Development of Novel Antibiotic Alternatives

Abstract

The present invention relates to two recombinant colicin expression systems, one utilizing a yeast expression system that produces a protein that is inexpensive to purify, and the other utilizing a plasmid expression system to be used as a probiotic culture. The recombinant colicins provide effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics and may be used to improve the efficiency of pork production, and the safety of its products.

1 . A method of inhibiting the growth of  Listeria  in animals comprising: introducing to an animal a bacterial growth inhibiting effective amount of a colicin, whereby the colicin is selected from the group consisting of colicin A, colicin B, colicin E1, colicin Ia, and colicin N, said amount being sufficient to inhibit growth of a  Listeria  strain, said strain being selected from the group consisting of FSIS 1126, H7769, Scott A, H7768 and H7767. 
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  whereby the colicin is recombinant colicin. 
   
   
       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . A method of reducing  Listeria  on food/animal feed comprising: applying a colicin selected from the group consisting of A, B, E1, Ia, and N to the food or animal feed. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  whereby the colicin is a recombinant colicin. 
   
   
       7 . (canceled) 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 5  whereby the colicin is applied to meat. 
   
   
       9 . A method of reducing pathogenic bacteria  Listeria  on animal carcasses comprising: applying a colicin selected from the group consisting of A, B, E1, Ia, and N to an animal carcass. 
   
   
       10 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9  whereby the colicin is recombinant. 
   
   
       13 . A method of reducing  Listeria  in animals comprising: feeding the animal a colicin selected from the group consisting of A, B, E1, Ia, and N. 
   
   
       14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  whereby the colicin is recombinant. 
   
   
       16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A method of reducing colonization of pathogenic bacteria  Listeria  in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals comprising: feeding the animals an amount sufficient of one or more colicins selected from the group consisting of A, B, E1, Ia, and N to prevent colonization of pathogenic bacteria. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  whereby the colicin is a recombinant colicin. 
   
   
       19 - 21 . (canceled) 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 1  whereby the method decreases the incidence and severity of post-weaning diarrhea in pigs.