Safety and tolerance of Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation to a population infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Probiotic supplementation may provide health benefits, especially for individuals with an underlying disease state that makes them more susceptible to infections. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the safety and tolerance of Lactobacillus reuteri ingestion by subjects infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Thirty-nine subjects consumed a freeze-dried preparation of L. reuteri or a placebo for 21 days in a double-masked, parallel design experiment. Serum chemistry, haematology, immune profile, urinalysis, physical examination, gastrointestinal tolerance and faecal microbiota data were collected. No clinically significant changes were noted in any of the safety parameters measured. Overall, tolerance was good in both groups. Consumption of L. reuteri tended to increase faecal levels of L. reuteri on days 7, 14 and 21 of treatment feeding (P < 0.06, P < 0.11 and P = 0.05, respectively). However, faecal levels of L. reuteri and total Lactobacillus species were lower than levels previously observed in healthy male adults. Overall, this study documents that L. reuteri may be fed to HIV-positive individuals at 1 x 10(10) colony forming units/day without any clinically significant safety or tolerance problems.     

Evidence for hypocholesterolemic effect of Lactobacillus reuteri in hypercholesterolemic mice

Swiss Albino mice were fed a diet enriched with fat to produce hypercholesterolemia. The further administration of Lactobacillus reuteri CRL 1098 (10(4) cells/d) to hypercholesterolemic mice for 7 d decreased total cholesterol by 38%, producing serum cholesterol concentrations similar to that of the control group (67.4 mg/ml). This low dose of L. reuteri caused a 40% reduction in triglycerides and a 20% increase in the ratio of high density lipoprotein to low density lipoprotein without bacterial translocation of the native microflora into the spleen and liver. These data suggest that L. reuteri CRL 1098 is an effective hypocholesterolemic adjuvant at a low cell concentration for mice.     

Enhancement of humoral and cellular immunity by vitamin E after embryonic exposure

In the present study, the amnion of turkey and chicken embryos were injected 3 d prior to hatch with different levels of vitamin E (VE). In Experiments 1 and 2, turkey embryos received 10, 20, and 30 IU of VE. In Experiment 3, broiler embryos received 10 IU VE. In all three experiments, sham-injected control embryos (0 IU VE) received 300 microL of saline. In Experiments 1 and 2 (turkey embryos), 20 and 30 IU of VE reduced (P < or = 0.05) percentage hatchability below that of controls. At hatch, poults exhibited a dose related increase (P < 0.05) in plasma VE levels. Mean BW gain up to 35 d and relative bursa of Fabricius and spleen weights were not different among treatment groups. When challenged at 7 d posthatch, total (P < 0.05) and IgM (P < 0.08) anti-SRBC antibodies were higher in 10 IU VE poults than in controls. Immunoglobulin G levels did not differ among the treatment groups. Poults in the 10 IU VE group had higher (P < 0.002) numbers of Sephadex-elicited inflammatory exudate cells, as well as a greater percentage of phagocytic macrophages (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the numbers of SRBC per phagocytic macrophage were greater (P < 0.001), than in control poults at 4 wk of age. In Experiment 3, chick embryos exposed to 10 IU VE, exhibited no differences in hatchability, BW gain, or bursal and splenic weights from the sham-exposed group. However, total and IgM antibody responses against SRBC were greater (P < 0.01) in the 10 IU VE group at 7 d postinjection. A secondary SRBC challenge given at 14 d after primary injection resulted in higher total (P < 0.07) and IgG (P < 0.04) antibody responses in the 10 IU VE chicks than in the controls. Similarly, broiler chicks (10 IU VE) had more Sephadex-elicited abdominal exudate cells (P < 0.07), and greater macrophage phagocytic potential (P < 0.0001). In ovo VE exposure (10 IU) also increased nitrite production (P < 0.04) by chick macrophages. The results from this study demonstrated an enhanced antibody and macrophage response and suggest that in ovo exposure with VE may improve posthatch poult and broiler quality.     

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

The prevalence of antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli isolates from faecal samples from 110 veterinarians with different specialties (predominantly working with cattle, swine, poultry, or small animals or working as a non-practitioner, e.g. in government or industry) was investigated. In 22% and 13% of the veterinarians E. coli isolates showed a high level of resistance to oxytetracycline and ampicillin respectively. A significantly higher percentage of cattle practitioners had a high level of antibiotic resistance against ampicillin than did swine practitioners. Furthermore, a significantly higher percentage of poultry practitioners had a high level of antibiotic resistance against oxytetracycline than did swine practitioners and non-practitioners. A significantly higher percentage of practitioners recently (within last 6 months) used antibiotics for personal intake than did the group of non-practitioners. There was no evidence for a relationship between personal intake of antibiotics and the occurrence of a high level of resistance to ampicillin or oxytetracycline. The prevalence of E. coli isolates, that were resistant to several antibiotics was highest in cattle and poultry practitioners and the lowest in swine practitioners. A possible explanation for the observed differences in high level resistance to oxytetracycline and ampicillin between veterinary specialty groups is a difference in exposure to antibiotics during practice.     

Symptoms and personality characteristics of patients in a maximum security psychiatric unit

Combinations of either brodimoprim or trimethoprim plus either carbenicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin or rifampicin showed synergy at sub-inhibitory concentrations against both Enterococcus faecalis NCTC 5957 and 775. Brodimoprim alone and in combination showed greater antibacterial activity against both strains of E. faecalis than trimethoprim. MBCs of brodimoprim and trimethoprim were 14.4 and 25.6 mg/L for E. faecalis NCTC 5957 and 7.2 and 12.8 mg/L for E. faecalis NCTC 775. Combinations of either brodimoprim or trimethoprim plus the other antibacterial agents, except gentamicin and dibromopropamidine isethionate, were bactericidal at achievable plasma concentrations. Viable count determinations of cultures of both test organisms in the presence of 3/4 of the MIC of each of the four antibiotics and the two antifolates alone and combinations of each antibiotic with either brodimoprim or trimethoprim indicated that only the combinations prevented recovery and regrowth of the cultures over 24 h. The ATP released from cultures of both strains of E. faecalis treated with brodimoprim and trimethoprim at the same concentrations was approximately 1.5 times greater with brodimoprim than with trimethoprim. Combinations of 3/4 of the MIC of each of the antibiotics in combination with 3/4 of the MIC of brodimoprim against cultures of both strains of E. faecalis resulted in greater release of ATP than occurred with equivalent trimethoprim combinations. It is postulated that the increased activities observed with the brodimoprim combinations resulted from an effect of brodimoprim on the bacterial cell permeability control. These results indicate that both brodimoprim and trimethoprim offer potential benefits for use with either carbenicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin or rifampicin for the treatment of E. faecalis infections.     

Understanding intestinal spore-forming protozoa: cryptosporidia, microsporidia, isospora, and cyclospora

OBJECTIVES: To summarize recent information about the "new" gastrointestinal protozoal pathogens (cryptosporidia, microsporidia, isospora, and cyclospora) and to help practicing clinicians integrate this information into their clinical databases by emphasizing the similarities among these organisms. DATA SOURCES: Relevant English-language articles published between 1988 and 1995 were identified through a MEDLINE search done using the names of the intestinal spore-forming protozoa. Articles cited in the bibliographies of these and other articles were searched manually. STUDY SELECTION: Studies that contained information on the history, taxonomy, life cycle, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of the pathogens were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION: Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Septata intestinalis are intestinal spore-forming protozoa that cause intracellular infections, predominantly in the epithelial cells of the intestine. They are transmitted either by stool from person to person or through contaminated water or food by an infectious particle called a spore or oocyst. Asymptomatic infections occur; the most common symptom of infection is diarrhea. Infections have been associated with intestinal inflammation, disordered architecture (such as villus blunting), and abnormal function (for example, malabsorption). Mild to moderate, self-limited diarrhea is common in healthy persons, but patients with immune dysfunction can have severe intestinal injury and prolonged diarrhea. Diagnosis is made by a microscopic examination of the stool and the use of appropriate staining techniques. Effective antibiotic treatment for prolonged infection in immunocompromised patients is available for most of these infections. CONCLUSIONS: The intestinal spore-forming protozoa are four frequently identified gastrointestinal pathogens that have important similarities in epidemiology, disease pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment.     

Influence of bile on beta-galactosidase activity and cell viability of Lactobacillus reuteri when subjected to freeze-drying

The effect of bile on beta-galactosidase activity and cell viability was investigated using two strains of Lactobacillus reuteri that were subjected to freeze-drying. In the presence of 0.15% oxgall, beta-galactosidase activity of the whole cells was significantly increased. After lyophilization, the cultures that had been treated with oxgall showed a low survival rate without changes in beta-galactosidase activity. The poor resistance of the cells to damage from freeze-drying might be related to the presence of membranous structures containing simple folds and buds of the cell membrane, as was observed by transmission electron microscopy.     

Purification of collagen-binding proteins of Lactobacillus reuteri NCIB 11951

Collagen type-I-binding proteins of Lactobacillus reuteri NCIB 11951 were purified. The cell surface proteins were affinity purified on collagen Sepharose and eluted with an NaCl gradient. Two protein bands were eluted from the column (29 kDa and 31 kDa), and both bound radio-labeled collagen type I. Rabbit antisera raised against the 29 kDa and 31 kDa protein reacted with the affinity-purified proteins in a Western blot with whole-cell extract used as antigen. The N-terminal sequence of the 29-kDa and 31-kDa proteins demonstrated the closest homologies with internal sequences from an Escherichia coli trigger factor protein (TIG.ECOLI). Out of nine other lactobacilli, the antisera reacted only with the L. reuteri and not with the other species tested.     

The arteriolymphatic administration of antibiotics in treating patients with suppurative-inflammatory diseases of the abdominal cavity organs

Experimental study of pharmacokinetics of Gentamicin was carried out in 23 dogs. Three different modes of its intralymphatic administration were used: intranodular inguinal, lymphotropic retroperineal and arterio-lymphatic. It has been established, that arterio-lymphatic mode of introduction of antibiotics (as well as regional endolymphatic and lymphotropic) warrants high concentration of antibiotics in venous blood and lymph. The peculiarity of arteriolymphatic administration is regional effect of accumulation of the antibiotic in organs and tissues of abdominal cavity of corresponding arterial region. Arteriolymphatic infusions of antibiotics have been introduced into complex of drug treatment of patients with pyogenic and inflammatory disorders of abdominal organs. The clinical testing has revealed high curative effect of this made of antibiotics administration.     

Characterization and frequency distribution of species of lactic acid bacteria involved in the processing of mawè, a fermented maize dough from Benin

Lactic acid bacteria involved in the natural fermentation of both home-produced and commercial mawè were investigated during a 72 h fermentation period. Lactobacillus spp. constitute the majority (94%) of the strains of the lactic acid bacteria isolated, among which 89% represent the Betabacterium group. They include L. fermentum (biotype cellobiosus) (41%), L. fermentum or L. reuteri (19%), L. brevis (26%), L. confusus (less than 2%), L. curvatus (less than 1%) and L. buchneri (less than 1%). Other isolated lactic acid bacteria were L. salivarius, Lactococcus lactis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Pediococcus acidilactici and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Several species were detected at the early stage of fermentation, but the final stage was dominated by L. fermentum (biotype cellobiosus) and L. fermentum or L. reuteri totalling 90% of the isolated strains. The trend was the same for both home-produced and commercial mawè. No strains of L. plantarum, generally reported as dominating lactic acid bacteria at the final stage of fermentation of most plant foods, were isolated.     

Are we facing a 'post-antibiotic era'?--a review of the literature regarding antimicrobial drug resistance

Since the introduction of antibiotics in the 1940s, antibiotic resistance has become an increasing problem. Today, multiple-antibiotic resistance is commonly associated with a number of clinically important pathogens and is therefore an important issue in clinical nursing practice. Epidemiological studies identify a number of important factors associated with increases in antimicrobial resistance. These include patterns of antimicrobial use, changes in medical and veterinary care and social practices affecting the transmission of microbes. Bacterial mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the genetics of resistance-gene transfer are explored, with the intention of developing nurses' knowledge and understanding of control measures.     

Molecular characterization of a plasmid-borne (pTC82) chloramphenicol resistance determinant (cat-TC) from Lactobacillus reuteri G4

Lactobacillus reuteri G4 contains a 7.0-kb plasmid (pTC82) encoding resistance to chloramphenicol (Cm). Determination of the nucleotide sequence of the genetic determinant (cat-TC) encoding resistance to Cm on pTC82 revealed an open reading frame for a 238-amino-acid Cm acetyltransferase (CAT) monomer. This structural cat gene, 714 bp in length, was highly related (ca. 95% nucleotide and ca. 81% amino acid identity) to the 648-bp cat gene from Staphylococcus aureus plasmid pC194. A total of 6 bp transversions and 4 bp deletions was observed along the whole DNA sequence of cat-TC compared to that of cat-pC194. To determine the activity of the putative cat-TC gene, recombinant plasmid pUC8217 containing the cat determinant from pTC82 was subjected to a maxicell analysis. The observed molecular mass of the synthesized protein, based on electrophoretic mobility, was in reasonable agreement with the 27.3 kDa predicted from the DNA sequence. This is the first reported nucleotide sequence of a Cm-resistance determinant from L. reuteri and also the first evidence of adding Lactobacillus to the list of versatile bacterial genera which naturally acquire the cat-pC194 gene in the microbial ecological system.     

Accuracy of an electromagnetic measurement device and application to the measurement and description of knee joint motion

A nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, 5-bromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl) thiophene (BFMeT), induced ileal ulcers in rats after oral administration, while no ulcers were observed after subcutaneous injection. The ileal ulcer formation in BFMeT-treated rats was examined to correlate the administration of cultures of Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium adolescentis with intestinal bacteria in the ileal contents and lipid peroxidation of the small intestinal mucosa. Ileal ulcers were observed in more than 85% of the rats treated with BFMeT at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg when they were given tap water as drinking water. The incidence of ulcer formation was repressed by giving culture supernatants of L. acidophilus or B. adolescentis as drinking water, but not by giving the cell suspension as drinking water. Gram staining of the ileal contents of normal rats revealed that 97% of the stained bacteria were gram-positive rods and only 1.5% were gram-negative rods. The percentage of gram-negative rods 72 hr after BFMeT administration was 49.8% and increased over 30-fold in BFMeT-treated rats. However, the percentage of gram-negative rods was 9.7 % or 16%, respectively, in rats taking culture supernatants of L acidophilus or B. adolescentis. In addition, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in the ileal mucosa increased significantly in the rats given tap water for 72 hr after BFMeT treatment, but not in rats given the culture supernatants of L. acidophilus or B. adolescentis. Since BFMeT induced an unbalanced intestinal microflora, the effect of antibiotic treatment on ulcer formation in rats was examined. The magnitude of the ulcer formation in the antibiotic-treated rats was, in decreasing order, metronidazole >none > kanamycin > a mixture (bacitracin, neomycin and streptomycin). These results suggest that the intestinal microflora plays an important role in ulcer formation and that a metabolite(s) of L. acidophilus and B. adolescentis inhibits ileal ulcer formation by repressing changes in the intestinal microflora and lipid peroxidation in BFMeT-treated rats.     

Adherence of human vaginal lactobacilli to vaginal epithelial cells and interaction with uropathogens

Three strains of Lactobacillus, identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus jensenii, were selected from among 70 isolates from the vaginas of healthy premenopausal women for properties relevant to mucosal colonization or antagonism. All three self-aggregated and adhered to epithelial vaginal cells, displacing well-known vaginal pathogens, such as G. vaginalis, and inhibiting the growth in vitro of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae. The surface components involved in self-aggregation appeared to be proteins for L. gasseri and lipoproteins for L. acidophilus and L. jensenii, as judged by susceptibility to treatment with appropriate degrading enzymes. The factors responsible for adherence to epithelial vaginal cells seemed to be glycoproteins (L. acidophilus and L. gasseri) and carbohydrate (L. jensenii). The receptors of the vaginal cells were glycolipids, which presumably were the targets of the competition observed between the lactobacilli and the pathogenic microbes.     

Use of Aviguard and other intestinal bioproducts in experimental Clostridium perfringens-associated necrotizing enteritis in broiler chickens

Clostridium perfringens-associated necrotic enteritis (CPANE) is a common problem among rapidly growing broiler strains of chickens that are raised intensively in modern microenvironments. The purpose of this study was to compare the use of Aviguard and three other intestinal bioproducts (two normal gut flora [NGF] products and one probiotic product) in experimental CPANE in broiler chickens. Male broiler chicks were housed in the same environmentally controlled facility and given one of six treatments. The necrotic enteritis infection model (NEIM) used in the present study was effective in inducing CPANE intestinal gross lesions in broiler chickens. Equally important, Aviguard was found to be significantly more effective than either the other two NGF products or the probiotic for reducing gross lesions induced by the NEIM. In addition, Aviguard/NEIM-treated chicks ate more feed and had better feed efficiency than their NGF- or probiotic/NEIM-treated counterparts. Other significant differences among these four reconstituted microbial preparations were not found. Results from this study have additional importance because they further support the use of reconstituted microbial preparations as novel and effective alternatives to antibiotics that can reduce the severity of C. perfringens-associated necrotic enteritis challenge in broilers.     

Monoassociation with Lactobacillus acidophilus UFV-H2b20 stimulates the immune defense mechanisms of germfree mice

Probiotics are formulations containing live microorganisms or microbial stimulants that have some beneficial influence on the maintenance of a balanced intestinal microbiota and on the resistance to infections. The search for probiotics to be used in prevention or treatment of enteric infections, as an alternative to antibiotic therapy, has gained significant impulse in the last few years. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of lactic acid bacteria in controlling infection by intestinal pathogens and in boosting the host's nonspecific immune response. Here, we studied the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus UFV-H2b20, a lactic acid bacterium isolated from a human newborn from Vi?osa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, as a probiotic. A suspension containing 10(8) cells of Lactobacillus acidophilus UFV-H2b20 was inoculated into groups of at least five conventional and germfree Swiss mice to determine its capacity to stimulate the host mononuclear phagocytic activity. We demonstrate that this strain can survive the stressing conditions of the intestinal tract in vivo. Moreover, the monoassociation of germfree mice with this strain for seven days improved the host's macrophage phagocytic capacity, as demonstrated by the clearance of a Gram-negative bacterium inoculated intravenously. Monoassociated mice showed an undetectable number of circulating E. coli, while 0.1% of the original inoculum was still present in germfree animals. Mice treated with viable or heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus UFV-H2b20 presented similarly improved clearance capacity when compared with germfree controls. In addition, monoassociated mice had twice the amount of Kupffer cells, which are responsible for the clearance of circulating bacteria, compared to germfree controls. These results suggest that the L. acidophilus strain used here stimulates a nonspecific immune response and is a strong candidate to be used as a probiotic.     

Avoparcin used as a growth promoter is associated with the occurrence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium on Danish poultry and pig farms

We determined the association between the use of the glycopeptide antibiotic avoparcin as a growth promoter and the occurrence of Enterococcus faecium (VREF) with high-level resistance to vancomycin (MIC > or = 64 micrograms ml-1) on poultry and pig farms. The investigations were conducted as retrospective cohort studies, where groups of farms exposed or not exposed to avoparcin between September 1994 and April 1995 were compared. In poultry, the association between the use of avoparcin and the occurrence of VREF was confounded by the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the adjusted relative risk was 2.9 (1.4-5.9). In pigs, the association had a similar magnitude with a non-adjusted relative risk of 3.3 (0.9-12.3). The similar findings in the two studies provide evidence in favour of a causal association between the use of avoparcin and the occurrence of VREF on farms, and suggest that food animals constitute a potential reservoir of infection for VREF in humans.     

Growth performance, intestinal microbial populations, and serum cholesterol of broilers fed diets containing Lactobacillus cultures

A study was conducted to determine the effects of adherent Lactobacillus culture on growth performance, intestinal microbial population, and serum cholesterol level of broilers. Four dietary treatments, consisting of the basal diet (control), basal diet + 0.05, 0.10, or 0.15% Lactobacillus culture (LC), were fed to 2,000 Arbor Acres broiler chicks from 1 to 42 d of age (DOA). The chicks were randomly assigned to 40 cages (50 chicks per cage, 10 cages per diet). The experimental period was 42 d. Body weights and feed to gain ratio were measured at 21 and 42 DOA. The intestinal microbial populations and serum cholesterol levels were determined at 10, 20, 30, and 40 DOA. The results showed that body weights and feed to gain ratios were improved significantly (P < 0.05) when compared to control broilers for broilers fed diets containing 0.05 or 0.10% LC, but not 0.15% LC, at 21 and 42 DOA. Coliform counts in the cecum of birds receiving 0.05% LC at 10, 20, and 30 DOA, and 0.10% at 10 and 20 DOA were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those of the control birds. The total aerobes, total anaerobes, lactobacilli, and streptococci in the small intestines and ceca of the control birds were not significantly different from those of the treated groups. Serum cholesterol levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in broilers fed the three diets containing LC at 30 DOA, and in the birds fed 0.05 or 0.10% LC at 20 DOA.     

What makes people study more? An evaluation of factors that affect self-paced study

The separation of chiral compounds by capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a very interesting field of research in different areas such as pharmaceutical, environmental, agricultural analysis etc. The separation of two enantiomers can be achieved in CE using a chiral environment interacting with the two analytes on forming diastereoisomers with different stability constants and thus different mobilities. A wide number of chiral selectors have been employed in CE and among them glycopeptide antibiotics exhibited excellent enantioselective properties towards a wide number of racemic compounds. Vancomycin, ristocetin A, rifamycins, teicoplanin, kanamycin, streptomycin, fradiomycin, and two vancomycin analogues, added to the background electrolyte (BGE), are the antibiotics studied by CE running the separation in untreated and/or coated fused-silica capillary. Due to adsorption and absorption phenomena, some drawbacks can be expected when using bare fused-silica capillary, e.g., changes of electroosmotic flow (EOF), broaden peaks, reduced efficiency and low sensitivity. Coated capillary and counter current mode can be the solution to overcome the above mentioned problems. This review surveys the separation of enantiomers by CE when macrocyclic antibiotics are used as chiral selector. The enantioselectivity can be easily controlled modifying several parameters such as antibiotic type and concentration, pH, ionic strength and concentration of the background electrolyte, organic modifier etc. The paper also presents a list of the latest chiral separations achieved by CE where antibiotics were used as chiral selector.     

Determination of mean energies and impact parameters characteristic of charge-changing reactions

A guinea pig passage-adapted strain of the arena-virus Pichinde (adPIC) is highly virulent in inbred guinea pigs, whereas the related strain PIC3739 is attenuated. Both viruses were macrophage tropic and infected peritoneal, splenic, liver, and alveolar macrophages during experimental Pichinde virus infection. Infection with the virulent strain was associated with unlimited viral replication in the face of exaggerated delayed-type hypersensitivity response, manifested by the macrophage disappearance reaction. Histopathological lesions unique to adPIC-infected guinea pigs included intestinal villus blunting with mucosal infiltration by pyknotic debris-laden macrophages and apoptosis of crypt epithelial cells. Splenic red pulp necrosis was also significantly associated with adPIC infection but not PIC3739 infection. These findings may provide clues to the pathogenesis of a group of poorly understood human viral hemorrhagic fevers.