion of C. perfringens was reduced significantly by all tested LAB strains, between 53.7 and 79.1% of the control without LAB, the LAB of canine origin yielding the best reduction. The adhesion of S. Typhimurium and S. intermedius were not significantly altered by any of the LAB included in the study. Both enterococci tested significantly enhanced the adhesion of C. jejuni, to 134.6 and 205.5% of the control without LAB. E. faecium may thus favor the adhesion and colonization of C. jejuni in the dog's intestine, making it a potential carrier and possibly a source for human infection. Enhanced C. jejuni adhesion is a new potential risk factor of enterococci. Our results further emphasize the importance of safety guidelines to be established for the probiotics intended for animal use.     

Bacteriocin Activity of Enterococci from Rabbits

The antimicrobial spectrum of bacteriocin-producing enterococcal isolates from rabbits faeces, the biochemical characterization of bacteriocins, and their molecular mass and the presence of structural genes for bacteriocin production were investigated. Among enterococci selected from rabbit faeces, six strains of Enterococcus faecium (EF2019, EF1819, EF2119, EF1839, EF529, EF24/10) showed inhibitory activity against the indicators E. avium EA5, Listeria innocua LMG13568 and Listeria monocytogenes CCM4699 and against other enterococci and staphylococci tested. The molecular mass of bacteriocin-like substances ranged from 3 to 10 kDa. The presence of the structural genes for enterocins (ent) A, P and L50B was detected in all enterococci tested. However, no strain possessed the gene for ent B. E. faecium EF2019 showed the broadest inhibitory activity. A proteinaceous substance produced by the EF2019 strain was partially purified. This is a thermostable substance that is stable at pH 4.0, 7.0 and 9.0. Its production starts in the early logarithmic growth phase and culminates in the late logarithmic growth phase of the EF2019 strain. Partially purified bacteriocin (PPB) EF2019 added to the growing strain L. innocua LMG13568 (after 4 h) inhibited its growth as early as 1 h after addition with a decrease of 1.5 log cycles (5 h of cultivation). This effect was extended up to 24 h. The bacteriocinogenic E. faecium EF2019 strain and/or bacteriocin EF2019 could be utilized against contaminant bacteria, e.g. in rabbitries. More detailed studies under in vitro and in vivo conditions are in progress.     

Lactic acid bacteria isolated from young calves--characterization and potential as probiotics

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used as probiotics in humans and animals to restore the ecological balance of different mucosa. They help in the physiological functions of newborn calves that are susceptible to a variety of syndromes. The criteria for the selection of strains for the design of probiotic products are not available. Based in the host-specificity of the indigenous microbiota, 96 LAB isolates from faeces and oral cavity of calves were obtained. The surface properties were screened showing a small number of highly hydrophobic or autoagglutinating isolates. Also, a group produced H(2)O(2) and were able to inhibit pathogens, and two strains were bacteriocin-producers. Some grew at very low pH and high bile concentrations. The strains sharing some of the specific properties evaluated were identified genetically, assayed their compatibility and exopolysaccharide production. The results allow going further in the establishment of criteria to select strains to be included in a multi-strain-probiotic-product to be further assayed in animals.     

The effect of a probiotic Enterococcus faecium product in diets of healthy dogs on bacteriological counts of Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Clostridium spp. in faeces.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of a probiotic on selected faecal bacteria of healthy dogs under different feed and environmental conditions. For the study 12 dogs kept in households were used for an 18-day supplementation with a patented commercially available strain of E. faecium NCIB 10415 (Enteroferm). In order to minimize losses the probiotic product was orally applicated once a day before meals at a dose of 2 g per dog (9.2 x 10(9) CFU). The faeces were collected before the beginning of the supplementation and at the end of the 18-day application period. In order to exclude contamination, all faeces were taken rectally. Before and at the end of the experimental period total Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Clostridium spp. counts were determined in fresh faeces using selective media. It was demonstrated that the 18-day application of the probiotic E. faecium product induced modifications on the gastrointestinal microflora in all dogs. While Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. counts were in majority of the dogs higher than before the application. Clostridium spp. counts were significantly reduced in 10 of 12 dogs. According to the guidelines for the evaluation of the efficiency of microorganisms in dogs a relevant efficacy effect was supported by this data. However, a beneficial effect of the probiotic product on healthy dogs remains questionable.     

Test schemes for evaluation of the effect of a probiotic feed additive on the gut microflora of young calves and newly hatched turkeys

Probiotic feed additives have to undergo a strict assessment according to EU regula-tions, including the evaluation of the influence on the gut microflora of the host animal. A probiotic strain of the genus Enterococcus faecium and two different host animal species, young calves and newly hatched turkeys, were chosen as a test model for the establishment of schemes for feeding trials. Investigations included faeces samples and pooled swab samples of faeces as well as samples from gut sections derived from diagnostic slaughtering. The samples were tested for aerobic total count, for enterococci count and for Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli. The test schemes were appropriate for the evaluation of the influence of the probiotic feed additive on the physiological gut microflora of the host animals. Additional information could be gathered concerning safety aspects and effectiveness.     

Detection of genes encoding virulence factors and bacteriocins in fecal enterococci of poultry in Portugal

Seventy-six Enterococcus isolates (43 E. faecalis, 30 E. faecium, two E. durans, and one E. hirae) recovered from fecal samples of poultry in a slaughterhouse (one isolate per fecal sample and one fecal sample per lot of animals) were studied for bacteriocin production and for the presence of genes encoding bacteriocins and virulence factors. The presence of genes encoding virulence factors (cpd, geE, fsr, ace, agg, and esp) and bacteriocins (entA, entB, entP, entQ, entAS-48, entL50A/B, cyl, and bac31) were studied by polymerase chain reaction in all enterococci. At least two virulence genes were detected in all 43 E. faecalis isolates, cpd and gelE being the most frequently detected genes (97.7%) followed by ace (62.8%), agg (39.5%), fsr (27.9%), and esp (2.3%). No virulence genes were detected in the other enterococcal species with the exception of one E. faecium and one E. durans isolates that harbored the gelE gene. Antimicrobial activity against eight indicator bacteria (including Listeria monocytogenes) was assayed in the enterococci, and 23 (30.3%) showed inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes, the other 22 enterococci showing activity against indicator bacteria other than L. monocytogenes. Only the entA, entB, and cyl genes were detected in our study (entA + entB in nine E. faecium isolates and the cyl gene in seven E. faecalis isolates). A wide variety of virulence genes have been detected in fecal E. faecalis isolates from poultry, but not in the other enterococcal species. However, the presence of known bacteriocin structural genes is associated more with the E. faecium species.     

乳酸菌和大肠杆菌对固定化犬肠道黏蛋白模型的黏附性

采用固定黏蛋白模型,结合细菌同位素γ-32P-ATP标记法,探讨犬源肠球菌E01和E16、犬源大肠杆菌DE、鸡源德氏乳酸杆菌德氏亚种N11及猪源约氏乳杆菌JJB3和致病性大肠杆菌ATCC25922和CVCC2060对本地犬各肠段黏蛋白的黏附能力;肠球菌E16和大肠杆菌DE各自的黏附机制;2株犬源肠球菌以3种作用方式（排斥、竞争、取代）对2株致病性大肠杆菌的黏附抑制作用。结果表明,各测试菌株在犬各肠段黏蛋白模型上的黏附值均不同;2株犬源肠球菌和1株猪源乳酸菌的黏附性能显著优于犬源大肠杆菌DE和2株致病性大肠杆菌;乳酸肠球菌E16表面的碳水化合物结构和糖蛋白参与了黏附过程,大肠杆菌菌体蛋白在黏附过程中发挥一定作用;乳酸肠球菌的黏附受体对高碘酸钠和胰蛋白酶处理不敏感,大肠杆菌DE的黏附受体具有碳水化合物结构,可能为糖蛋白类物质;在肠球菌与病源菌的3种作用方式中,取代和排斥方式对病原菌黏附抑制效果较好。这表明2株犬源肠球菌具开发为益生菌的潜力。     

The use of a probiotic in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Juvenile captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) often present with diarrhoea that is commonly associated with bacterial infections. A species-specific probiotic containing Lactobacillus Group 2 and Enterococcus faecium was prepared from healthy adult cheetahs. Juvenile cheetahs (n = 27) between 8 and 13 months of age were included in the probiotic trial. The animals were observed prior to and after feeding of the probiotic which was made available for 28 days. Feeding of the probiotic resulted in a significantly increased body weight in the treatment group (P = 0.026), while there was no increase in the control group. A relative improvement in the faecal quality in the probiotic group during the treatment period compared with the pre-treatment (P = 0.0363) and post-treatment (P = 0.004) period was observed. This was accompanied by an absence of blood and mucus in the faeces during the treatment period in the probiotic group.     

Putative probiotic Lactobacillus spp. from porcine gastrointestinal tract inhibit transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus and enteric bacterial pathogens

A total of 310 bacterial strains isolated from the porcine gastrointestinal tract were tested for their activity against transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) coronavirus and other enteric pathogens. Based on activity, the strains Probio-38 and Probio-37 were selected as potential probiotics and identified as Lactobacillus plantarum Probio-38 and Lactobacillus salivarius Probio-37 respectively by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Supernatants of these strains inhibited TGE coronavirus in vitro in ST cells, without any cytopathic effect even after 72 h of incubation. Both the strains exhibited high survival in synthetic gastric juice. The strains were resistant to 5% porcine bile and exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the 13 enteric bacterial pathogens tested. These strains also exhibited resistance to most of the antibiotics analyzed. The inhibition of transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus and enteric bacterial pathogens as well as the bile tolerance, high survival in gastric juice, and the antibiotic resistance indicate that the two isolated bacterial strains are ideal probiotic candidates for animal application after proper in vivo experiments.     

Precaecal and faecal digestibility of inulin (DP 10-12) or an inulin/Enterococcus faecium mix and effects on nutrient digestibility and microbial gut flora

The aim of the present study was to investigate the precaecal and faecal digestibility of inulin (DP 10-12) and inulin/Enterococcus faecium mix, and the effects of these substances on nutrient digestibility and microbial gut flora. For the experiment four of eight male pigs were fitted with an end-to-end ileo-rectal anastomosis (IRA) with preserved ileo-caeco-colic valve. The residual pigs were used as intact partner (IN). The animals received 1.5 kg/day of a diet based on corn, wheat, barley and soybean meal, supplemented with either 8 x 10(9) CFU E. faecium/kg, 2% inulin or a mixture of both substances. The digestibility trial was carried out from weeks 4 to 8 after surgery. Precaecal digestibility of inulin was assessed to be 57%. The addition of E. faecium to the diet resulted in a similar precaecal digestibility of inulin of 55%. Supplementation of E. faecium, inulin, and a mixture of E. faecium and inulin did not affect precaecal and faecal nutrient digestibility with the exception of the precaecal digestibility of CF which increased when inulin alone was supplemented. Bacterial population in the digesta of IRA and IN pigs were not affected by the experimental diets except the concentration of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. The supplementation of E. faecium to the diet significantly decreased the concentration of bifidobacteria and the population of lactobacilli inclined to decrease when IN pigs received the probiotic diet. The combination of E. faecium and inulin prevented a reduction of enterococci in faeces of IN pigs. The daily digesta excretion (DM) tended to decrease in IRA and IN pigs when inulin was supplemented. The results indicate that inulin (DP 10-12) in pig nutrition did partly react as a prebiotic as has been confirmed for humans. A combination of E. faecium and inulin improves the survival of the probiotic strain through the upper intestinal tract and allocates the synbiotic effect. Furthermore inulin might be able to show positive effects on precaecal and faecal microbial characteristics.     

Evaluation of potential probiotic characteristics and antibacterial effects of strains of Pediococcus species isolated from broiler chickens

1. Pediococcus spp. were isolated from poultry rectum, faeces and food as good probiotic candidates in order to select strains to be used as probiotic in poultry feed.

2. A total of 168 lactic acid bacteria were isolated and 51 isolates including 31 Lactobacillus spp. and 20 Pediococcus spp. were able to survive in low pH and bile salt concentration. The Pediococcus spp. were identified and their ability to form biofilm, adhesion to Caco-2 cells and antimicrobial activities against enteric pathogenic bacteria were determined.

3. The results showed the presence of two strains, Pediococcus acidilactici P17 and P19 in rectal swab samples from 21-d old chickens with significant antibacterial activities against Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli.

4. The results suggest that only a few isolates of Pediococcus with potential probiotic activities are present in the poultry industry.

     

Lactic acid production and urease activity in strains of Enterococcus faecium found in the rumen and their genetic stability]

Lactic acid production, urease activity and genetic stability were investigated in five selected rumen strains of Enterococcus faecium. The average value of urease activity in the tested strains was 16.5 +/- 0.953 nkat per ml, two strains were urease-negative. The values of E. faecium strains produced lactic acid ranged from 1.087 +/- 0.134 to 1.787 +/- 0.213 mmol per 1 l. Cultivation of the strains in ethidium bromide (EB) eliminated urease activity of these strains already in the first subculture, but the elimination effects of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and acridine orange (AO) were manifested later on (1-8 subcultures). Lactic acid production was eliminated in all strains from 1st to 8th subculture after cultivation in SDS, EB and also AO.     

新疆拜城赛里木镇传统发酵酸乳中优势菌株的胃肠道耐受特性

通过体外耐酸、耐胆盐实验,从新疆拜城赛里木镇传统拉丝酸乳中的优势乳酸菌中筛选出耐受性和优良益生特性较强的乳酸菌菌株.结果表明:筛选出来的9株乳酸菌,在pH 2.0的条件下表现出-强的耐受能力,S5-8和S2-1L用人工胃液处理后的活菌数量在108 CFU/mL以上,其中S5-8有明显的增长趋势,其他7株菌株活菌数量在107CFU/mL以上,远远超过了106 CFU/mL以上的临界值,对9株强耐酸性乳酸菌进行耐胆盐实验.     

几种商用益生芽孢杆菌特性的比较研究

为比较几种商用益生芽孢的菌株特性，为芽孢杆菌的选育提供理论基础，本试验收集整理了15种药用（Y1~Y6）和饲用益生芽孢杆菌（S7~S15）产品，对其芽孢杆菌进行分离鉴定，分别从产淀粉酶、纤维素酶和蛋白酶等酶活特性，抗菌活性，耐酸和耐0.3%胆盐稳定性，抗生素敏感性，耗氧及生长速率测试等方面对芽孢杆菌特性进行了比较研究。结果显示，分离的15株芽孢杆菌均能产蛋白酶、纤维素酶、淀粉酶，但不同菌株产酶能力差异较大，S9菌株表现出较高的产蛋白酶、纤维素酶、淀粉酶活力；所有分离的芽孢杆菌均能对金黄色葡萄球菌及藤黄微球菌产生显著抑制活性，但只有7株芽孢杆菌（Y2、Y6、S7、S9、S10、S11、S12）可对大肠杆菌产生抑制作用，尤其是S9菌株综合抗菌能力最强。S9、Y2和S8的营养体细胞具有较高的耐酸能力，S9、Y2菌株在0.3%胆盐环境中存活率超过90%。15株芽孢杆菌中有3株饲用来源菌株（S10、S12、S13）表现出对红霉素的耐受，S10菌株对四环素耐受。此外，S9菌株具有较快的耗氧速率和生长速率。上述结果表明，S9菌株（解淀粉芽孢杆菌）的益生特性更为优良，本试验结果可为芽孢杆菌益生菌的选育及活性评价提供参考依据。     

Isolation and Identification of Enterococcus faecalis from Fur-bearing Animals

In order to obtain Enterococcus faecalis from fur animals and evaluate its prebiotic properties,in this study,Enterococcus faecalis was isolated from the feces of healthy adult fur-bearing animals (mink,fox,raccoon dog),identified by morphological observation,biochemical test and 16S rRNA sequence analysis.The growth curve,acid production capacity and antibiotic sensitivity of the Enterococcus faecalis isolates were measured to evaluate their probiotic properties.Some strains were selected to determine their tolerance to temperature,artificial gastric juice and artificial bile salt.The results showed that five strains were Gram-positive,and their biochemical characteristics were basically consistent with the standard strains of Enterococcus faecalis,and they were identified as Enterococcus faecalis by 16S rRNA sequence analysis.The five strains all entered the logarithmic phase at 2 h after culture,and entered the stable phase at 8-10 h,and had weak acid production capacity.The resistance rate of the isolates to tetracycline and levofloxacin was 100%,followed by penicillin (80%),erythromycin (80%),gentamicin (80%) and chloramphenicol (40%).All the isolates were sensitive to ampicillin and vancomycin.Enterococcus faecalis from mink,fox and raccoon dog had strong tolerance to temperature below 60 ℃,artificial gastric juice with pH>3.0 and 0.3%-0.5% concentration of bile salt,but poor tolerance to temperature above 70 ℃,and artificial gastric juice with pH<3.0.In conclusion,five strains of Enterococcus faecalis from fur animals (mink,fox,raccoon dog) were obtained in this study.The isolated strains propagated rapidly,which were suitable for colonization and played a prebiotic role in fur animals' intestines,and had good prebiotic characteristics and stress resistance.They could be used as candidate strains for animal microbiological agents for further study.     

毛皮动物源粪肠球菌的分离鉴定

为获得毛皮动物源粪肠球菌,并评价其益生特性,本研究从健康成年毛皮动物（水貂、狐狸、貉）粪便中分离粪肠球菌,通过形态学观察、生化试验和16S rRNA序列分析等方法进行种属鉴定。测定分离菌株生长曲线、产酸能力、抗菌药敏感性,并挑取部分菌株测定其对于温度、人工胃液、人工胆盐的耐受能力。结果表明,分离菌株中共5株为革兰氏阳性菌,生化特性与粪肠球菌标准株基本相符,且经16S rRNA序列分析鉴定为粪肠球菌。5株菌均于培养后2 h进入对数期,8~10 h进入稳定期,且具有弱产酸能力。分离菌株对四环素、左氟沙星耐药性强,耐药率为100%,其次为青霉素（80%）、红霉素（80%）、庆大霉素（80%）、氯霉素（40%）,对氨苄西林和万古霉素敏感。水貂、狐狸和貉源的粪肠球菌对于60 ℃以下温度处理、pH>3.0的人工胃液、0.3%~0.5%浓度的胆盐耐受能力较强,对70 ℃以上高温和pH<3.0的人工胃液耐受性差。综上所述,本研究共获得5株毛皮动物源（水貂、狐狸、貉）粪肠球菌,分离菌株繁殖较快,适合在毛皮动物肠道中定植并发挥益生作用,且具有较好的益生特性和抗逆性,可作为动物用微生态制剂的候选菌种进一步研究。     

酿酒酵母益生特性分析及其与植物乳杆菌IMAU10120共生菌株筛选

对30株酿酒酵母进行模拟胃肠转运、胆盐耐受性以及抑菌特性的体外筛选,筛选具有潜在益生特性的酿酒酵母与植物乳杆菌IMAU10120共生.结果表明:4株酿酒酵母IMAU6Y047、IMAU7Y006、IMAU7Y007、IMAU7Y036 pH 2.5/pH 8.0胃肠转运存活率大于50％,且均为胆盐耐性菌株,对大肠杆菌O157、鼠伤寒沙门氏菌、弗氏志贺氏菌有抑制作用,且IMAU7Y006与植物乳杆菌IMAU10120互利共生,为进一步混合发酵提供基础数据.     

羊瘤胃乳酸菌的分离鉴定及抗逆性筛选

为开发羊源乳酸菌菌种资源,从健康成年散养山羊瘤胃内容物中分离乳酸菌,经生化试验、基因测序以及同源性分析、构建遗传进化树等方法对分离出的乳酸菌进行鉴定,并通过耐酸和耐胆盐试验筛选抗逆性良好的乳酸菌.结果表明:从散养山羊瘤胃内容物中分离出11株乳酸菌,将其编号为R1～R9、R11和R12;其中R1、R2为杜氏肠球菌,R3、...     

The effect of culture media on bacteriocin production in various strains of bacteria]

Some staphylococcus and enterococcus strains were used to investigate the effect of culture medium on bacteriocin production. Staphylococcus cohnii SC7, Staphylococcus sp. ZTJ 151, S. saprophyticus SS 877, Enterococcus faecium EF1 and E. faecalis EFG2 were isolated from the rumen wall and contents of lambs, calves and fallow deer, Enterococcus gallinarum EG10 and E. avium EA12 were isolated from the caecum of Japanese quail. The tested bacteria belong to producers with a wide antimicrobial effectiveness spectrum, they have low to medium adherence and urease activity (Tab. III). These culture media were used to test the effect of culture medium on bacteriocin production: nutrient agar no. 2 and VL agar enriched with 2% of glucose and lactose (ZAG, ZAL, VLG, VLL), agar for isolation of faecal streptococci (SA) and the base for blood agar no. 4 and no. 2 (KA4, KA2). The strains Streptococcus bovis AO 24/85 and Staphylococcus aureus Oxford 209 P were used as indicator bacteria. Tables I and II show the results of these tests. The tested strains produced the widest inhibition zones (6 mm) with both indicators on SA medium, and this indicates massive bacteriocin production. On ZAG medium, the zones of enterococci with the AO 24/85 strain were larger size than those of staphylococci, but the zones were dim. All strains with the 209P indicator produced dim zones of the 2mm size. The larger inhibition zones (2-5mm) in comparison with staphylococci were observed in enterococci on the ZAL medium with the AO24/85 strain. The production of tested strains was balanced on VLG agar with respect to the use of both indicators.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)