Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 as a probiotic in healthy adult cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 in healthy adult cats. ANIMALS: 15 adult cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were fed a nutritionally complete dry food for 5 weeks. Fecal character was assessed daily, and a single fecal sample and 3-mL blood sample were collected for bacterial enumeration and hematologic analysis, respectively. Cats were then fed the same diet supplemented with L acidophilus DSM13241 (2 x 10(8) CFU/d) for 4.5 weeks. Repeat fecal and hematologic measurements were taken prior to the return to control diet for a 4-week period. RESULTS: The probiotic species was recovered from feces, demonstrating survival through the feline gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic supplementation was associated with increased numbers of beneficial Lactobacillus and L acidophilus groups in feces and decreased numbers of Clostridium spp and Enterococcus faecalis, indicating an altered bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal tract microflora. Fecal pH was also decreased suggesting a colonic environment selective for the beneficial lactic acid bacterial population. Systemic and immunomodulatory effects were associated with administration of L acidophilus DSM13241 including altered cell numbers within WBC subsets and enhanced phagocytic capacity in the peripheral granulocyte population. In addition, plasma endotoxin concentrations were decreased during probiotic feeding, and RBCs had a decreased susceptibility to osmotic pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Probiotic strain L acidophilus DSM13241 fed at 2 x 10(8) CFU/d can alter the balance of gastrointestinal microflora in healthy cats. Furthermore, administration of this probiotic results in beneficial systemic and immunomodulatory effects in cats.     

Preliminary evaluation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG,a potential probiotic in dogs

Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (LGG) has been studied extensively as a probiotic in humans. However, the ability of an organism to survive passage through the intestinal tract and exert beneficial effects cannot be directly extrapolated between species. This study evaluated the ability of LGG to survive gastrointestinal transit in dogs and assessed whether oral administration of LGG is safe, in order to determine whether studies evaluating the efficacy of LGG in the treatment of canine disease are indicated. Dogs were divided into 5 groups receiving doses of 0 (control group, n = 4), 1 x 10(9) (group 1, n = 8), 1 x 10(10) (group 2, n = 8), 5 x 10(10) (group 3, n = 8) and 5 x 10(11) (group 4, n = 4) colony forming units per day, orally, for 5 days. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was detected in the feces of 4/8 dogs in groups 1 and 2, 5/8 dogs in group 3, 4/4 dogs in group 4, and 0/4 dogs in the control group. Fecal colonization was significantly greater in group 4 than in any other group (P < 0.001). Differences between groups 1, 2, and 3 were not significant. No adverse effects were noted. Fecal colonization of LGG in dogs is somewhat variable; however, clinical studies are indicated to evaluate this organism in the treatment and prevention of canine disease.     

Testing two Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus strains for their suitability as a lipoid probiotic

Two strains of lactobacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus T-135 and Lactobacillus plantarum 4/97) were selected in order to study their inhibitory properties against frequent udder pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Salmonella enteritidis and Bacillus pumilus), their production of organic acids as well as their ability to survive on the teat skin, the teat duct mucosa and in a lipoid emulsion. Both strains inhibited the tested pathogenic microbes and survived on the investigated surfaces and in an emulsion for more than 6 hours and 11 days, respectively.     

Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG is a potential probiotic for calves

Diarrhea is a common occurrence in neonatal calves. Several veterinary probiotics claiming to prevent or treat calf diarrhea are available, but have not been well studied. This study assessed the capability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (LGG) to maintain viability in the gastrointestinal tract of calves. We also determined whether LGG can be administered in an oral rehydration solution (ORS) without compromising the efficacy of the ORS or the viability of LGG, and whether LGG produces D-lactate or not. To investigate the intestinal survival of LGG, 15 calves were randomized into 3 groups and LGG was administered orally with their morning milk feeding on 3 consecutive days at a low (LD), medium (MD), or high (HD) dosage. Fecal samples were collected on days 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 and incubated for 72 h on deMan, Rogosa, Sharpe agar. Twenty-four hours after the 1st feeding, LGG was recovered from 1 out of 5 calves in the LD group, 4 out of 5 calves in the MD group, and 5 out of 5 calves in the HD group. To determine if LGG caused the glucose levels in the ORS to drop below effective levels, 1.5 L of the ORS was incubated with LGG for 2 h at 37 degrees C and the glucose concentration was measured every 20 min using a glucose meter. This ORS was then further incubated for 10 h and aliquots analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography to determine if D-lactate was produced by LGG. Glucose concentrations did not change over the 2 h of incubation, and no D-lactate was produced after 48 h. The LGG maintained viability in ORS. Therefore, this study demonstrated that LGG survives intestinal transit in the young calf, produces no D-lactate, and can be administered in an ORS.     

Effect of a Lactobacillus animalis strain on composition and metabolism of the intestinal microflora in adult dogs

Probiotics are microorganisms that are added to food to exert beneficial effects on the host. Aim of the present study was the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the effect of Lactobacillus animalis LA4 (isolated from the faeces of a healthy adult dog) on composition and metabolism of dog intestinal microflora. When added to dog faecal cultures, LA4 reduced enterococci and increased lactobacilli counts throughout the study, whereas C. perfringens counts were significantly reduced at 24 h. After 8 h of incubation, LA4 reduced ammonia and increased lactic acid concentrations. For the in vivo study, nine adult dogs received the freeze-dried preparation of L. animalis LA4 for 10 days. On day 11, faecal lactobacilli were higher than at trial start (6.99 log CFU/g versus 3.35 log CFU/g of faeces) and faecal enterococci showed a trend towards a numerical reduction (P = 0.08). L. animalis LA4 was recovered in all faecal samples collected on day 11 and in four samples at day 15. The present results show that LA4 was able to survive gastrointestinal passage and transitorily colonize the dog intestine where, based on the in vitro results, it could positively influence composition and metabolism of the intestinal microflora. These results suggest that L. animalis LA4 can be considered as a potential probiotic for dogs.     

Doppler-derived deformation imaging in unsedated healthy adult dogs

Objectives

To evaluate feasibility, repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) of Doppler-derived deformation imaging (DI) in healthy adult dogs.

Animals, materials and methods

Forty-nine dogs underwent physical examination, ECG, blood pressure measurement and echocardiography. Doppler-derived DI parameters obtained from six selected Regions of Interest (ROI) within the left ventricle (LV) were: strain (S), systolic strain rate (SSR), strain rate E wave (SRE), and strain rate A wave (SRA). The averages of the six ROIs were calculated and labeled avS, avSSR, avSRE, and avSRA. Randomly selected dogs underwent two echocardiographic studies to evaluate intraoperator (n = 14) and interoperator (n = 17) variability.

Results

DI data were obtained in 87.2% of dogs and 77.2% of ROIs. Compared to controls, avSSR was significantly reduced in Doberman Pinchers (DP) and it was increased in dogs <30 kg, compared to dogs >30 kg. The intraoperator Coefficient of Variability (CV) for some ROIs was greater than 15% but for averaged measurements it was ≤ 5.0%. Interoperator CV varied widely but were all <15% for avSSR, avS, and avSRA.

Conclusions

The CV for Doppler-derived DI varied widely. Averaging values from multiple ROIs improved R&R. DI may help elucidate differences in LV mechanics between canine breeds.     

Sleeping respiratory rates in apparently healthy adult dogs

Respiratory rate monitoring of cardiac patients is recommended by many cardiologists. However, little objective data exist about respiratory rates in apparently healthy dogs when collected in the home environment. We measured sleeping respiratory rates (SRR) in apparently healthy dogs and compared sleeping and resting respiratory rates (RRR) with a cross-sectional prospective study. Participants collected 12-14 one-minute SRR over a period ranging from 1 week to 2 months on 114 privately owned adult dogs. Selected participants simultaneously collected RRR. Mean within-dog average SRR (SRR(mean)) was 13breaths per minute (breaths/min). No dog had SRR(mean) >23 breaths/min; three dogs had instantaneous SRR measurements >30 breaths/min. Dogs had higher RRR(mean) (19 breaths/min) than SRR(mean) (15 breaths/min) (P<0.05). Canine SRR(mean) was unaffected by age, bodyweight or geographic location. Data acquisition was considered relatively simple by most participants. This study shows that apparently healthy adult dogs generally have SRR(mean) <30 breaths/min and rarely exceed this rate at any time.     

Selection of useful probiotic lactic acid bacteria from the Lactobacillus acidophilus group and their applications to functional foods

In the present review, a new mass screening system for selecting probiotic strains from Lactobacillus (L) acidophilus group lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with strong adhesion to the human intestinal tract is described. Characteristics of antimicrobial peptides (bacteriocin), lactose‐hydrolyzing enzymes and immunostimulative oligo DNA motifs in L. gasseri strains are also described. Finally, the use of L. acidophilus LAB, selected by our screening method, that have strong adhesion to the human colonic mucosa in functional yogurt products is described. Adhesiveness to the human intestine is one of the most important characteristics of probiotic LAB. A new screening system that involves a combination of three methods is proposed: rat colonic mucin (RCM)‐micro plate assay, Carnoy's histochemical staining method and carbohydrate probe binding assay. By using an RCM‐coated poly‐vinylidene‐diflouride membrane that mimics the human colonic mucous layer, a new lectin was isolated and its structure was clarified by gene cloning. Furthermore, the structures and functions of a new cyclic bacteriocin (gassericin A), new lactose‐hydrolyzing enzymes, and new immunostimulating oligo DNA motifs from Lactobacillus gasseri (B₁ subgroup) were clarified. A new functional yogurt ‘Fit down’ is proposed, that is fermented by an adhesive strain of L. acidophilus LA67 selected by our screening and contains antihypertensive peptides derived from whey proteins by protease digestion. In the future, superior functional foods containing more effective probiotic LAB are expected to be developed by the use of the proposed mass screening system.     

鸡源嗜酸乳扞菌的筛选

试验从健康雏鸡嗉囊、小肠、盲肠等部位分离到12株乳酸菌,通过试验筛选出了1株乳酸菌,初步鉴定为嗜酸乳杆菌,并对其耐酸、抑菌生物学特性进行初步研究。结果表明,嗜酸乳杆菌具有强耐酸性和黏附性,对大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌有很强的抑菌作用。     

嗜酸乳杆菌对黄羽肉鸡生长性能及营养物质代谢率的影响

为了研究嗜酸乳杆菌对黄羽肉鸡生长性能及营养物质代谢率的影响,选择30羽7周龄体重相近、健康的黄羽肉鸡,随机分成5组,每组6羽鸡。对照组饲喂基础日粮;试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别在基础日粮中添加5,10和15 g/kg的嗜酸乳杆菌制剂(活菌数不小于108cfu/g);试验Ⅳ组在基础日粮中添加25 mg/kg的金霉素制剂,试验期为30 d。结果:与对照组相比,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组日增重分别提高了32.41%、38.65%、45.61%和26.61%,差异均极显著(P<0.01),且试验Ⅲ组的饲料报酬极显著提高(P<0.01);各试验组粗脂肪及磷的代谢率均极显著提高(P<0.01),粗蛋白、钙的代谢率均有提高,且试验Ⅲ组粗蛋白质和钙的代谢率最高。因此,在7周龄黄羽肉鸡日粮中嗜酸乳杆菌制剂适宜的添加量为15 g/kg。     

Echocardiographic values in clinically healthy adult dogue de Bordeaux dogs

Objectives : To assess the influence of body surface area, age and gender on echocardiographic parameters and to establish echocardiographic reference values for dogue de Bordeaux dogs. Methods : Thirty‐nine healthy dogue de Bordeaux dogs of both sexes, older than one year, were recruited and 31 of these were included in the study. The classic linear regression model proved to be the best way to analyse the data. The reference limits of the echocardiographic measurements were calculated using the regression equations. The difference between the mean values of body surface area in both gender groups was evaluated by using one‐way ANOVA. Results : A significant correlation was seen between several echocardiographic parameters and body surface area or body surface area and age, and high coefficients of determination (R2) were found. No effect of gender was detected on echocardiographic variables, except for the thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall at end diastole. Clinical Significance : The echocardiographic parameters related to body surface area, in the absence of correlation with other independent variables (gender and age) should be interpreted with caution because their variation could be significant for the presence of heart disease. The proposed statistical model allows estimation of echocardiographic parameters in dogue de Bordeaux dogs with different body surface areas and ages.     

In vitro probiotic selection and characterization of Lactobacillus spp. isolated from healthy domesticated Turkeys

The health of poultry is closely related to how the animals are raised, and the gut microbiota plays a key role in the fulfillment of their productive potential. Lactobacillus spp. are bacteria present in the natural microbiota of poultry that, when employed as probiotic agents, should present several characteristics. This study aims at performing the in vitro probiotic isolation and characterization of Lactobacillus spp. Isolates were obtained from ceca content of healthy turkeys through the isolation and identification of morphological, molecular, and physiologic characteristics. They were identified through Gram staining, catalase and hydrogen peroxide production tests, gas production tests during glucose fermentation, and hydrogen sulfide production during the triple sugar iron test. The samples were identified molecularly through polymerase chain reaction tests and were subjected to genetic sequencing. The assessment of the probiotic potential was conducted through artificial gastric juice tolerance and bile salt tolerance tests. A hydrophobicity test was used as an indirect method of assessing an isolate’s probable ability to adhere to the intestinal mucosa. In addition, other analyses were performed, such as multiplication potential tests, Salmonella Heildelberg antagonism assays, hydrogen peroxide production tests, and antibiograms, as well as an assessment of the genes responsible for resistance to antimicrobial agents in Integron C. In conclusion, we identified, through morphologic, physiologic, pathogen antagonism, and antimicrobial resistance tests, 11 strains of Lactobacillus spp. belonging to species L. reuteri (9), L. johnsonii (1), and L. frumenti (1) that showed potential as probiotic candidates for in vivo application.     

Effects of dietary cellobiose on the intestinal microbiota and excretion of nitrogen metabolites in healthy adult dogs

In order to evaluate the potential prebiotic effects of cellobiose, 10 healthy adult research beagle dogs received a complete diet containing 0, 0.5 and 1 g cellobiose/kg bodyweight (BW)/day. At the end of each feeding period, faeces, urine and blood of the dogs were collected. The results demonstrated a significant increase of faecal lactate concentrations, indicating a bacterial fermentation of cellobiose in the canine intestine. Along with this, a dose-dependent linear increase of the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae in the faeces of the dogs was observed (p = 0.014). In addition, a dose-dependent increase (p < 0.05) of Alloprevotella, Bacteroides and Prevotella, and a linear decrease for unidentified Lachnospiraceae (p = 0.011) was observed when cellobiose was added to the diet, although the relative abundance of these genera was low (<1%) among all groups. The faecal pH was not affected by dietary cellobiose. Cellobiose seemed to modulate the excretion of nitrogen metabolites, as lower concentrations of phenol (p = 0.034) and 4-ethylphenol (p = 0.002) in the plasma of the dogs were measured during the supplementation periods. Urinary phenols and indoles, however, were not affected by the dietary supplementation of cellobiose. In conclusion, cellobiose seems to be fermented by the intestinal microbiota of dogs. Although no effect on the faecal pH was detected, the observed increase of microbial lactate production might lower the pH in the large intestine and consecutively modulate the intestinal absorption of nitrogen metabolites. Also, the observed changes of some bacterial genera might have been mediated by increased intestinal lactate concentrations or a higher relative abundance of lactobacilli. Whether these results could be considered as a prebiotic effect and used as a dietetic strategy in diseased animals to improve gut function or hepatic and renal nitrogen metabolism should be evaluated in future studies.     

鸡用益生性乳酸杆菌的研究与应用

本文对近10年来以乳酸杆菌作为鸡用益生菌的应用效果进行了综述，添加乳酸杆菌能显著提高肉鸡生长速度5％-10％（占统计数73％L2／3的试验能显著提高饲料效率，但幅度相差较大（从2．5％到30％）。多数报道认为能提高机体免疫力、抑制病，原菌的致病性，降低鸡的死亡率。乳酸杆菌对产蛋鸡生产性能的影响较稳定。     

鼠李糖乳杆菌对健康幼犬肠道菌群的影响

鼠李糖乳杆菌(Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG,LGG)是从健康人肠道分离出的1株乳杆菌,是人类研究最广泛的益生菌之一[1].近年来,国外科学家通过大量的动物实验和人体临床试验证明,LGG能够耐受动物消化道环境,在人和动物肠道内定植,起到调节肠道菌群、预防和治疗腹泻、排除毒素及提高机体免疫力等功效[2].目前国内并无LGG应用于幼犬的报道,为此本试验通过研究LGG在幼犬肠道内的存活率及肠道主要菌群的变化,探讨LGG对幼犬肠道菌群的影响.     

两种方法保存嗜酸乳杆菌效果的比较研究

在相同的温度和时间条件下,比较滤纸片法和甘油生理盐水冻存法保存嗜酸乳杆菌的效果。用滤纸片法和甘油生理盐水冻存法,分别进行不同温度的嗜酸乳杆菌保存试验;并于预定时间内,对各处理组分别进行复苏及预定检测。在室温和4℃条件下,用滤纸片法保存的嗜酸乳杆菌出现了生化特性和形态的异常状况。随着保存时间的延长,滤纸片保存法比甘油生理盐水冻存法的嗜酸乳杆菌存活量明显减少。两种方法保存的菌种,均表现为-80℃组的嗜酸乳杆菌存活量明显大于-20℃组。说明在-80℃温度条件下,甘油生理盐水冻存法比滤纸片法具有较大的嗜酸乳杆菌存活量。     

Association of expiratory airway dysfunction with marked obesity in healthy adult dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of obesity on pulmonary function in healthy adult dogs. ANIMALS: 36 Retrievers without cardiopulmonary disease. PROCEDURES: Dogs were assigned to 1 of 3 groups on the basis of body condition score (1 through 9): nonobese (score, 4.5 to 5.5), moderately obese (score, 6.0 to 6.5), and markedly obese (score, 7.0 to 9.0). Pulmonary function tests performed in conscious dogs included spirometry and measurement of inspiratory and expiratory airway resistance (R(aw)) and specific R(aw) (sR(aw)) during normal breathing and during hyperpnea via head-out whole-body plethysmography. Functional residual capacity (FRC; measured by use of helium dilution), diffusion capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and arterial blood gas variables (PaO(2), PaCO(2), and alveolar-arterial gradient) were assessed. RESULTS: During normal breathing, body condition score did not influence airway function, DLCO, or arterial blood gas variables. During hyperpnea, expiratory sR(aw) was significantly greater in markedly obese dogs than nonobese dogs and R(aw) was significantly greater in markedly obese dogs, compared with nonobese and moderately obese dogs. Although not significantly different, markedly obese dogs had a somewhat lower FRC, compared with other dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, obesity appeared to cause airflow limitation during the expiratory phase of breathing, but this was only evident during hyperpnea. This suggests that flow limitation is dynamic and likely occurs in the distal (rather than proximal) portions of the airways. Further studies are warranted to localize the flow-limited segment and understand whether obesity is linked to exercise intolerance via airway dysfunction in dogs.