Fecal Clostridium Perfringens Research Articles

Molecular characterization of Clostridium perfringens isolates from a tertiary children’s hospital in Guangzhou, China, establishing an association between bacterial colonization and food allergies in infants

BackgroundCow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common types of food allergy in infants. Faecal pathogen cultures showed that the positive rate of Clostridium perfringens was more than 30%, which was significantly higher than that for other bacteria. Therefore, it is speculated that Clostridium perfringens colonization may be one of the pathogenetic factors for CMPA in infants. We conducted a real-world evidence study. Infants aged 0–6 months with diarrhoea and mucoid and/or bloody stools were recruited from a large tertiary hospital in China. Faecal pathogen cultures for the detection of Clostridium perfringens were confirmed by flight mass spectrometry, and potential toxin genes were identified using PCR. After 12 months of follow-up, the diagnoses of CMPA and food allergy were recorded. The correlation was assessed by Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsIn this study, 358 infants aged 0–6 months with gastrointestinal symptoms and faecal pathogen cultures were recruited. A total of 270 (44.07% girls; mean age, 2.78 ± 2.84 months) infants were followed up for 12 months. Overall, the rate of positivity for Clostridium perfringens in faecal pathogen cultures was 35.75% (128/358) in infants aged ≤ 6 months. The earliest Clostridium perfringens colonization was detected within 2 days after birth. The majority of Clostridium perfringens isolates were classified as type C in 85 stool samples. In the Clostridium perfringens-positive group, 48.21% (54/112) of infants were clinically diagnosed with food allergies after 12 months, including 37.5% (42/112) with CMPA, which was significantly higher than that of the negative group, with 7.59% (12/158) exhibiting food allergies and 5.06% (8/158) presenting CMPA (P < 0.0001). Faecal Clostridium perfringens positivity was significantly correlated with CMPA, food allergy, faecal occult blood, faecal white blood cells, antibiotic use, increased peripheral blood platelet counts, and decreased haemoglobin levels (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that intestinal colonization by Clostridium perfringens is common in infants. The majority of Clostridium perfringens isolates are classified as type C. Colonization of the intestine by Clostridium perfringens is associated with the development of CMPA and food allergy in infants.

Potential Effects of Prebiotics on Gastrointestinal and Immunological Modulation in the Feeding of Healthy Dogs: A Review

One of the most studied functional foods in dog feed today is the prebiotic. Prebiotics are known for their modulating effects on the intestinal microbiota, fecal characteristics, and the immune system, which promotes beneficial effects to the host. However, with the diversity of prebiotics in the pet market, there are discussions around which prebiotics to use to stimulate these positive effects. In this case, the objective of this review was to demonstrate the main effects of different prebiotics on the feeding of healthy dogs. Platforms such as Embase, PubMed, and Mendeley were accessed to plot all scientific articles in vivo that reported prebiotics to feed adult or senior dogs. After excluding duplicate articles and without the evaluated criteria, we obtained a total of 36 articles. Our results demonstrated the diversity and concentrations of prebiotics in the feeding of healthy adult and senior dogs. The effects of prebiotics differ according to source, concentration, and length of the supplementation period. Several beneficial effects of different prebiotics have been observed in dogs, such as increased fecal Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria concentrations and decreased fecal Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli concentrations, increased short chain fatty acids concentrations, decreased colonic ammonia absorption, and immunomodulatory effects, such as improved humoral immune response and increased phagocytic index. Galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, mannanoligosaccharides, yeast cell wall, inulin, and beta-glucans were the most studied prebiotics, which showed potentially promising effects. This is a review that brings the importance and the modulating effects of prebiotics in the feeding of healthy dogs; the effects help the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system.

Impact of synergistic blend of organic acids on the performance of late gestating sows and their offspring

This study aims to investigate the effects of in-feed additive synergistic blend of short and medium-chain organic acids (SGG) in sows during late gestation and lactation as well as litter performance. On day 107 of gestation, a total of 150 multiparous (Landrace × Yorkshire) sows were blocked according to parity (2.6) and allocated to one of three dietary treatments: CON – basal diet, SGG-Low – CON + 0.1% SGG and SGG-High – CON + 0.3% SGG. Sows supplemented with SGG-High consumed more lactation feed (p = .04) than sows fed the CON diet. The body weight (BW) and back fat (BF) loss during the lactation period were lower (p ≤ .05) in sows fed SGG supplements. Additionally, sows fed with different levels of SGG-supplement reduced (p = .04) the number of mummified and birth coefficient of variation (p = .03) and improved (p ≤ .05) the survivability of piglets. Also, piglets born to SGG group sows and fed a creep diet from days 5 to 21 of age, showed a tendency to increase (p = .07) BW on day 7, and significant improvements on days 14 (p = .02) and 21 (p < .001), and average daily gain (p < .001) during the overall experimental period. Furthermore, the SGG supplement significantly reduced (p ≤ .05) the number of Clostridium perfringens in faeces of sows on day 7 of lactation. Thus, we infer that the application of 0.1–0.3% of SGG supplement in sow diet and subsequently feeding their offsprings with creep diet would serve as the best option for optimum sow productivity and to enhance pre-weaning growth rate. HIGHLIGHTS The breeding efficiency of sow and the growth rate of piglets are very important for successful pig production. Sows fed with a synergistic blend of short and medium-chain organic acids (SGG) during late gestation and lactation improved the survivability of piglets. Piglets born to sows supplemented with different levels of SSG gained more weight and had a higher litter weight during weaning.

Impact of different marketing conditions on the bacteriological quality of meat products

Animal foods, such as meat and meat products, are among the main sources of infection and spread of Foodborne Diseases, where marketing conditions are an important factor to be evaluated. Forty-eight samples of meat products sold under outdoor fairs, butcher shops and supermarkets were collected. The presence of microorganisms indicating hygienic and sanitary quality (fecal coliforms and Clostridium perfringens) was investigated, as well as the species Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed a high presence of C. perfringens in 83.33% of the samples, fecal coliforms in 73% and P. aeruginosa in 100% of meat products, in all commercial points. As for marketing conditions, the difference in the food contamination index was significant (p ≤ 0.05) only for C. perfringens (X2 (2) = 8.5; p= 0.0143), where meat sold in fairs were more susceptible to contamination by C. perfringens than meats sold in supermarkets. The meat products analyzed did not show quality from a bacteriological point of view, given the high presence of fecal coliforms, P. aeruginosa and C. perfringens, leading to question mainly the form of trade that can generate unsafe products for consumption.

A comparative study on the use of selective media for the enumeration of Clostridium perfringens in poultry faeces

Isolation and fast detection of Clostridium perfringens is essential in veterinary medical diagnostics and veterinary research, as it allows to recommend suitable treatment options after antimicrobial resistance determination, and is essential to study pathogenesis. In this study four selective media were tested for the enumeration of, and selectivity towards C. perfringens in faecal samples from poultry. The routinely used Columbia agar with 5% sheep (CBA), Shahidi-Ferguson-perfringens agar (SFP), tryptose sulphite cycloserine agar (TSC), and a novel chromogenic medium, CHROMagar™ C. perfringens (CHCP), were tested. Overall, no difference in C. perfringens recovery could be observed between the selective media. The limit of quantification was 103 CFU/mL for all agars. CHCP showed the highest specificity, especially when low C. perfringens loads were present in the faeces, with TSC being the second most specific selective medium. Both CBA and SFP allowed considerable growth of other faecal microbiota and were not specific for C. perfringens. On CHCP, differentiation of C. perfringens from other faecal bacteria was straightforward due to the appearance of C. perfringens as orange colonies, with other bacteria being absent or appearing as blue/green colonies. On TSC, C. perfringens appeared as black colonies, but longer incubation periods were sometimes needed for the black colour to develop. Therefore, CHCP can be recommended when timely and easy identification and enumeration of C. perfringens from complex samples, such as faeces, is needed.

Toxin profile of fecal Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from children with autism spectrum disorders

Infectious factors are taken into consideration in pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ASD patients often suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. The intestinal microbiota of autistic patients significantly differs from that in healthy individuals. The aim of the study was to compare the profile of toxins produced by C. perfringens strains isolated from feces of children with ASD, with healthy individuals and obese subjects.This study included 111 strains of C. perfringens: 49 isolates from 29 children with ASD, 30 - from 17 healthy individuals and 32 - from 24 young obese subjects. Alpha, beta, beta2, epsilon, iota and enterotoxin genes were detected using appropriate PCRs.The alpha toxin gene (cpa) was present in all 111 examined strains (100%). The beta2 gene (cpb2) was detected in 45/49 strains (91.8%) isolated from children with ASD, 17/30 (56.7%) isolates from healthy subjects, and 12 of 32 (37.5%) isolates from obese subjects. C. perfringens strains with cpb2 gene were detected in 27/29 ASD patients (93.1%), 10/17 healthy subjects (58.8%) and 11/24 (45.8%) obese subjects.Beta2 toxin encoding cpb2 gene was significantly more common in strains isolated from ASD patients, with no significant difference between control subjects regardless of diet. Further research to explain observed phenomena and pathomechanism of beta2 toxin is required.

An Assessment of the Bacteriological Quality of Commercial Sachet Packaged Water Brands in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Some Sachet water brands sold in Awka, Nigeria were assessed bacteriologically to confirm their compliance with the World Health Organization standard for drinking water. The temperature, pH, total bacterial count, total coliform count, faecal coliform count, faecal Enterococci count and Clostridium perfringens count were determined using standard techniques. The temperature values were 27-29℃; pH, 6.2-7.0; total bacterial count, 35-50cfu/ml; total colifom count, 4-20MPN/100ml; faecal coliform count, 0-10MPN/100ml; faecal Enterococci count, 0-5MPN/100ml while Clostridium perfringens were absent in all the brands assessed. The bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli (9.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (18.0%), Enterobacter aerogenes (17.5%), Bacillus cereus (14.6%), pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.1%), Proteus mirabilis (12.1%) and Enterococcus faecalis (8.0%). Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis were isolated from 66.67%, 46.67%, 40.00%, 33.33%, 53.33%, 26.67% and 20.00% respectively of the brands. The coliforms (27.2%) were the predominant of all the bacterial isolates in the samples. Most of the brands assessed were of poor bacteriological quality and are therefore unfit for drinking without adequate treatment. Routine monitoring of sachet water production and handling by regulatory bodies is commended to handling by regulatory bodies is recommended to safeguard the health of the consuming public.

Evaluation of clinical safety and beneficial effects of stachyose-enriched α-galacto-oligosaccharides on gut microbiota and bowel function in humans.

Deshipu stachyose granules (DSG) is a mixture of α-galacto-oligosaccharides derived from the dietary roots of Lycopus lucidus Turcz. Our previous study showed that DSG could improve the faecal microbial composition, and facilitate intestinal peristalsis and fecal excretion in mice. This study was designed to investigate the effect of DSG on gut microbiota and bowel function in humans. Two human intervention studies were conducted. In the first study, 100 healthy adults were treated without or with 5 g per day of DSG for 14 days. The microbiota composition in fecal samples was quantitatively analyzed before and after DSG supplementation. We found that DSG consumption significantly elevated the fecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli levels, and also decreased the fecal Clostridium perfringens concentration. In the second study, 103 constipated patients were treated with 5 g per day of placebo or DSG for 30 days, and subsequently subjected to bowel function evaluation. As a result, dietary intake of DSG effectively improved the bowel function of constipated patients, as evidenced by the increased defecation frequency, softer stools and easier defecation. Moreover, clinical safety assessment showed that DSG at 5 g per day did not cause significant adverse effects in both healthy and constipated volunteers. In conclusion, DSG at 5 g d-1 beneficially modulated the gut microbiota in healthy adults and potently improved the bowel function of constipated patients without consequent adverse events. This study suggests that DSG holds promising potential for safe treatment of functional constipation.

The microbiological water quality of Vienna’s River Danube section and its associated water bodies

For the City of Vienna, the River Danube and its associated water bodies (Alte Donau, Neue Donau, Muhlwasser, Lobau backwater) play an important role for recreation and drinking water supply. Microbiological water quality is of highest relevance for all user-related aspects. Microbiological water quality monitoring for this area has been mainly based on the standard fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci, but has also applied alternative fecal indicators Clostridium perfringens and somatic coliphages as well as selected pathogens, like Salmonella sp. and enteroviruses. This article presents and compares available monitoring results from the last decade – 2004 to 2014 – for Vienna’s River Danube section and its associated water bodies using a five-step classification scheme for fecal pollution. For one selected Danube site, a statistical long-term trend measurement and a correlation analysis with hydrological and seasonal patterns were performed as well. The challenge of this work was to combine, analyze and compare data from programs with different objectives, which used different parameters and methods. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive overview of microbiological water quality data of Vienna’s section of the Danube and its associated water bodies that is accessible to the public.

286 Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product supplementation in late gestation and lactation on sow and litter performance, milk components, and fecal Clostridium perfringens

286 Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product supplementation in late gestation and lactation on sow and litter performance, milk components, and fecal Clostridium perfringens

Evaluation of two raw diets vs a commercial cooked diet on feline growth.

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine if two raw feline diets were nutritionally adequate for kittens. Methods Twenty-four 9-week-old kittens underwent an Association of American Feed Control Officials' (AAFCO) 10 week growth feeding trial with two raw diet groups and one cooked diet group (eight kittens in each). Morphometric measurements (weight, height and length), complete blood counts, serum chemistry, whole blood taurine and fecal cultures were evaluated. Results Overall, the growth parameters were similar for all diet groups, indicating the two raw diets used in this study supported feline growth, within the limitations of an AAFCO growth feeding trial. Kittens fed the raw diets had lower albumin ( P = 0.010) and higher globulin ( P = 0.04) levels than the kittens fed the cooked diet. These lower albumin levels were not clinically significant, as all groups were still within normal age reference intervals. A red cell microcytosis ( P = 0.001) was noted in the combination raw diet group. Increases in fecal Clostridium perfringens were noted in all groups, along with positive fecal Salmonella serovar Heidelberg and Clostridium difficile toxin in the combination raw diet group. Conclusions and relevance The majority of the parameters for feline growth were similar among all groups, indicating the two raw diets studied passed an AAFCO growth trial. In theory, it is possible to pass an AAFCO growth trial but still have nutrient deficiencies in the long term due to liver and fat storage depots. Some of the raw feeders had elevated globulin and microcytosis, likely associated with known enteropathogenic exposure. Disease risks to both pets and owners are obvious. Additional research in this area is needed to investigate the impact of raw diets on the health of domestic cats.

Sensitive quantification of Clostridium perfringens in human feces by quantitative real-time PCR targeting alpha-toxin and enterotoxin genes.

BackgroundClostridium perfringens is a widespread pathogen, but the precise quantification of this subdominant gut microbe remains difficult due to its low fecal count (particularly in asymptomatic subjects) and also due to the presence of abundant polymerase-inhibitory substances in human feces. Also, information on the intestinal carriage of toxigenic C. perfringens strains in healthy subjects is sparse. Therefore, we developed a sensitive quantitative real-time PCR assays for quantification of C. perfringens in human feces by targeting its α-toxin and enterotoxin genes. To validate the assays, we finally observed the occurrence of α-toxigenic and enterotoxigenic C. perfringens in the fecal microbiota of healthy Japanese infants and young adults.MethodsThe plc-specific qPCR assay was newly validated, while primers for 16S rRNA and cpe genes were retrieved from literature. The assays were validated for specificity and sensitivity in pre-inoculated fecal samples, and were finally applied to quantify C. perfringens in stool samples from apparently healthy infants (n 124) and young adults (n 221).ResultsThe qPCR assays were highly specific and sensitive, with a minimum detection limit of 103 bacterial cells/g feces. Alpha-toxigenic C. perfringens was detected in 36 % infants and 33 % adults, with counts ranging widely (103-107 bacterial cells/g). Intriguingly, the mean count of α-toxigenic C. perfringens was significantly higher in infants (6.0 ± 1.5 log10 bacterial cells/g), as compared to that in adults (4.8 ± 1.2). Moreover, the prevalence of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens was also found to be significantly higher in infants, as compared to that in adults. The mean enterotoxigenic C. perfringens count was 5.9 ± 1.9 and 4.8 ± 0.8 log10 bacterial cells/g in infants and adults, respectively.ConclusionsThese data indicate that some healthy infants and young adults carry α-toxigenic and enterotoxigenic C. perfringens at significant levels, and may be predisposed to related diseases. Thus, high fecal carriage of toxigenic C. perfringens in healthy children warrants further investigation on its potential sources and clinical significance in these subjects. In summary, we present a novel qPCR assay for sensitive and accurate quantification of α-toxigenic and enterotoxigenic C. perfringens in human feces, which should facilitate prospective studies of the gut microbiota.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-015-0561-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Parturition induction two days prior to term decreases birth weight and lactational growth, but not piglet maturity, health or post-weaning growth

Premature parturition induction may adversely affect postnatal health and performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cloprostenol induction 2 d prior to term on piglet maturity (liver glycogen), postnatal productivity (birth weight, growth rate), and health (morbidity, mortality, passive antibody, fecal Clostridium perfringens). Two hundred and sixteen pregnant sows and their progeny (2827 piglets) were assigned to the study. Induction decreased gestation length 2.1 d (P &lt; 0.0001), birth weight 107.2 g pig-1 (P = 0.0004), lactational growth 10.1 g d-1 (P = 0.05), and day 16 weight 0.30 kg pig-1 (P &lt; 0.05). Liver glycogen concentration was 71.2 µg g-1 higher in the stillborns of induced sows (P = 0.03), suggesting the pre-term sows were catabolic. No group differences in post-weaning growth rate, pre-weaning mortality or morbidity, passive antibody transfer or fecal Clostridium perfringens level were found. Reduced lactational growth appeared attributable to the reductions in gestation length and birth weight, rather than in piglet maturity. In spite of reducing lactational growth and body weight at 16 d of age, the administration of cloprostenol 2 d prior to term, under the conditions of this study, resulted in no measureable long-term health or performance consequences. Key words: Porcine, parturition-induction, cloprostenol, prostaglandin F2α, glycogen, Clostridium perfringens

Effects of konjac glucomannan hydrolysates on the gut microflora of mice

PurposeThe aim of this study is to determine the effects of depolymerised mannans and specifically konjac glucomannan hydrolysates (GMH) on the colonic microflora of mice. Blood glucose and cholesterol were also measured.Design/methodology/approachTwo groups (n = 20) of 12‐week old Wister mice were used for a period of 14 weeks. One group (treatment group) were fed diets containing 5 per cent konjac GMH dissolved in drinking water in addition to the control (group) standard diet. Faecal microflora, feed consumption, body weight, blood glucose and cholesterol were determined.FindingsThe GMH promoted the growth of anaerobes and lactobacilli in the treatment group where this was statistically, highly significant (P &lt; 0.001). Also, the hydrolysate was able to reduce highly significantly (P &lt; 0.001) faecal Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli counts. A significant increase in average daily feed consumption (P &lt; 0.05) and weekly body weight (P &lt; 0.001) was found for the treatment group. The mean ± SD (mmol/l) of blood glucose and cholesterol was lower in the treatment group.Originality/valueIn addition to modulating the gut microflora, GMH seems to lower the blood glucose and cholesterol in mice. Although this needs to be verified by further studies, GMH could also be a candidate for possible treatment of subjects with high cholesterol and for diabetics.

Polymerase chain reaction detection of Clostridium perfringens in feces from captive and wild chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes

For veterinary management of non-human primates in captivity, and conservation of wild-living primates, management of their health risks is necessary. Incidences of pathogenic bacteria in the fecal specimens are considered as one of the useful indicators for non-invasive health monitoring. We carried out the detection of Clostridium perfringens in feces from captive and wild chimpanzees by the rapid polymerase chain reaction method. The bacterium was detected in most fecal specimens (80%) in captive chimpanzees. Contrarily, the detection rate in the wild chimpanzees was low, with 23% (n = 12) of 53 fecal samples from the Bossou group, Guinea, and 1.2% (1/81) in the Mahale group, Tanzania. These results show that the intestinal microflora differs between Pan populations under various living conditions, being influenced by their diet and environment.

Changes of Gut Microbiota and Immune Markers During the Complementary Feeding Period in Healthy Breast‐fed Infants

Little is known about changes in intestinal microbiota during the important period of complementary feeding (weaning). This descriptive study investigated changes of selected gut microbiota and markers of gut permeability and the immune system in breast fed infants during the complementary feeding period. 22 healthy, exclusively breast fed infants (from birth to 4 months) with no antibiotic intake during the month prior to the study, were followed from 4 to 9 months of age. Faecal and saliva samples were collected at the start of the study (V0) and at monthly intervals (V1-V5) for measurement of selective gut microbiota (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, vancomycin-insensitive lactobacilli, enterobacteria, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens) using semi-selective media. Immune markers (alpha-1-antitrypsin, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), secretory IgA and TNF-alpha were measured in saliva and secretory IgA and TNF-alpha in faecal samples. High stool bifidobacteria counts at the start of the study (7.99 1 1.95 log10 CFU/g faeces) remained stable throughout the 5 months of complementary feeding while counts of enterobacteria and enterococci increased with age (P < 0.05 and P = 0.02 respectively). Vancomycin-insensitive lactobacilli increased significantly during weaning for V0 to V3 (P < 0.01), and then decreased slightly (V4). Faecal Clostridium perfringens remained below the detection limit during the study and parameters measured in saliva did not change. Faecal ECP decreased significantly from 1.011.4 (V0) to 0.510.9 mg/mg protein (V5) P = 0.03. Age and/or diet modifications during complementary feeding had no impact on faecal bifidobacteria counts but increased those of enterobacteria and enterococci. Transient increases in faecal lactobacilli and vancomycin-insensitive lactobacilli counts were observed. The reduction in faecal ECP may indicate a decrease in gut permeability (reinforcement of gut mucosa integrity) during the weaning period with age [corrected]

Comparison of agar plate and real-time PCR on enumeration of Lactobacillus, Clostridium perfringens and total anaerobic bacteria in dog faeces

To compare agar plate and real-time PCR methods on enumeration of total anaerobic bacteria, Lactobacillus and Clostridium perfringens in dog faeces. Thirty-two faecal specimens from Labrador retriever dogs were used to compare agar plate and real-time PCR enumeration methods for Lactobacillus, C. perfringens and total anaerobic bacteria. Total anaerobic bacteria, C. perfringens and Lactobacillus of faeces were counted (as CFU g(-1) faeces) for 48-h incubation at 37 degrees C in an anaerobic gas chamber on genus-selective media. Total genomic DNA from samples was extracted by the QIAamp DNA stool mini kit. The quantification of DNA (as DNA copy per gram faeces) by real-time PCR was performed with a LightCycler system with the QuantiTect SYBR green PCR kit for PCR amplification. The results indicated that there was a significant correlation between CFU and DNA copy of Lactobacillus (R2 = 0.78, P < 0.01) and total anaerobic bacteria (R2 = 0.21, P < 0.05); but no correlation was found between CFU and DNA copy of C. perfringens. The regression equations for Lactobacillus and total anaerobic bacteria were log(DNA copy) = 0.83 x log(CFU) + 1.43 and log(DNA copy) = 1.62 x log(CFU) - 6.32 respectively. The real-time PCR method could be used to enumerate Lactobacillus within 2 days when compared with plating method which requires 5-6 days. The real-time PCR method and the primer set for Lactobacillus spp. harboured in the dog intestine can be used for rapid enumeration of lactobacilli and monitoring of the faecal Lactobacillus community.

Influence of supplemental high molecular weight pullulan or γ-cyclodextrin on ileal and total tract nutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, and microbial populations in the dog

This study was conducted to determine if supplemental pullulan and γ-cyclodextrin affect canine nutrient digestibility, microbial populations, and fecal characteristics. Ileal cannulated dogs were fed a commercial diet, and treatments were administered daily in a 5×5 Latin square design: (i) no supplement; (ii) 2 g pullulan; (iii) 4 g pullulan; (iv) 2 g γ-cyclodextrin; (v) 4 g γ-cyclodextrin. Ileal and fecal samples were collected the last 4 d of each 14-d period. Increasing pullulan tended (p < 0.10) to linearly increase ileal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and quadratically increase fecal lactobacilli. A similar response was noted in ileal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli with γ-cyclodextrin. γ-Cyclodextrin resulted in a quadratic decrease (p < 0.05) in fecal Clostridium perfringens. Increasing pullulan linearly increased (p < 0.05) fecal score, while γ-cyclodextrin resulted in a linear decrease (p < 0.05). Pullulan and γ-cyclodextrin supplementation may have beneficial effects on the microbial ecology of dogs.

Dietary Protein Source and Manufacturing Processes Affect Macronutrient Digestibility, Fecal Consistency, and Presence of Fecal Clostridium perfringens in Adult Dogs

Dietary Protein Source and Manufacturing Processes Affect Macronutrient Digestibility, Fecal Consistency, and Presence of Fecal Clostridium perfringens in Adult Dogs

Brewers dried yeast as a source of mannan oligosaccharides for weanling pigs1,2

Brewers dried yeast, a source of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), was assessed as an alternative to an antimicrobial agent (carbadox) for young pigs in two experiments. The yeast contained 5.2% MOS. Agglutination tests confirmed adsorption of several serovars of E. coli and Salmonella spp. onto the yeast product. In Exp. 1, seven replicates (five pigs per pen) of 22-d-old pigs were fed a nonmedicated basal diet or the basal diet with carbadox (55 mg/kg), yeast (3%), or a combination of 3% yeast and 2% citric acid for 28 d. Carbadox did not improve growth performance. Growth rate and feed intake were depressed (P < 0.05) in pigs fed yeast alone or in combination with acid. Log counts of total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium perfringens in feces were not affected by diet, but Bifidobacteria spp. counts were lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the yeast + acid diet and lactobacilli counts were higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed yeast. Fecal pH and VFA concentrations and intestinal morphological traits were not consistently affected by diet. Serum IgG levels were elevated in the yeast + acid (P < 0.01) group. In Exp. 2, the effects of yeast and carbadox additions to the diet on enteric microbial populations in young pigs housed in isolation units were evaluated. Pigs (n = 24) were weaned at 11 d of age (4.1 kg BW) and placed in isolation chambers (two pigs per chamber) equipped with individual air filtering systems and excrement containers. Treatments were a nonmedicated basal diet and the basal diet with 55 mg/kg of carbadox or with 3% yeast. Diets were fed for 29 d, then each pig was orally dosed with approximately 9.5 × 108 CFU of E. coli K88. Daily fecal E. coli K88 counts were not different (P > 0.05) among treatments, but fecal shedding of carbadox-resistant coliforms was higher (P < 0.01) during the 9-d period in pigs fed carbadox. Total fecal coliforms were consistently lower throughout the postinoculation period in pigs fed yeast (P < 0.05). Yeast reduced colonization of total coliforms in the duodenum, jejunum, cecum, and colon, but it did not have a consistent effect on colonization of E. coli K88. Pigs fed yeast tended (P < 0.10) to have higher serum IgG levels than controls. In these experiments, brewers dried yeast and carbadox had minimal effects on growth, microbial populations, and intestinal health traits of early-weaned pigs, but certain serum immunological traits were enhanced by feeding yeast.