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Lactobacilli
Kinds of Lactobacilli Selected AbstractsCytohormonal and morphological alterations in cervicovaginal smears of postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapyDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2006Sanjay Gupta M.D. Abstract The objective of the study was to study the cytohormonal and morphological alterations in cervicovaginal smears associated with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and to assess the utility of vaginal cytology in determining the response to HRT. Ninety postmenopausal women (30 on estrogen,progesterone combination (HRT) for 1 to 24 mo (user 1), 30 on estrogen therapy (ERT) for 1 to 44 mo (user 2), and 30 not on any hormones (nonusers)) were included in the cross-sectional study. Their lateral vaginal wall smears and cervical smears were examined for hormonal and morphological assessments, respectively. The smear pattern showed predominance of parabasal cells in 46.6% of nonusers, while none of the users had >70% parabasal cells. A high percentage (>70%) of intermediate cells was found in 46.6% of users and only in 16.6% of nonusers. A high maturation value (MV) was found in more than 75% of users but in only 16.6% of nonusers. The women with high MV (>50) were significantly less symptomatic than did nonusers. Atrophic changes were present in cervical smears of 14/20 (46.6%) nonusers when compared with 1/60 (1.66%) users. Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) were diagnosed in seven users and three nonusers. It persisted on follow-up in four users and one nonuser. Histology revealed one mild dysplasia among users. Lactobacilli were more frequently observed in users. The cytohormonal pattern on vaginal smears correlates well with the response to hormonal therapy and clinical symptoms. Awareness of the morphological alterations associated with the use of replacement hormones would enable the cytologists to reduce the false-positive diagnoses while evaluating postmenopausal smears. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006;34:676,681. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Molecular analysis of bacterial populations in the ileum of broiler chickens and comparison with bacteria in the cecumFEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2002Jianhua Gong Abstract Bacterial populations in the ileum of broiler chickens were analyzed by molecular analysis of 16S rRNA genes and compared to those in the cecum. Bacteria found in the ileal mucosa were mainly Gram-positive with low G+C content. There were 15 molecular species among 51 cloned sequences. More than 70% of the cloned sequences were related to lactobacilli and Enterococcus cecorum. Two sequences had 95% or less homology to existing database sequences. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis revealed differences among bacterial populations present in the mucosa and lumen of the ileum. Comparative studies by T-RFLP and sequence analyses of 16S rRNA genes indicated a less diverse bacterial population in the ileum (mucosa and lumen) than in the cecum. Lactobacilli, E. cecorum, and butyrate-producing bacteria related (including both identified and unidentified species) sequences were the three major groups detected in ilea and ceca. Although butyrate-producing bacteria may have good potential in the development of novel probiotics for poultry, verifying the presence of the bacteria in the chicken gut is required to warrant further investigation. [source] Beneficial lactobacilli in food and feed: long-term use, biodiversity and proposals for specific and realistic safety assessmentsFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 4 2006Marion Bernardeau Abstract Lactobacilli have played a crucial role in the production of fermented products for millennia. Their probiotic effects have recently been studied and used in new products. Isolated cases of lactobacillemia have been reported in at-risk populations, but lactobacilli present an essentially negligible biological risk. We analyzed the current European guidelines for safety assessment in food/feed and conclude that they are not relevant for the Lactobacillus genus. We propose new specific guidelines, beginning by granting a ,long-standing presumption of safety' status to Lactobacillus genus based on its long history of safe use. Then, based on the available body of knowledge and intended use, only such tests as are useful will be necessary before attributing ,qualified presumption of safety' status. [source] Technological characterization of the natural lactic acid bacteria of artisanal Turkish White Pickled cheeseINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2008ELIF DAGDEMIR The aim of this study was to characterize the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from White Pickled cheeses produced with traditional methods; and to improve the quality of cheesemaking with a selection of bacterial cultures from artisanal White cheeses. LAB were isolated and identified from 30 White Pickled cheese samples collected from various cities in Turkey. Also, the numbers of several microbial groups (total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, LAB, enterococci, coliforms, moulds and yeasts) of cheese samples were enumerated. Lactobacilli, lactococci and enterococci were the most abundant microbial groups. The numbers of Enterococcus and Lactobacillus isolates were higher than those of the other LAB. Enterococcus faecalis (24.43%), Enterococcus faecium (17.61%) and Lactobacillus fermentum (19.88%) isolates were the most frequently isolated species. Lactococcus strains showed the highest acidifying activity, followed by Enterococcus and Lactobacillus strains. Proteolytic activity of Enterococcus faecalis strains was higher than that of the other enterococci species, except Enterococcus avium strains. Within lactobacilli strains, the highest mean proteolytic activity was that of Lactobacillus bifermentans, Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus casei strains. [source] Salivary bacteria and oral health status in children with disabilities fed through gastrostomyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2010ARIELA HIDAS International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 179,185 Objectives., This study examined caries level, amount of calculus, and oral microbial environment in gastrostomy tube (GT)-fed children compared with healthy children and children with disabilities orally fed (PO). Study design., The study group consisted of 12 GT-fed children and the two control groups consisted of 16 children with disabilities orally fed and 17 healthy children. DMF-T/dmf-t index, calculus index, Mutans Streptococci (MS), Lactobacilli (LB) levels and salivary buffer capacity were examined. Results., DMF-T/dmf-t index was significantly lower in the tube-fed group. Calculus index was highest in the tube-fed group. MS and LB levels were the lowest in the tube-fed children. Correlation was found between MS and DMF-T/dmf-t. Conclusions., Tube-fed children demonstrated significantly higher calculus levels and less caries, MS, and LB levels then healthy children or children with disabilities eating PO. [source] Bile salts and cholesterol induce changes in the lipid cell membrane of Lactobacillus reuteriJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2003M.P. Taranto Abstract Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bile salts and cholesterol in the lipid profile of Lactobacillus reuteri CRL 1098 and to determine the relationship existing between these changes: the in vitro removal of cholesterol and the tolerance of the cells to acid and cold stress. Methods and Results:Lactobacillus reuteri CRL 1098 was grown in the following media: MRS (deMan Rogosa Sharpe; MC, control medium), MB (MC with bile salts), MCH (MC with sterile cholesterol) and MBCH (MC with bile salts and cholesterol). Fatty acids were determined by analytical gas,liquid chromatography, and phospholipids and glycolipids by colorimetric techniques. The cells from different culture media were subjected to cold and acid stress. The MB cultures displayed a decrease in phospholipids and a low ratio of saturated : unsaturated fatty acids. The presence of the unusual C18 : 0,10-OH and C18 : 0,10-oxo fatty acids was the prominent characteristic of the bile salts growing cells. The relative increase in glycolipids and the changes in the fatty acids profiles of the MB cells would be responsible for the cholesterol remotion. The changes induced by bile salts in the lipid profile did not improve the tolerance of L. reuteri CRL 1098 to freezing and acid stress. Conclusions: The changes in lipid profiles reported in this study would play a key role in the response of Lactobacilli to environmental stress. Significance and Impact of the Study: This work provides useful information about the effect of bile salts on the cell membrane of L. reuteri, a probiotic enterolactobacillus. The steady-state response of the cells subjected to bile stress seems to be the appropriate model for evaluating the bacterial behaviour in detergent-containing gastrointestinal tracts, where the bile salts stress would presumably be continuous. [source] An in vitro study of the pH-lowering potential of salivary lactobacilli associated with dental cariesJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2001M.C. Badet M.C. BADET, B. RICHARD AND G. DORIGNAC. 2001. Aims: Lactobacilli are known to produce acids from sucrose or glucose. This acid production can cause a drop in pH which is sufficiently significant to demineralize the hard tissues of the teeth. Some authors have demonstrated the benefits of substituting sorbitol or xylitol for sucrose. The aim of this work was to study the acid production of salivary lactobacilli with one test sugar (glucose) and two polyols (sorbitol and xylitol). Methods and Results: The pH-lowering potential of three strains of oral lactobacilli was recorded with glucose or one of the polyols at three different concentrations. The results showed that polyols were broken down by certain strains of lactobacilli. When this degradation took place, the pH dropped to values sufficiently low to demineralize the hard tissues of the teeth. Conclusions: Further studies must be carried out on the metabolism of polyols before encouraging their widespread substitution for sucrose. [source] Effect of Lactulose on Biotransformation of Isoflavone Glycosides to Aglycones in Soymilk by LactobacilliJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2008T.T. Pham ABSTRACT:,Lactobacillus acidophilus 4461, L. acidophilus 4962, L. casei 290, and L. casei 2607 were used to hydrolyze isoflavone glycosides (IG) to biologically active forms,isoflavone aglycones (IA),in soymilk (SM) prepared from soy protein isolate (SPI) and soymilk supplemented with 0.5% (w/v) of lactulose (SML). L. acidophilus 4461 utilized the highest level of lactulose (3.01 mg/mL) and L. acidophilus 4962 utilized the least (0.86 mg/mL) at 24 h of incubation. The pH values decreased to 4.00 to 5.00 in SML, while they remained relatively high (6.15 to 6.36) in SM. Supplementation with lactulose significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the viable counts of all the 4 Lactobacillus strains. At the end of incubation, the viable counts of Lactobacillus ranged from 8.08 to 8.25 log CFU/mL in SML compared to 6.99 to 7.11 log CFU/mL in SM. Supplementation with lactulose increased the biotransformation of IG to IA after 6 h of incubation. The presence of lactulose in the medium enhanced the biotransformation level of IG to IA by Lactobacillus up to 21.9%. The hydrolysis level of malonyl genistin and acetyl genistin in SML was much higher than in SM by all the 4 probiotic organisms. The biotransformation of IG to IA occurred rapidly during the 1st 12 h of incubation in both SML and SM. Among the 4 Lactobacillus strains, L. acidophilus 4461 biotransformed the highest level (88.8%) of IG to IA in SML compared to 68.2% in SM after 24 h of incubation. [source] Reduction of Levels of Volatile Components Associated with the "Beany" Flavor in Soymilk by Lactobacilli and StreptococciJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2005Trenna D. Blagden ABSTRACT: Methanol, acetaldehyde, ethanol, and hexanal were the 4 major volatiles detected in unfermented soymilk. Eight of the cultures of lactobacilli or streptococci completely eliminated hexanal in the soymilk during fermentation. However, there were considerable variations in the effects of the cultures on the other 3 compounds. All 8 caused significant reduction in levels of methanol. Streptococcus thermophilus OSU-2 was the only culture that significantly lowered the concentration of ethanol in the soymilk. All except Lactobacillus acidophilus C19 and Lactobacillus casei E5 significantly lowered the level of acetaldehyde. Of the cultures tested, L. acidophilus L1 offered the best potential for producing fermented soymilk with an improved volatile profile. [source] Survival and Activity of Probiotic Lactobacilli in Skim Milk Containing PrebioticsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2004A. R. DESAI ABSTRACT: Seven strains were cultured anaerobically at 37 °C for 48 h in 12% (w/v) reconstituted skim milk containing 5% (w/v) Hi-maize, lactulose, inulin, or raftilose. Their viability was determined before and after 4 wk of storage at 4 °C. Doubling time (Td) was also determined. Concentrations of acetic and lactic acids produced during fermentation and storage were determined. The Td ranged from 301 to 751 min. In general, the viability of lactobacilli after storage was greatest with inulin. The pH after storage in skim milk ranged from 4.34 (for ASCC 1520 with raftilose) to 4.10 (for ATCC 15820 with inulin). Survival of lactobacilli in prebiotic was strainspecific but in general their survival was enhanced. [source] Viability During Storage of Selected Probiotic Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in a Yogurt-like ProductJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 8 2002S.E. Gilliland ABSTRACT: Multiple species cultures, including 2 strains of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM plus 1 strain each of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus casei, were used to make yogurt-like products. The lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were tested for growth in the products and subsequent viability during refrigerated storage. During fermentation, L. casei Com-5 actually declined in numbers, while L. casei E5 and E10 increased about 2 fold. Numbers of B. longum S9 increased about 3 fold while B. longum Com-4 did not increase. During storage, L. acidophilus NCFM appeared stable in all mixtures and both strains of bifidobacteria decreased. Lactobacillus casei E5 and E10 were more stable than was L. casei Com-5. [source] Lactobacilli antagonize biological effects of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli in vitroLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008A.A. Hugo Abstract Aims:, To assess the effect of two lactobacilli on the biological activity of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in vitro. Methods and Results:, Strains CIDCA 133 (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis) and CIDCA 83114 (Lactobacillus plantarum) were studied. Hep-2 cells were used as an in vitro model to assess the biological effect of a clinical isolate of EHEC. Preincubation of cell monolayers with lactobacilli before EHEC prevented detachment of eukaryotic cells and minimizes both F-actin rearrangements and morphological alterations. Interestingly, the protective effect could not be ascribed to pathogen exclusion. In addition, viability of the lactobacilli was not necessary for protection and other species of the genus Lactobacillus failed to protect eukaryotic cells. Conclusions:, Our results suggest that lactobacilli are antagonizing virulence mechanisms of EHEC either by modification of the microenvironment or by interfering with the signalling cascades triggered by the pathogen. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Our findings give a rationale basis for the use of specific probiotic strains for the prophylaxis and prevention of intestinal infections due to EHEC. [source] Conjugated linoleic acid conversion by dairy bacteria cultured in MRS broth and buffalo milkLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2007C.P. Van Nieuwenhove Abstract Aims:, To evaluate strains of Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and Streptococci for their ability to produce conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from free linoleic acid (LA). Methods and Results:, Eight dairy bacteria tolerant to LA were grown in MRS broth containing LA (200 ,g ml,1) and CLA was assessed. Seven bacteria were able to form CLA after 24 h of incubation, varying percentage conversion between 17% and 36%. Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus showed the highest LA conversion and were inoculated into buffalo milk supplemented with different concentration of LA. The production of CLA at 200 ,g ml,1 of LA was two- or threefold in milk than MRS broth. All evaluated strains were able to produce CLA from high LA levels (1000 ,g ml,1). Conclusions:, The most tolerant strain to LA was Lact. casei. Lacttobacillus rhamnosus produced the maximum level of CLA at high LA concentrations (800 ,g ml,1). The selected bacteria may be considered as adjunct cultures to be included on dairy fermented products manufacture. Low concentration of LA must be added to the medium to enhance CLA formation. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The production of CLA by strains using milks from regional farms as medium offer a possible mechanism to enhance this beneficial compound in dairy products and those the possibility to develop functional foods. [source] Influence of probiotic vaginal lactobacilli on in vitro adhesion of urogenital pathogens to vaginal epithelial cellsLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006G. Zárate Abstract Aims:, Lactobacilli, the predominant micro-organisms of the vaginal microbiota, play a major role in the maintenance of a healthy urogenital tract by preventing the colonization of pathogenic bacteria. The aim of the present study was to assess the ability of four vaginal Lactobacillus strains, previously selected for their probiotic features, to block in vitro the adherence of three human urogenital pathogens to vaginal epithelial cells (VEC). Methods and Results:, Three types of assays were performed in order to determine the inhibitory effect of lactobacilli on adhesion of urogenital pathogens to VEC: blockage by exclusion (lactobacilli and VEC followed by pathogens), competition (lactobacilli, VEC and pathogens together) and displacement (pathogens and VEC followed by the addition of lactobacilli). Bacterial adhesion to VEC was quantified by microscopy (×1000) after Gram's stain. All the strains were able to inhibit by exclusion and competition the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to VEC but none was able to decrease the attachment of Escherichia coli by neither of the mechanisms assayed. Only Lactobacillus acidophillus CRL 1259 and Lactobacillus paracasei CRL 1289 inhibited the attachment of Group B streptococci (GBS) to VEC by exclusion and competition respectively. Conclusions:,Lactobacillus of vaginal origin were able to inhibit the attachment of genitouropathogenic Staph. aureus and GBS to the vaginal epithelium. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The results support the probiotic potential of these Lactobacillus strains as anti-infective agents in the vagina and encourage further studies about their capacity to prevent and manage urogenital tract infections in females. [source] Fecal bacterial diversity of human-habituated wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Mahale Mountains National Park, Western TanzaniaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2010Brian A. Szekely Abstract Although the intestinal flora of chimpanzees has not been studied, insight into this dynamic environment can be obtained through studies on their feces. We analyzed fecal samples from human-habituated, wild chimpanzees at Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania, and compared microbial community profiles to determine if members of the same social group were similar. Between July and December 2007, we collected fresh fecal samples from 12 individuals: four juveniles, four adolescents, and four adults, including three parent,offspring pairs. Each sample was analyzed using Terminal-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism of amplified 16S rRNA genes. Twelve different profiles were generated, having between 1 and 15 Terminal-Restriction Fragments (T-RFs). Overall, a total of 23 different T-RFs were produced. Putative assignments of T-RFs corresponded to the phyla Firmicutes (Clostridia, Bacilli, and Lactobacilli), Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes (Mollicutes Class), Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria, as well as to uncultured or unidentified organisms. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla and Mollicutes Class were the most commonly assigned in 11, 8, and 8 of the samples, respectively, with this being the first report of Mollicutes in wild chimpanzees. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) revealed clustering of nine samples, and 80.5% of the diversity was accounted for by three samples. Morisita indices of community similarity ranged between 0.00 and 0.89, with dissimiliarity (<0.5) between most samples when compared two at a time. Our findings suggest that, although phylotypes are common among individuals, profiles among members of the same social group are host-specific. We conclude that factors other than social group, such as kinship and age, may influence fecal bacterial profiles of wild chimpanzees, and recommend that additional studies be conducted. Am. J. Primatol. 72:566,574, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Relationship between Cervical Mucus Interleukin-8 Concentrations and Vaginal Bacteria in PregnancyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2004Masatoshi Sakai Problem:, High interleukin (IL)-8 concentration in cervical mucus in the second trimester is a risk factor for premature birth. We investigated the relationship between vaginal pathogens and IL-8 in cervical mucus. Method of study:, In 501 women with single pregnancy, vaginal secretions were cultured for bacteria and cervical mucus IL-8 concentrations were measured between 20 and 24 gestational weeks. Results:,Lactobacillus species were detected in 56.0% of 84 subjects with high IL-8 (,377 ng/mL), significantly less often than in 417 subjects with IL-8 below 377 ng/mL (84.7%; P < 0.0001). Anaerobic pathogens were detected in 83.3% of high IL-8 subjects, significantly more often than in normal IL-8 subjects (43.9%; P < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, cervical IL-8 was significantly high only in subjects without Lactobacillus species; they showed a significantly higher prematurity rate than Lactobacillus -positive subjects. Conclusions:, Absence of vaginal Lactobacilli was associated with increased cervical IL-8 and increased risk of premature delivery. [source] Health-beneficial effects of probiotics: Its mode of actionANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009Yuji OHASHI ABSTRACT It is now widely recognized that probiotics have health-beneficial effects on humans and animals. Probiotics should survive in the intestinal tract to exert beneficial effects on the host's health. To keep a sufficient level of probiotic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, a shorter interval between doses may be required. Although adherence to the intestinal epithelial cell and mucus is not a universal property of probiotics, high ability to adhere to the intestinal surface might strongly interfere with infection of pathogenic bacteria and regulate the immune system. The administration of probiotic Lactobacillus stimulated indigenous Lactobacilli and the production of short-chain fatty acids. This alteration of the intestinal environment should contribute to maintain the host's health. The immunomodulatory effects of probiotics are related to important parts of their beneficial effects. Probiotics may modulate the intestinal immune response through the stimulation of certain cytokine and IgA secretion in intestinal mucosa. The health-beneficial effects, in particular the immunomodulation effect, of probiotics depend on the strain used. Differences in indigenous intestinal microflora significantly alter the magnitude of the effects of a probiotic. Specific probiotic strains suitable for each animal species and their life stage as well as each individual should be found. [source] Quantitative real-time PCR monitoring of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens with oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum strain Lq80 to weaning pigletsANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 6 2008Shunsuke TAKAHASHI ABSTRACT Levels of fecal or intestinal lactobacilli, Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens, and the prevalence of clostridial alpha toxin gene and heat-stable toxin (ST) gene of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) were monitored in weaned piglets before (day 0) and during (days 7, 14, and 21) the administration of Lactobacillus plantarum strain Lq80. Lactobacilli were enumerated in a culture-dependent method. The remainders were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. In this quantitative real-time PCR method, the detection limit was proved to be as low as 103 cells/g feces or intestinal contents. Number of lactobacilli increased from day 0 to day 7 (P < 0.05), to day 14 (P < 0.05), and to day 21 (P = 0.07) in the Lq80-administered group. L. plantarum contributed to as low as 10% of the lactobacillal population in the Lq80-administered group. The number of E. coli and C. perfringens, and the prevalence of alpha toxin gene in feces or intestinal contents of the Lq80-administered group decreased, at least in the first week of the postweaning period. Oral administration of L. plantarum strain Lq80 can stimulate the growth of indigenous lactobacilli and decrease ST-producing ETEC and C. perfringens in the intestine of postweaning piglets. [source] Antibody responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane protein in the first trimesterAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Jun SASAHARA Background:,Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is one of the most harmful periodontal pathogens and it has been reported that Pg is associated with preterm birth (PTB), intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), discovered by animal experiments and clinical research. The relationship between adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal antibody response to Pg is controversial. On the other hand, the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) has been recognised as a reliable serum marker of periodontal disease. Aims:, To determine the significance of antibody responses to Pg affecting pregnancy outcomes in the first trimester. Methods:, A case,control study was carried out on women with PTB (n = 58), IUGR (n = 91), PIH (n = 32) and without any complications (control, n = 98). The serum level of the CRP and IgG1 against 40-kDa outer membrane protein of Pg (anti-40-kDa OMP Pg -IgG1) in the first trimester was measured. Results:, The IUGR group, and PTB patients whose placentas were diagnosed as chorioamnionitis or whose vaginal flora included Lactobacilli, showed a lower level of anti-40-kDa OMP Pg -IgG1 than the control group. There was no difference in the serum CRP level between each case group and control group. Conclusions:, These results suggest that a lack of humoral immunity against Pg in early pregnancy is associated with IUGR and some PTB. [source] Reproducing the bifidogenic effect of human milk in formula-fed infants: Why and how?ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2005Guido E Moro Abstract Awareness of the key role of the intestinal microflora in the generation of the immunophysiological regulation and in the defence against pathogenic agents has attracted our interest in ways of manipulating the microbiota to improve health. Dietary modulation of the intestinal microflora is today one of the main topics of interest in the nutritional sciences. Performing this modulation in the neonatal or early infancy period, when immunological programming takes place, is a relatively new concept. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are prebiotics whose bifidogenic activity has been proven in adults. However, only recently have they been combined in infant formulas to reproduce the prebiotic effect of human milk oligosaccharides. In two consecutive trials, it has been demonstrated that supplementation of infant formulas with a mixture of GOS and FOS modified the fecal flora of term and preterm infants, stimulating the growth of Bifidobacteria. In the trial with term infants, the bifidogenic effect of the prebiotic mixture was dose dependent and there was also a significant increase in the number of Lactobacilli in the supplemented group. These findings offer a promising horizon for the early prevention of allergy and infections in infants. [source] Oncotic colpocytology stained with Harris,Shorr in the observation of vaginal microorganismsDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Agenor Storti-Filho Especialist Abstract The purpose of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of oncotic colpocytology stained with Harris,Shorr in the identification of the cervicovaginal microflora and infectious agents. Results of microbiologic evaluation carried out in colpocytology exams, bacterioscopy (Gram), and direct exams of 2,017 women aged from 13 to 80 years were compared. Of these, 83.1% agreed between cytology and Gram, 3.6% partially agreed, and 12.8% disagreed. The predominant microflora was of lactobacilli (63.3%), followed by mixed flora (32.1%). The results of sensitivity to lactobacilli were 96.1% and to mixed flora 88.0%; the specificity values were 91.2 and 92.0%, respectively. Colpocytology detected all the instances of trichomoniasis observed at direct exam (0.6%). The most frequent infectious agents were of candidiasis (14.8%, sensitivity 80.3%) and bacterial vaginosis (11.9%, sensitivity 68.1%). Thus, Harris,Shorr stained cytology was shown to be an excellent diagnostic method for T. vaginalis, lactobacilli, mixed flora, and candidiasis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:358,362. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Symptomatic candidiasis: Using self sampled vaginal smears to establish the presence of Candida, lactobacilli, and Gardnerella vaginalisDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2007M. K. Engberts M.D. Abstract In a prospective cohort study, 10 symptomatic women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis were taught how to prepare vaginal smears of their own vaginal fluids on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. The 40 smears were stained with the PAS-method and examined by three different cytopathologists for presence of Candida. Thereafter, the smears were restained with Giemsa-stain to determine presence of lactobacilli, Gardnerella vaginalis ("clue cells") and neutrophils. All three cytopathologists unequivocally established Candida blastospores and (pseudo)hyphae in 27 out of the 40 PAS-stained vaginal smears, whereas in the remaining 13 smears Candida was not found. All 10 patients had Candida in their smears during the second half of their menstrual cycle. Self sampled smears prove to be reliable for establishing the presence of Candida in symptomatic patients with candidiasis. Candida is associated with a lactobacillus -predominated vaginal flora, but with the absence of Gardnerella vaginalis. Further studies may be directed towards the interaction between the various members of the vaginal flora. This study should open molecular methodology for determining the possible interactions of lactobacilli and Candida. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:635,639. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Fluorescence-controlled Er:YAG laser for caries removal in permanent teeth: a randomized clinical trialEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 2 2008Henrik Dommisch The aim of this randomized clinical study was to compare the efficacy of a fluorescence-controlled erbium-loaded yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser with conventional bur treatment for caries therapy in adults. Twenty-six patients with 102 carious lesions were treated using either the Er:YAG laser, at threshold levels of 7, 8, 9, and 10 [U], or rotary burs. Both techniques were applied to each lesion at separate locations. After treatment, dentine samples were obtained using a carbide bur. The viable counts of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and lactobacilli (LB) [expressed as colony-forming units (log10 CFUs)], treatment time, pain, vibration, and sound intensity were determined. The median numbers of CFUs for SM and LB were not statistically different between laser and bur treatment at threshold levels 7 and 8 [U]. At threshold levels 9 and 10 [U], the median number of CFUs for LB [1.11 (range: 0.00,2.04)] were significantly higher following laser treatment than following bur treatment [0.30 (range: 0.00,0.60)]. The results indicate that treatment with a fluorescence-controlled Er:YAG laser at threshold levels of 7 and 8 removed caries to a level similar to that achieved using conventional bur treatment, with clinically irrelevant amounts of remaining bacteria. Although more time consuming, laser treatment provided higher patient comfort than bur treatment. [source] Dental caries and salivary status in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, related to the metabolic control of the diseaseEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2006Jolanta Siudikiene The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among type 1 diabetes mellitus, dental caries, and salivary status in children. The study comprised 68, 10,15-yr-old diabetics, and 68, age- and gender-matched non-diabetic controls. Diabetics were categorized into well-to-moderately controlled (HbA1c <,9.0%) and poorly controlled (HbA1c , 9.0%) groups. Caries was recorded by assessing lesion activity at non-cavitated and cavity levels. Teeth were examined visually for the presence of dental plaque. Saliva was analyzed for unstimulated and stimulated flow rates, buffer effect, mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and yeasts. Diabetics had fewer caries and plaque, lower salivary flow rates and buffer effect, and more frequent growth of yeasts than their non-diabetic controls. Well-to-moderately controlled diabetics had fewer decayed surfaces and lower counts of mutans streptococci and yeasts than poorly controlled diabetics, but the level of metabolic control of diabetes had no influence on salivary flow rates and buffer effect. High caries levels in diabetics were significantly associated with age, plaque score, and decreased unstimulated salivary flow rate, but were not associated with the level of metabolic control of diabetes. High caries experience in this study population could be related to plaque accumulation and/or to changes in saliva induced by diabetes mellitus. [source] Oral status of 35 subjects with eating disorders , A 1-year studyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 4 2000Rolf Öhrn The aim was to record changes over time in the oral status of subjects with diagnosed eating disorders. The outpatient psychiatrist had referred to the hospital dental clinic 35 women (19,47 yr, median 27 yr) with eating disorders, diagnosed according to DSM III-R criteria. At the baseline examination, dental, medical and dietary histories were taken, and intra-oral clinical and radiographic examinations were supplemented by intra-oral photographs, study casts and salivary analysis. The subjects were re-examined 1 yr later. Together, the investigators assessed progression of tooth wear blindly by comparing coded study casts from the baseline and 12-month examinations. Progression of erosive tooth wear was recorded in almost half of the subjects. Several subjects had low unstimulated salivary flow rates (<0.1 ml/min) and very high counts of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli, both at baseline and 1 yr later. The flow rates for paraffin-stimulated saliva at baseline were significantly lower for subjects with progression of erosive tooth wear than for those without. Because of the increased susceptibility to both caries and erosion, patients with eating disorders should be encouraged to have regular dental check-ups. Test of salivary flow may serve as an indicator of patients' risk of progression of erosive tooth wear. [source] Selection and identification of anaerobic lactobacilli producing inhibitory compounds against vaginal pathogensFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Jasadee Kaewsrichan Abstract Two strains of Lactobacillus crispatus (15L08 and 21L07) and one strain of Lactobacillus jensenii (5L08) were selected from amongst 100 isolates from the vaginas of healthy premenopausal women for properties relevant to mucosal colonization and the production of H2O2 and/or bacteriocin-like compound. All three strains self-aggregated and adhered to vaginal epithelial cells, displacing well-known vaginal pathogens, such as Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida albicans. Lactobacillus crispatus 15L08 was characterized as a potential H2O2 producer. A high level of bacteriocin-like compound was synthesized by L. jensenii 5L08, with a bactericidal mode of action for G. vaginalis, C. albicans and Escherichia coli. However, H2O2 -dependent activity alone was not sufficient to inhibit the growth of C. albicans. Simultaneous actions of H2O2 and bacteriocin-like compound produced by lactobacilli may be important for antagonizing pathogenic bacteria. These strains of lactobacilli may be excellent candidates for eventual use as probiotics to restore the normal microbial communities in the vaginal ecosystem. [source] Microbes versus microbes: immune signals generated by probiotic lactobacilli and their role in protection against microbial pathogensFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2002Martin L Cross Abstract Probiotic lactic acid bacteria can signal the immune system through innate cell surface pattern recognition receptors or via direct lymphoid cell activation. In some cases, this action has been shown to be sufficient to modulate local- and systemic-level in vivo immune responses. Practical applications of probiotics include their use in anti-tumour and anti-allergy immunotherapy, but there is also increasing evidence that some probiotics can stimulate a protective immune response sufficiently to enhance resistance to microbial pathogens. This review outlines the experimental and clinical evidence for enhanced anti-microbial immune protection by probiotic lactic acid bacteria, focussing on those studies where a correlative or suggestive link has been shown between immune modulation and enhanced protection. [source] Molecular analysis of bacterial populations in the ileum of broiler chickens and comparison with bacteria in the cecumFEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2002Jianhua Gong Abstract Bacterial populations in the ileum of broiler chickens were analyzed by molecular analysis of 16S rRNA genes and compared to those in the cecum. Bacteria found in the ileal mucosa were mainly Gram-positive with low G+C content. There were 15 molecular species among 51 cloned sequences. More than 70% of the cloned sequences were related to lactobacilli and Enterococcus cecorum. Two sequences had 95% or less homology to existing database sequences. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis revealed differences among bacterial populations present in the mucosa and lumen of the ileum. Comparative studies by T-RFLP and sequence analyses of 16S rRNA genes indicated a less diverse bacterial population in the ileum (mucosa and lumen) than in the cecum. Lactobacilli, E. cecorum, and butyrate-producing bacteria related (including both identified and unidentified species) sequences were the three major groups detected in ilea and ceca. Although butyrate-producing bacteria may have good potential in the development of novel probiotics for poultry, verifying the presence of the bacteria in the chicken gut is required to warrant further investigation. [source] Beneficial lactobacilli in food and feed: long-term use, biodiversity and proposals for specific and realistic safety assessmentsFEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 4 2006Marion Bernardeau Abstract Lactobacilli have played a crucial role in the production of fermented products for millennia. Their probiotic effects have recently been studied and used in new products. Isolated cases of lactobacillemia have been reported in at-risk populations, but lactobacilli present an essentially negligible biological risk. We analyzed the current European guidelines for safety assessment in food/feed and conclude that they are not relevant for the Lactobacillus genus. We propose new specific guidelines, beginning by granting a ,long-standing presumption of safety' status to Lactobacillus genus based on its long history of safe use. Then, based on the available body of knowledge and intended use, only such tests as are useful will be necessary before attributing ,qualified presumption of safety' status. [source] Bacterial population analysis of human colon and terminal ileum biopsies with 16S rRNA-based fluorescent probes: Commensal bacteria live in suspension and have no direct contact with epithelial cellsINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 10 2005Laurens A van der Waaij PhD Abstract Background: The commensal intestinal microflora has important metabolic and perhaps also immune modulatory functions. Evidence has accumulated that the microflora plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the intestinal microflora and its interaction with the host. Presumably, this interaction takes place at the mucus layer. In this study, we investigated the microflora that is present at the mucus layer and addressed the following questions. Does a specific mucus-adherent microflora exist? Is there direct contact between commensal bacteria and epithelial cells? Methods: Snap-frozen biopsies were taken of 5 colon regions and of the terminal ileum in 9 subjects with a normal colon. Fecal samples were also collected. Bacteria were detected in cryosections with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with 16S ribosomal (r)RNA-targeted probes for all bacteria and specific probes for the major representatives of anaerobic microflora (bifidobacteria, Bacteroides, clostridia, atopobia) and aerobic microflora (Enterobacteriaceae, enterococci, streptococci, lactobacilli). Results: With this sensitive technique, bacteria were only observed at the luminal side of the intestinal mucus layer. Very few microcolonies were present at the mucus layer, and the composition of the bacterial microflora present in the feces was similar to that at the mucus layer of the terminal ileum and colon regions. Conclusions: We did not observe direct contact between bacteria and epithelial cells. The equal distribution of bacterial species suggests that intestinal commensal bacteria live in suspension in the lumen and that there is no specific mucus-adherent microflora. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||