Lactobacillus Spp Research Articles

Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by Lactobacillus spp. and Investigation of their Antimicrobial Effect.

Nanoparticle biology is preferable to other common methods due to its economic efficiency and compatibility with the environment. On the other hand, the prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial strains is expanding and it is necessary to use alternative antibiotic compounds to deal with them. The aim of the present study was the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles(ZnO NPs) by Lactobacillus spp. and their antimicrobial effect. In this study, after the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs by Lactobacillus spp, Characterization of Nanoparticulation Was performed by UV-Vis, XRD, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additionally, Lactobacillus spp. - ZnO NPs were assessed for their antimicrobial properties. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the Lactobacillus spp. - ZnO NPs absorbed UV in the region of 300-400 nm. XRD analysis showed the presence of zinc metal in nanoparticles. SEM revealed that Lactobacillus plantarum - ZnO NPs were smaller than the others. Staphylococcus aureus showed the largest non-growth halo diameter against ZnO NPs synthesized by L. plantarum ATCC 8014 (3.7 mm). E. coli had the largest growth halo diameter against ZnO NPs synthesized by L. casei (3 mm) and L. plantarum (2.9 mm). The MIC values of ZnO NPs synthesized by L. plantarum ATCC 8014, L.casei ATCC 39392, L. fermenyum ATCC 9338, L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 were 2,8,8 and 4 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus. The MIC values of ZnO NPs synthesized by L. plantarum ATCC 8014, L. casei ATCC 39392, L. fermenyum ATCC 9338, L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 were 2, 4, 4, and 4 μg/ml for E. coli. The lowest MICs were 2 μg/ml for E. coli and S. aureus related to ZnO NPs synthesized by L. plantarum ATCC 8014. MIC and MBC values were equivalent to each other. The results of this research show that ZnO NPs synthesized by L. plantarum ATCC 8014 have more antimicrobial effects than other ZnO NPs used. Therefore, the ZnO NPs made with Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 have the potential to kill bacteria and can be considered a candidate for antibiotic replacement.

Biocontrol of Rhizoctonia solani in basmati rice by the application of Lactobacillus and Weissella spp.

Rice is a staple food crop and is a major source of employment and income in the world. However, the attack of fungal disease poses a serious threat to the crop growth and productivity and leads toward yield loses. Therefore, current study was performed to evaluate the biocontrol potential of Lactobacillus and Weissella spp. on basmati rice against Rhizoctonia solani. Agar disc method was performed to evaluate the antifungal activity of both bacteria against R. solani. Petri plate and pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the growth promotion and biocontrol potential of both bacteria in Basmati rice under R. solani stress. Results indicated that maximum antifungal activity (82%) was recorded by Lactobacillus sp. Maximum phosphate solubilization and siderophore production was recorded by Weissella sp. In petri plate experiment, maximum root length, root fresh and dry weight (36%, 40% and 13%) was recorded by Weissella sp. and maximum shoot length and shoot fresh weight (99% and 107%) by Lactobacillus sp. In pot experiment, both bacteria enhanced the growth parameters of Basmati rice including root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight as well as no. of lateral roots. Application of Weissella sp. resulted in maximum increase (332% and 134%) in chlorophyll a and b content while Lactobacillus sp. + R. solani showed maximum (42%) carotenoid contents. Lactobacillus sp. + R. solani showed maximum increase in the proline (54%) and sugar contents (100%) while Lactobacillus sp. alone showed maximum (35%) soluble protein contents. Plant defense enzymes i-e SOD (400%), POD (25%), CAT (650%), PPO (14%) and PAL (124%) were notably increased by Weissella sp. + R. solani and Lactobacillus sp + R. solani. The Lactobacillus sp showed the best results in antifungal activity against R. solani and Weissella sp. showed the best results in production of defense enzymes in basmati rice against R. solani stress and can be suggested as the potent biocontrol agents for the rice crop.

Detection and Environmental Optimization of dextran produced from Lactobacillus spp.

Introduction: Dextrans are D-glucose homopolysaccharides made by bacteria. There are several different bacterial species that produce these polysaccharides. Dextran is used as an adjuvant, drug carrier emulsifier, carrier, and stabiliser in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical sectors, Nano gel. The aim of the study is to isolate Lactobacillus spp. from clinical sources, to identify the dextran production yield in Lactobacillus spp, and to reach the optimal growing parameters to discover the optimal dextran growth conditions. Methodology: 50 isolates of Lactobacillus spp. were gathered from different medical facilities in Baghdad City, 21 isolates came from healthy women's vagina (16 Lactobacillus plantarum, 5 Lactobacillus acidophilus), and 29 isolates came from samples of infant stool (15 Lactobacillus plantarum, 4 Lactobacillus acidophilus, and 10 Lactobacillus gasseri). All isolates were examined for dextran production using mucoid and spectrophotometric methods. Results: Lactobacillus acidophilus that was isolated from the genital tract of healthy women produced greater dextran. The results shows that the optimum conditions for dextran production that were investigated, there are several parameters play important roles to reach the optimal conditions, including, different natural carbon sources, nitrogen source, temperature, sucrose concentration, incubation time, pH, inoculum size. Conclusions: he optimum conditions for production were at 37 ºC for 48h at pH 5.5 with 4 % inoculum size and 6 g/ 100ml sucrose concentration with 6% best nitrogen source beef extract and the best natural carbon source for dextran production was dates.

The microbiota of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO cheese: a study across the manufacturing process.

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO cheese (MBC) is a globally esteemed Italian cheese. The traditional cheesemaking process of MBC relies on natural whey starter culture, water buffalo's milk, and the local agroecosystem. In this study, the microbial ecology of intermediate samples of MBC production, coming from two dairies with slightly different cheesemaking technology (dairy M large producer, and dairy C medium-small), was investigated using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. This research aimed to provide insights into the dynamics of microbial consortia involved in various cheesemaking steps. All samples, except for raw buffalo milk, exhibited a core microbiome predominantly composed of Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp., albeit with different ratios between the two genera across the two MBC producers. Notably, the microbiota of the brine from both dairies, analyzed using 16S amplicon sequencing for the first time, was dominated by the Lactobacillus and Streptococcus genera, while only dairy C showed the presence of minor genera such as Pediococcus and Lentilactobacillus. Intriguingly, the final mozzarella samples from both producers displayed an inversion in the dominance of Lactobacillus spp. over Streptococcus spp. in the microbiota compared to curd samples, possibly attributable to the alleviation of thermal stress following the curd stretching step. In conclusion, the different samples from the two production facilities did not exhibit significant differences in terms of the species involved in MBC cheesemaking. This finding confirms that the key role in the MBC cheesemaking process lies with a small-sized microbiome primarily composed of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus spp.

Pre- and post-LEEP: analysis of the female urogenital tract microenvironment and its association with sexual dysfunction.

The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to treat cervical dysplasia (CD) is known to alter the cervical microbiota, the community of bacteria that play a central role in female genital health. Perturbations to the microbiota of the female urogenital tract (FUT), including the urethra, vagina, and cervix, have been linked with symptoms of sexual dysfunction (SD), though correlations among LEEP, the microenvironment, and SD have not yet been described. To characterize the FUT microbiota before and after LEEP and investigate possible associations with SD. Females undergoing LEEP for CD were recruited to participate in the study. Urinary samples and vaginal and cervical swabs were collected immediately before and 3 months after treatment. Bacterial communities were characterized by 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing. Self-report surveys assessing demographics, medical history, and sexual function were completed at the same intervals. Microbiota taxonomy and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores. Alpha diversity revealed a significant decrease in species richness in the FUT microbiota post-LEEP. Beta diversity demonstrated significant differences among the cervical, urinary, and vaginal microenvironments pre- and post-LEEP. Lactobacillus spp were the dominant microbial genus in the cervical microenvironment pre- and post-LEEP. Although the vaginal and urinary microenvironments were characterized by Prevotella pre-LEEP, they were colonized by Lactobacillus post-LEEP. Following LEEP, some participants experienced a significant increase in proinflammatory bacteria, including the genera Gardnerella, Megasphaera, Sneathia, Parvimonas, and Peptostreptococcus. Others experienced significant decreases in inflammatory and protective bacteria post-LEEP, including Butyricicoccus, Terriporobacter, Intestinimonas, and Negativibacillus. Overall there were no significant changes in pre- and post-LEEP FSFI scores. However, post-LEEP FSFI scores were seemingly associated with changes in inflammatory bacteria in some participants. There is an overall reduction in FUT microbiota dysbiosis post-LEEP. However, we show variability as some participants experienced persistent dysbiosis of FUT microbiota and elevated FSFI scores, suggesting that therapies to treat dysbiosis of FUT microbiota may reduce FSFI scores, thereby improving SD symptoms. We demonstrate novel associations among urogenital sites, microbiota changes, LEEP, and SD. The small sample size and inability of species classification are limitations. Diverse inflammatory microbiota characterizes CD in the FUT, and LEEP mostly returns microenvironments to a healthy state. However, some participants have persistent inflammatory bacteria post-LEEP, suggesting a non-uniform healing response. This study provides an impetus for future longitudinal studies to monitor and restore FUT microenvironments post-LEEP, aimed at mitigating postoperative SD symptoms.

Dynamics of Microbiome Changes in the Endometrium and Uterine Cervix during Embryo Implantation: A Comparative Analysis.

BACKGROUND The microbiome is the collection of all micro-organisms and their genes, which naturally live in and on the body. The cervical and endometrial bacterial microbiome has previously been reported to affect fertility and influence the outcomes of assisted reproductive therapy (ART), including embryo transfer. This study aimed to evaluate the cervical and endometrial bacterial microbiome in 177 women treated for infertility before, during, and after embryo implantation, and the outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cervical and endometrial swabs were collected from 177 women diagnosed with infertility at 3 time points: (1) during the initial examination, (2) during implantation, (3) 10-14 days after implantation. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to analyze the bacterial microbiome. Taxonomic identification was performed with the Usearch algorithm. RESULTS There was a significant change in the number of patients with Escherichia coli depending on the collection time. For the first swab collection, there were significant negative relationships between the percentage of Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus spp. For the second collection, there was a negative relationship between Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus jensenii. For the third collection, negative relationships were found between Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus spp. A similar distribution of the bacterial microbiome was observed in all 3 swab collections. CONCLUSIONS Lactobacillus spp. were the main bacteria identified in the cervix and endometrium, present before, during, and after successful embryo transfer. E. coli and G. vaginalis reduced the protective effect of Lactobacilli before, during, and after embryo transfer.

Growth performance and physiological response of weaned pigs fed diet supplemented with novel a phytogenics

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the growth performance and physiological response of weaned pigs fed diets supplemented with a novel phytogenics (FCTNC). A total of 100 cross bred male pigs (Landrace × Duroc) with an initial weight of 6.31 ± 0.25 kg and weaned at 21 days were individually housed in a semi-open sided pens. Pigs were distributed into five treatments groups with five replicates, each replicates comprises of 20 pigs. Experimental diets were adequate in all nutrients recommended by NRC (2012). Treatment one (T1): basal diet without antibiotics; T2 (basal diet with neomycin at 1.5 g/kg-1); T3, T4 and T5 were fed basal diet with 5 g/kg-1, 10 g/kg-1 and 15 g/kg-1 respectively. Feed and water were offered unrestricted throughout the 56 days trial. Result revealed that there was effect of treatments (P ˂ 0.05) in average body weight gain (ADG), daily feed intake (ADFI), mortality and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Pigs in T4 (24.54 kg) and T5 (24.22 kg) had the highest weight gain, intermediate in T2 (21.55 kg) and T3 (22.51 kg) and lowest in T1 (12.83 kg) (P ˂ 0.05). There was a remarkable improvement in all the immune parameters examined among pigs fed FCTNC (P ˂ 0.05). Microbial population of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp decreased as the level of FCTNC increases (P ˂ 0.05). Conversely, Lactobacillus spp count were highest in T4 and T5 relative to the other treatments. Haematological parameters were significantly influenced (P ˂ 0.05) by the treatments. However, all values were within the normal range for a clinically healthy pigs. The study established that FCTNC could be fed to weaned pigs up to 15 g/kg-1 without having any negative effect on the health of animals.

Assessment of physiochemical properties and bacteriological diversity of Otamiri river in Owerri eastern Nigeri

The physiochemical and bacteria diversity of Otamiri River was analyzed using standard microbiological methods. A total of seventy two (72) water and twenty four (24) sediment samples were collected. The routine plate count revealed that the number of heterotrophic bacteria present ranged from 1.00E+06 Cfu/ml to 9.70E+06 Cfu/ml, fecal coliform count 2.00E+05 Cfu/ml to 9.00E+06 Cfu/ml, Salmonella/Shigella count 3.50E+05 Cfu/ml to 1.52E+07 Cfu/ml, Staphylococcus count 2.00E+05 Cfu/ml to 1.79E+07 Cfu/ml, coliform count 3.50E+05 Cfu/ml to 4.59E+08 Cfu/ml, Vibrio count 1.50E+05 Cfu/ml to 3.52E+07 Cfu/ml. Anaerobic bacteria count ranged from 2.00E+05 Cfu/ml to 2.85E+06 Cfu/ml. The proportion of bacteria isolated from the samples showed that Alcaligens faecalis had the highest 68(94.44), 24(100), followed by Lysinibacillus macrolides 54(75), 21(87.5) while Lactobacillus spp had the least in water sample 6(8.33), Klebsiella aerogenes had the least in sediment 6(25). Among the physiochemical parameters analyzed in the river water and sediment samples had values above the recommended standard by WHO. The samples biophysical parameters did not meet the standard recommended by WHO for portable water. Therefore, to prevent potential health risks, those who use river water for domestic purposes must appropriately cleanse it before use. The government of the day should devise ways of disposing solid waste and effluent rather than channel same into the river and enact strict laws that will punish individual, agencies and firms that indulge in such in order to protect natural bodies of water from pollution. Statistical analysis using analysis of variance Posthoc = Tukey Alpha (0.05) indicated that the mean bacteria counts between the sampling stations differ significantly at the 0.05 level.

Antibacterial potential of commercial and wild lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from ovine and caprine raw milk against Mycoplasma agalactiae.

The complexity of fighting contagious agalactia (CA) has raised the necessity of alternative antimicrobial therapies, such as probiotics. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are present in the mammary gland of small ruminants and their antimicrobial effect have been previously described against species like Mycoplasma bovis but never against Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma). This in vitro study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against Ma of ovine and caprine LAB strains and a human commercial probiotic (L2) of Lactobacillus spp. A total of 63 possible LAB strains were isolated from nine ovine and caprine farms in Spain, three isolates (33B, 248D, and 120B) from the 63 strains were selected, based on their capacity to grow in a specific medium in vitro, for an in vitro experiment to assess their antimicrobial activity against Ma in Ultra High Temperature (UHT) processed goat milk (GM). A women commercial vaginal probiotic was also included in the study. The inoculum of L2 was prepared at a concentration of 3.24 × 108 CFU/mL and the average concentration of the inoculum of the wild LAB varied from 7.9 × 107 to 8.4 × 108 CFU/mL. The commercial probiotic L2 significantly reduced the concentration of Ma to 0.000 log CFU/mL (p < 0.001), strain 33B reduced it from 7.185 to 1.279 log CFU/mL (p < 0.001), and 120B from 6.825 to 6.466 log CFU/mL (p < 0.05). Strain 248D presented a bacteriostatic effect in GM. Moreover, the three wild strains and the commercial probiotic produced a significative reduction of the pH (p < 0.001). This is the first in vivo report of the antimicrobial potential of LAB strains against Ma and its interaction. Our results support possible future alternative strategies to antibiotic therapy, previously not contemplated, to fight CA in small ruminants. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the action mechanisms through which these LAB are able to inhibit Ma and to assess the safety of using these strains in possible in vivo studies.

Delivery mechanism can enhance probiotic activity against honey bee pathogens

Managed honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations play a crucial role in supporting pollination of food crops but are facing unsustainable colony losses, largely due to rampant disease spread within agricultural environments. While mounting evidence suggests that select lactobacilli strains (some being natural symbionts of honey bees) can protect against multiple infections, there has been limited validation at the field-level and few methods exist for applying viable microorganisms to the hive. Here, we compare how two different delivery systems—standard pollen patty infusion and a novel spray-based formulation—affect supplementation of a three-strain lactobacilli consortium (LX3). Hives in a pathogen-dense region of California are supplemented for 4 weeks and then monitored over a 20-week period for health outcomes. Results show both delivery methods facilitate viable uptake of LX3 in adult bees, although the strains do not colonize long-term. Despite this, LX3 treatments induce transcriptional immune responses leading to sustained decreases in many opportunistic bacterial and fungal pathogens, as well as selective enrichment of core symbionts including Bombilactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bartonella spp. These changes are ultimately associated with greater brood production and colony growth relative to vehicle controls, and with no apparent trade-offs in ectoparasitic Varroa mite burdens. Furthermore, spray-LX3 exerts potent activities against Ascosphaera apis (a deadly brood pathogen) likely stemming from in-hive dispersal differences, whereas patty-LX3 promotes synergistic brood development via unique nutritional benefits. These findings provide a foundational basis for spray-based probiotic application in apiculture and collectively highlight the importance of considering delivery method in disease management strategies.

Valuable effects of lactobacillus and citicoline on steatohepatitis: role of Nrf2/HO-1 and gut microbiota

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a more dangerous form of chronic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In the current investigation, the influence of citicoline on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NASH was examined, both alone and in combination with Lactobacillus (probiotic). NASH was induced by feeding HFD (10% sugar, 10% lard stearin, 2% cholesterol, and 0.5% cholic acid) to rats for 13 weeks and received single i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 30 mg/kg) after 4 weeks. Citicoline was given at two dose levels (250 mg and 500 mg, i.p.) at the beginning of the sixth week, and in combination with an oral suspension of Lactobacillus every day for eight weeks until the study’s conclusion. HFD/STZ induced steatohepatitis as shown by histopathological changes, elevated serum liver enzymes, serum hyperlipidemia and hepatic fat accumulation. Moreover, HFD convinced oxidative stress by increased lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) and decreased antioxidant enzymes (GSH and TAC). Upregulation of TLR4/NF-kB and the downstream inflammatory cascade (TNF-α, and IL-6) as well as Pentaraxin, fetuin-B and apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and Bax) were observed. NASH rats also had massive increase in Bacteroides spp., Fusobacterium spp., E. coli, Clostridium spp., Providencia spp., Prevotella interrmedia, and P. gingivalis while remarkable drop in Bifidobacteria spp. and Lactobacillus spp. Co-treatment with citicoline alone and with Lactobacillus improve histopathological NASH outcomes and reversed all of these molecular pathological alterations linked to NASH via upregulating the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 and downregulating TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathways. These results suggest that citicoline and lactobacillus may represent new hepatoprotective strategies against NASH progression.

Application of Lactobacillus spp. for the biological management of green mold (Penicillium digitatum) on sweet orange fruit under in vitro and storehouse conditions

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the use of probiotic lactic acid bacteria including Lactobacillus brevis, L. plantarum, L. helveticus and L. delbrueckii from dairy products against Penicillium digitatum (green mold) on sweet orange fruit. Antifungal activity of Lactobacillus spp. was first assayed using bacterial cells through the overlay method against 105 spore/mL suspension of P. digitatum. Also, P. digitatum growth inhibition was measured in the PDA medium containing 15 and 30% cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Lactobacillus spp. Antifungal activity of Lactobacillus spp. was evaluated under storehouse conditions by treating wounded fruits with 108/mL cell suspension (CS) and 30% CFS of Lactobacillus spp., which then infected with 105/mL spore suspension of P. digitatum. The CS and CFS of L. plantarum had the best antifungal activity under both in vitro and in vivo conditions followed by L. helveticus, L. delbrueckii and L. brevis. L. plantarum. The 15 and 30% L. plantarum CFS were able to inhibit the growth of P. digitatum by 30.31%, 76.82% and 97.6% respectively, under in vitro conditions. Also, L. plantarum CS and 30% CFS reduced the growth of the P. digitatum on the fruit by 92.77 and 98.9% respectively, under storehouse conditions. The total content of all sugars of treated fruits with Lactobacillus spp., CS and CFS showed significant difference compared to untreated fruits. Therefore, the present study highlights the successful application of biological fungicides based on secondary compounds of Lactobacillus spp. due to greater stability of metabolites than bacterial cells in the environment.

A Study of Oral Health Parameters and the Properties and Composition of Saliva in Oncological Patients with and without Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Who Take Bisphosphonates.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine how the status of the oral cavity, composition and properties of saliva change in oncological patients with and without Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) undergoing bisphosphonate therapy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control study of 49 oncological patients using bisphosphonates (BPs) was conducted. The study population was divided into two groups-Group I consisted of 29 patients with MRONJ and Group II of 20 patients without MRONJ. The control group consisted of 32 persons without oncological history and without antiresorptive therapy. Standard dental examination included the assessment of the number of teeth remaining, teeth with caries and fillings, Approximal Plaque Index (API) and Bleeding on Probing (BOP). In terms of MRONJ, localization and stage were assessed. Laboratory tests of saliva included determination of pH and concentrations of Ca and PO4 ions, total protein, lactoferrin, lysozyme, sIgA, IgA, cortisol, neopterin, activity of amylase at rest, and stimulated saliva. The buffering capacity and microbiological tests (Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. load) of stimulated saliva were also determined. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the selected oral parameters and saliva of Group I and Group II. Significant differences were found between Group I and the control group. BOP, lysozyme and cortisol concentration were higher, while the number of teeth with fillings, Ca and neopterin concentrations were lower in comparison to the control group. In Group I, a significantly higher percentage of patients with a high colony count (>105) of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. was also found. The significant differences between Group II and the control group concerned the concentrations of lysozyme, Ca ions, sIgA, neopterin and the colony count of Lactobacillus spp. In the Group I patients who received a significantly higher cumulative dose of BP compared to the Group II, a significant positive correlation was found between the received BP dose and the BOP. Most MRONJ foci were stage 2 and were mainly located in the mandible. Conclusions: Among oncological patients with and without MRONJ undergoing BP therapy compared to the control group, there are statistically significant differences in the dental, periodontal and microbiological status and in the composition of the saliva. Particularly noteworthy are the statistically significant differences in the decreased level of Ca ions, the increased level of cortisol and the elements of saliva related to the immune response (lysozyme, sIgA, neopterin). Additionally, a higher cumulative dose of BPs may affect the susceptibility to the development of osteonecrosis of the jaws. Patients undergoing antiresorptive therapy should receive multidisciplinary medical care, including dental care.

FRI-420 - Increased concentration of 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid in patients with alcohol-related liver disease could promote the growth of Lactobacillus spp

FRI-420 - Increased concentration of 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid in patients with alcohol-related liver disease could promote the growth of Lactobacillus spp

Intestinal bacteria associated with irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue.

The etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is unknown. Abnormal intestinal bacterial profiles and low bacterial diversity appear to play important roles in the pathophysiology of IBS. This narrative review was designed to present recent observations made relating to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which implicate possible roles of 11 intestinal bacteria in the pathophysiology of IBS. The intestinal abundances of nine of these bacteria increased after FMT in patients with IBS, and these increases were inversely correlated with IBS symptoms and fatigue severity. These bacteria were Alistipes spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Eubacterium biforme, Holdemanella biformis, Prevotella spp., Bacteroides stercoris, Parabacteroides johnsonii, Bacteroides zoogleoformans, and Lactobacillus spp. The intestinal abundances of two bacteria were decreased in patients with IBS after FMT and were correlated with the severity of IBS symptoms and fatigue (Streptococcus thermophilus and Coprobacillus cateniformis). Ten of these bacteria are anaerobic and one (Streptococcus thermophilus) is facultative anaerobic. Several of these bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, which is used as an energy source by large intestine epithelial cells. Moreover, it modulates the immune response and hypersensitivity of the large intestine and decreases intestinal cell permeability and intestinal motility. These bacteria could be used as probiotics to improve these conditions. Protein-rich diets could increase the intestinal abundance of Alistipes, and plant-rich diet could increase the intestinal abundance of Prevotella spp., and consequently improve IBS and fatigue.

Feasibility of semi-pilot scale up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket fixed-film reactor for fermentative bio-hydrogen production from palm oil mill effluent

The present study focuses on bio-hydrogen production using palm oil mill effluent (POME) at a semi-pilot scale of an “up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket fixed-film (UASFF) reactor”. The reactor was operated in the palm oil mill industry for over 180 days of operation at ambient temperature through dark fermentation process with different organic loading rates (OLR) of 22–36 g-COD/l.d, depending on the COD concentration of POME. By acclimatizing the sludge, the semi-pilot scale UASFF reactor achieved hydrogen content, and hydrogen production rate (HPR) of 20%–68%, and 12 L H2/d to 39 L H2/d, respectively with a maximum COD removal of 35%. Moreover, from high through pyrosequencing analysis, hydrogen fermentation was attributed to Clostridium sensu stricto, Lactobacillus, and thermoanaerobium spp. This study offers an extensive approach to developing a semi-pilot scale bio-hydrogen production and, provides further prospects for profitable exploitation which could be a promising approach for reaching sustainability and economic feasibility (using wastewater as a low-cost feedstock) in commercial applications for future studies.

Changes in Vaginal Bacteria and Inflammatory Mediators From Periconception Through the Early Postpartum Period in a Cohort of Kenyan Women Without HIV.

Women's increased risk of HIV acquisition during pregnancy and postpartum may be mediated by changes in vaginal microbiota and/or cytokines. A cohort of 80 Kenyan women who were HIV-1 seronegative contributed 409 vaginal samples at 6 pregnancy time points: periconception, positive pregnancy test result, first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, and postpartum. Concentrations of vaginal bacteria linked with HIV risk and Lactobacillus spp were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cytokines were measured by immunoassay. Based on Tobit regression, later pregnancy time points were associated with lower concentrations of Sneathia spp (P = .01), Eggerthella sp type 1 (P = .002), and Parvimonas sp type 2 (P = .02) and higher concentrations of Lactobacillus iners (P < .001), Lactobacillus crispatus (P < .001), Lactobacillus vaginalis (P < .001), interleukin 6 (P < .001), TNF (P = .004), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10; P < .001), C-C motif ligand 3 (P = .009), C-C motif ligand 4 (P < .001), C-C motif ligand 5 (P = .002), interleukin 1β (P = .02), and interleukin 8 (P = .002). Most cervicovaginal cytokines and vaginal bacteria clustered separately in principal component analysis, except for CXCL10, which did not group with either cytokines or bacteria. The shift toward a Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota during pregnancy mediated the relationship between pregnancy time point and CXCL10. Increases in proinflammatory cytokines, but not vaginal bacterial taxa linked with higher HIV risk, could provide an explanation for increased HIV susceptibility during pregnancy and postpartum.

Identification and Characterization of Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BI-59.1 Isolated from tejuino and Its Capacity to Produce Biofilms.

Tejuino is a popular and traditional beverage consumed in north and western of Mexico, due to its biological properties, it is considered a natural source of probiotics. Nevertheless, few studies have been performed on Tejuino microbiota. In this work, the probiotic potential of the tejuino isolated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BI-59.1 strain was investigated. Its effectiveness was compared with a commercial Lactobacillus spp and identified by 16S rDNA sequence homology. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BI-59.1 strain showed probiotic properties, i.e., production of antimicrobial compounds (lactic acid and presence of plantaricin A gene), inhibition of entero-pathogens by planktonic cells and metabolites (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium inhibition to HT29-MTX adhesion), biofilm formation, bacterial adhesion (HT29-MTX, 3.96CFU/cell), and tolerance to stimulated gastrointestinal conditions (tolerance to pH 3 and bile salts). The strain was gamma hemolytic, susceptible to most antibiotics and negative for gelatinase production; thus, the Lactiplantibacillus. plantarum BI-59.1 strain is suitable for its use as a probiotic for nutraceutical or pharmaceutical formulations.

Process engineering towards an oxidative cellular state improves 3-hydroxypropionic acid production with Lentilactobacillus diolivorans

3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is among the top platform chemicals proposed for bio based production by microbial fermentation from renewable resources. A promising renewable substrate for 3-HP production is crude glycerol. Only a few microorganisms can efficiently convert glycerol to 3-HP. Among the most promising organisms is Lentilactobacillus diolivorans. In this study, an already established fed-batch process, accumulating 28 g/L 3-HP, was used as a starting point for process engineering. The engineering approaches focused on modulating the cellular redox household towards a more oxidized state, as these conditions favour 3-HP production. Variations of oxygen and glucose availability (controlled by the glucose/glycerol ratio in the feed medium) individually already improved 3-HP production. However, the combination of both optimal parameters (30% O2, 0.025 mol/mol glu/gly) led to the production of 67.7 g/L 3-HP after 180 h of cultivation, which is so far the highest titer reported for 3-HP production using Lactobacillus spp.

Modulative effect of Physalis alkekengi on both gut bacterial and fungal micro-ecosystem

ObjectiveGut microbiome is an intricate micro-ecosystem mediating the human health and drug efficacy. Physalis alkekengi (PAL) is an edible and time-honored traditional Chinese medicine. Several pharmacological effects of PAL have been verified and gut bacteria are implied in its therapeutic actions. However, the detailed modulation of PAL on gut bacterial species and on gut fungi remains largely unknown. We, therefore, designed a preliminary experiment in normal mice to reveal the modulation effect of PAL on both gut bacteria and fungi, and explore the interaction between them. MethodsHerein, the aqueous extract of PAL was orally administrated to normal C57BL/6 mice for four weeks. The full-length 16S rRNA and ITS1/2 gene sequencing were explored to detect the taxa of gut bacteria and gut fungi after PAL treatment, respectively. ResultsOral administration of PAL notably enriched anti-inflammatory bacterial species such as Duncaniella spp. and Kineothrix alysoides, whereas decreased pro-inflammatory species such as Mucispirillum schaedleri. Simultaneously, PAL increased the abundance of gut fungi Aspergillus ochraceus, Cladosporium sp. and Alternaria sp., and decreased Penicillium janthinellum. Correlation network analysis identified two co-existing microbial groups (groups 1 and 2) that were negatively associated with each other. The group 1 comprised PAL-enriched bacteria and fungi, while group 2 was mainly normal chow-enriched bacteria and fungi. In group 1, Antrodia monomitica, Aspergillus clavatus, Mortierella kuhlmanii and Sarcinomyces sp. MA 4787 were positively correlated with Bifidobacterium globosum, Romboutsia ilealis and so on. In group 2, Chaetomium subspirilliferum, Septoria orchidearum and Cephaliophora tropica were positively related to Lactobacillus spp. ConclusionAltogether, this preliminary study first demonstrated the modulation effect of PAL on both gut bacteria and gut fungi, which may shed light on the elucidation of PAL’s pharmacological mechanism.