The Role of Bacteriocin Producing Probiotic in Clostridium Difficile Colonization in Mice (P20-010-19)

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To test the efficacy of a spore-forming, bacteriocin-producing probiotic in mitigating intestinal Clostridium difficile colonization and injury in mice. Methods 10–12 week old female CF1 mice were treated with clindamycin for 3 days, followed by Clostridium difficile exposure (5log10 CFU). Stool samples were collected at baseline, following clindamycin treatment, and 1,3 and 5 days after C. difficile exposure. A separate group of mice were also supplemented with a bacteriocin/spore forming probiotic throughout the study period. Five days after C. difficile exposure mice were euthanized and intestine was dissected and the length was measured and then used to prepare RNA, protein lysate, histology, and cecum contents were analyzed for bacterial colonization. Results All mice exposed to clindamycin had overgrowth of enterococcus and gram negative bacteria and those exposed to C. difficile spores were positive for C. difficile colonization one day after exposure. Of interest, the probiotic supplemented mice resolved the overgrowth of enterococcus and gram negative bacteria as well as C. difficile colonization quicker than the saline treated group. The intestinal length was higher and cecum: body weight was lower in the probiotic supplemented mice compared to those treated with saline. These findings were associated with decreased mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines in the intestine. Conclusions A bacteriocin-producing probiotic accelerated resolution of bacterial overgrowth and C. difficile colonization and preserved mouse intestinal integrity during antibiotic-induced C. difficile colonization. These data suggest supplementation with a bacteriocin-producing probiotic may serve as a potential protective therapy during antibiotic exposure. Funding Sources Microbiome Labs.