Inhibition of pathogens by probiotic bacteria

Abstract

Compositions containing a lactic acid-producing bacterial strain, e.g., Bacillus coagulans for inhibition of pathogenic bacterial infections. Spores or extracellular products produced by the bacterial strains are also useful as inhibitory agents.

1 . A composition comprising an isolated Bacillus strain, wherein said strain (a) produces lactic acid, (b) has an optimal growth temperature of in the range of 20-44° C., and (c) grows in a pH range of 2-5.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said strain produces L(+) dextrorotatory lactic acid and produces spores resistant to temperatures of up to approximately 90° C.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said strain is selected from the group consisting of  Bacillus coagulaus, Bacillus stereothermophilus, Bacillus thermoacidurans, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus dextrolacticus, Lactobacillus cereale , and  Bacillus recemilacticus.    
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said strain is  Bacillus coagulans.    
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said strain is selected from the group consisting of  Bacillus coagulans  GBI-1,  Bacillus coagulans  GBI-20,  Bacillus coagulans  GBI-30 and  Bacillus coagulans  GBI-40.  
     
     
         6 . (canceled)  
     
     
         7 . A composition comprising an isolated Bacillus strain, wherein said strain produces lactic acid and has an optimal growth temperature of in the range of 20-25° C.  
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein said strain produces L(+) dextrorotatory lactic acid and produces spores resistant to temperatures of up to approximately 90° C.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein said strain is selected from the group consisting of  Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus stereothermophilus, Bacillus thermoacidurans, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus dextrolacticus, Lactobacillus cereale , and  Bacillus recemilacticus.    
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein said strain is  Bacillus coagulans.    
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 7 , wherein said strain is  Bacillus coagulans  GBI-20.  
     
     
         12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . A composition comprising an isolated Bacillus strain, wherein said strain produces lactic acid and has an optimal growth temperature of in the range of 25-35° C.  
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein said strain produces L(+) dextrorotatory lactic acid and produces spores resistant to temperatures of up to approximately 90° C.  
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein said strain is selected from the group consisting of  Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus stereothermophilus, Bacillus thermoacidurans, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus dextrolacticus, Lactobacillus cereale , and  Bacillus recemilacticus.    
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein said strain is  Bacillus coagulans.    
     
     
         17 - 18 . (canceled)  
     
     
         19 . A composition comprising an isolated Bacillus strain, wherein said strain produces lactic acid and has an optimal growth temperature of in the range of 35-40° C.  
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 19 , wherein said strain produces L(+) dextrorotatory lactic acid and produces spores resistant to temperatures of up to approximately 90° C.  
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 19 , wherein said strain is selected from the group consisting of  Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus stereothermophilus, Bacillus thermoacidurans, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus dextrolacticus, Lactobacillus cereale , and  Bacillus recemilacticus.    
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 19 , wherein said strain is  Bacillus coagulans.    
     
     
         23 . (canceled)  
     
     
         24 . An extracellular product derived from the composition of  claim 19 .  
     
     
         25 . A method of inhibiting a pathogenic bacterial infection, comprising contacting an infected site with the composition of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         26 . A method of inhibiting a pathogenic bacterial infection, comprising contacting an infected site with a  Bacillus coagulans  composition.  
     
     
         27 - 35 . (canceled)