Antimicrobial susceptibility of Lactobacillus rhamnosus

We aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (n=75) strains, to study their antibiotic resistance genes with microarray, and to assess the microbiological cut-off values of tested antimicrobial agents. L. rhamnosus strains were tested with agar dilution, broth microdilution and Etest methods for ampicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, streptomycin, and tetracycline using specific LSM medium. Most of the L. rhamnosus strains were found phenotypically susceptible to all six antibiotics tested. Four of the strains were phenotypically multiresistant, three strains to clindamycin, erythromycin and streptomycin and one strain to streptomycin and tetracycline. Some of the resistant (n=8) and susceptible (n=5) strains were further studied with a microarray method to reveal the antibiotic resistance genes behind the phenotypic resistances. From our experience, we recommend that microbiological cut-off values should be proposed according to the method used.

Safety assessment of food-contact paper and board using a battery of short-term toxicity tests: European union BIOSAFEPAPER project

An European Union (EU)-funded project QLK1-CT-2001-00930 (BIOSAFEPAPER) involves the development, validation and intercalibration of a short-term battery of toxicological tests for the safety assessment of food-contact paper and board. Dissemination of the results to industry, legislators (e.g. DG Consumer Protection, DG Enterprises, DG Research), standardization bodies such as CEN, and consumers will create an agreed risk evaluation procedure. The project involves pre-normative research in order to establish a set of in-vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity tests that will be easily adaptable to food-contact fibre-based materials and have endpoints relevant to consumer safety, including sub-lethal cellular events. These tests will be performed on samples representing actual migration conditions from food-contact paper and board with respect to different foodstuffs, and should form an experimental basis for scientifically sound recommendations for a harmonized system of risk evaluation and product testing.

Physiology and taxonomy of thiobacillus strain TJ330, which oxidizes carbon disulphide (CS2)

A bacterium (strain TJ330) capable of using carbon disulphide (CS2) as its sole energy source in an acidic environment was isolated from a peat biofilter used in experiments to remove CS2 and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) from air. Its physiology and taxonomy are described here. The strain oxidized CS2, H2S and elemental sulphur to sulphate chemolithotrophically. The rate of sulphate production was highest at pH 2. The maximum growth rate constant (micromax) using CS2 as a substrate was 3.9 x 10(-2) h(-1) (generation time 18 h) and the Monod constant (Ks) was 0.97-2.6 micromol l(-1) CS2 (74-198 microg l(-1)), corresponding to an equilibrium with 15-40 ppm CS2 in the headspace. The optimum growth temperature using elemental sulphur as a substrate was 28 degrees C. The strain bears morphological and physiological similarities to Thiobacillus thiooxidans, but the latter is incapable of oxidizing CS2. The strain TJ330 (DSM 8985) showed only 44.2 + 11.8% DNA homology with the type strain T. thiooxidans ATCC 19377, while its homology with T. ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 was 17.1 + 3.4%. The strain TJ 330 represents a high-affinity bacterium which can effectively remove low CS2 concentrations in an acid environment. These properties can be utilized in biotechnological purification applications.

The effect of lactose derivatives on intestinal lactic acid bacteria

Nine strains of lactic acid bacteria were studied for growth and fermentation end products on lactulose, lactitol, and lactobionic acid. In addition, human fecal and biopsy isolates were screened for new potential by probiotic strains utilizing lactose derivatives, and one new isolate of Lactobacillus rhamnosus was enriched. The utilization of lactose derivatives and the effect on the fermentation end products were dependent on strain. Typical mixed-acid fermentations were observed with Lb. rhamnosus and Lactococcus lactis. Microbiota enriched from fecal and biopsy samples using modified MRS medium consisted mainly of enterococci and streptococci. The adhesion of tested strains to Caco-2 cells was not dependent on carbon source. The new Lb. rhamnosus strain VTT E-97800 has potential for further probiotic studies.

Colonization and fecal enzyme activities after oral Lactobacillus GG administration in elderly nursing home residents

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of 2-week oral administration of a Lactobacillus-GG-fermented whey drink on fecal enzymes in elderly nursing home residents complaining of difficulties in defecation. The study was divided into three 2-week periods: baseline (2 dl placebo drink/day); Lactobacillus GG treatment (2 dl of a Lactobacillus-GG-fermented whey drink containing 10(8) cfu lactobacilli/ml); follow-up (2 dl placebo drink). Administration of the fermented whey drink resulted in colonization of feces by Lactobacillus GG in all the subjects. Glycocholic acid hydrolase activity and tryptic activity were significantly decreased at the end of the treatment period. The effect of Lactobacillus GG treatment on bowel function was less evident. Although the consistency of the stools appeared to normalize, no significant changes in the fecal frequency, weight and pH were observed. The results indicated that a Lactobacillus-GG-fermented whey drink can change the bacterial metabolism, and has no significant effect on bowel function.