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The Effects of Bacillus subtilis QST713 and β-mannanase on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and the gut microbiota in weaned piglets

Liu J, Ma X, Zhuo Y, Xu S, Hua L, Li J, et al.

J Anim Sci, 2023 Jan 03;101.
PMID: 37583344 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad257

We investigated the effects of different Bacillus subtilis QST713 doses and a B. subtilis QST713 and β-mannanase mix on growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota in weaned piglets. In total, 320 healthy piglets were randomly assigned to four groups: 1) control group (basal diet), 2) BS100 group (basal diet plus 100 mg/kg B. subtilis QST713), 3) BS200 group (basal diet plus 200 mg/kg B. subtilis QST713), and 4) a BS100XT group (basal diet plus 100 mg/kg B. subtilis QST713 and 150 mg/kg β-mannanase). The study duration was 42 d. We showed that feed intake in weaned piglets on days 1 to 21 was increased in group BS100 (P < 0.05), and that the feed conversion ratio in group BS100XT animals decreased throughout the study (P < 0.05). In terms of microbial counts, the BS100XT group showed reduced Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens numbers on day 21 (P < 0.05). Moreover, no significant α-diversity differences were observed across all groups during the study (P > 0.05). However, principal coordinates analysis indicated clear separations in bacterial community structures across groups (analysis of similarities: P < 0.05) on days 21 and 42. Additionally, E-cadherin, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression in piglet feces increased (P < 0.05) by adding B. subtilis QST713 and β-mannanase to diets. Notably, this addition decreased short-chain fatty acid concentrations. In conclusion, B. subtilis QST713 addition or combined B. subtilis QST713 plus β-mannanase effectively improved growth performance, intestinal barrier function, and microbial balance in weaned piglets.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Fulltext Effects of feeding different postbiotic metabolite combinations produced by Lactobacillus plantarum strains on egg quality and production performance, faecal parameters and plasma cholesterol in laying hens

Loh TC, Choe DW, Foo HL, Sazili AQ, Bejo MH

BMC Vet Res, 2014;10:149.
PMID: 24996258 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-149

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are able to colonize the host digestive system, increasing the natural flora and preventing colonization of pathogenic organisms and thus, securing optimal utility of the feed. However, commercial probiotic often do not meet the expected standards and the viability of the efficacy of these strains remains questionable. Another major issue has been highlighted in relation to the application of antibiotic resistant probiotics, the antibiotic resistant gene can be transferred between organisms. Recently, postbiotic metabolites produced from microbes have been extensively studied as feed additive in order to substitute in-feed antibiotics.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Feeding of different levels of metabolite combinations produced by Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance, fecal microflora, volatile fatty acids and villi height in broilers

Loh TC, Thanh NT, Foo HL, Hair-Bejo M, Azhar BK

Anim Sci J, 2010 Apr;81(2):205-14.
PMID: 20438502 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2009.00701.x

The effects of feeding different dosages of metabolite combination of L. plantarum RS5, RI11, RG14 and RG11 strains (Com3456) on the performance of broiler chickens was studied. A total of 504 male Ross broilers were grouped into 7 treatments and offered different diets: (i) standard corn-soybean based diet (negative control); (ii) standard corn-soybean based diet +100 ppm neomycin and oxytetracycline (positive control); (iii) standard corn-soybean based diet + 0.1% metabolite combination of L. plantarum RS5, RI11, RG14 and RG11 strains (Com3456); (iv) standard corn-soybean based diet + 0.2% of Com3456; (v) standard corn-soybean based diet + 0.3% of Com3456 (vi) standard corn-soybean based diet + 0.4% of Com3456 and (vii) standard corn-soybean based diet + 0.5% of Com3456. Supplementation of Com3456 with different dosages improved growth performance, reduced Enterobacteriaceae and increased lactic acid bacteria count, and increased villi height of small intestine and fecal volatile fatty acid concentration. Treatment with 0.4% and 0.2% Com3456 had the best results, especially in terms of growth performance, feed conversion ratio and villi height among other dosages. However, the dosage of 0.2% was recommended due to its lower concentration yielding a similar effect as 0.4% supplementation. These results indicate that 0.2% is an optimum level to be included in the diets of broiler in order to replace antibiotic growth promoters.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology*
Detection of microsporidia in local HIV-positive population in Malaysia

Lono A, Kumar S, Chye TT

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2011 Jul;105(7):409-13.
PMID: 21596411 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2011.03.006

The HIV-positive population, due to their immuno-compromised nature, is considered more susceptible to parasitic infections than other populations. However despite the reports of other opportunistic pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and tuberculosis reported in vulnerable communities, microsporidia have not been highlighted in the local HIV-positive population in Malaysia. This study aimed to provide preliminary information on the prevalence of microsporidia in the local HIV-population. Microsporidia were detected in 21/247 (8.5%) stool samples from the HIV-infected individuals, a significantly higher (P-value <0.05) prevalence than in the control group, in which 5/173 (2.9%) were positive. HIV patients were 3x more at risk for acquiring microspordium (OR: 3.12; 95% CI 1.15-8.44). Spores were ellipsoid in shape with outlines that stained dark pink with the interior a lighter shade. Approximately 21% of the positive specimens were from individuals in the 40-49 years age group. Ten individuals who were positive for microsporidia were also positive for other enteric parasites such as Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia. We detected Encephalitozoon intestinalis DNA following nested PCR from three of 10 samples analysed, as demonstrated by an amplicon of 370bp. From the findings reported, it appears that microsporidial infection in humans may actually be more common than reported. We strongly advocate greater emphasis on personal hygiene through public education on personal hygiene and the consumption of boiled or filtered water.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Fulltext Gut microbiota composition during infancy and subsequent behavioural outcomes

Loughman A, Ponsonby AL, O'Hely M, Symeonides C, Collier F, Tang MLK, et al.

EBioMedicine, 2020 Feb;52:102640.
PMID: 32062351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102640

BACKGROUND: Despite intense interest in the relationship between gut microbiota and brain development, longitudinal data from human studies are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the composition of gut microbiota during infancy and subsequent behavioural outcomes.
METHODS: A subcohort of 201 children with behavioural outcome measures was identified within a longitudinal, Australian birth-cohort study. The faecal microbiota were analysed at 1, 6, and 12 months of age. Behavioural outcomes were measured at 2 years of age.
FINDINGS: In an unselected birth cohort, we found a clear association between decreased normalised abundance of Prevotella in faecal samples collected at 12 months of age and increased behavioural problems at 2 years, in particular Internalizing Problem scores. This association appeared independent of multiple potentially confounding variables, including maternal mental health. Recent exposure to antibiotics was the best predictor of decreased Prevotella.
INTERPRETATION: Our findings demonstrate a strong association between the composition of the gut microbiota in infancy and subsequent behavioural outcomes; and support the importance of responsible use of antibiotics during early life.
FUNDING: This study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (1082307, 1147980, 1129813), The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Perpetual Trustees, and The Shepherd Foundation. The funders had no involvement in the data collection, analysis or interpretation, trial design, recruitment or any other aspect pertinent to the study.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
A thermostabilized magnetogenosensing assay for DNA sequence-specific detection and quantification of Vibrio cholerae

Low KF, Karimah A, Yean CY

Biosens Bioelectron, 2013 Sep 15;47:38-44.
PMID: 23545172 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.03.004

Vibrio cholerae is a human pathogen that causes mild to severe diarrheal illnesses and has major public health significance. Herein, we present a thermostabilized electrochemical genosensing assay combining the use of magnetic beads as a biorecognition platform and gold nanoparticles as a hybridization tag for the detection and quantification of V. cholerae lolB gene single-stranded asymmetric PCR amplicons as an alternative to the time-consuming classical isolation method. This thermostabilized, pre-mixed, pre-aliquoted and ready-to-use magnetogenosensing assay simplified the procedures and permitted the reaction to be conducted at room temperature. The asymmetric PCR amplicons were hybridized to a magnetic bead-functionalized capture probe and a fluorescein-labeled detection probe followed by tagging with gold nanoparticles. Electrochemical detection of the chemically dissolved gold nanoparticles was performed using the differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry method. The real-time stability evaluation of thermostabilized assay was found to be stable for at least 180 days at room temperature (25-30°C). The analytical specificity of the assay was 100%, while its analytical sensitivity was linearly related to different concentrations of 200-mer synthetic target, purified genomic DNA, and bacterial culture with a limit of detection (LoD) of 3.9nM, 5pg/µl, and 10(3)CFU/ml, respectively. The clinical applicability of the assay was successfully validated using spiked stool samples with an average current signal-to-cut-off ratio of 10.8. Overall, the precision of the assay via relative standard deviation was <10%, demonstrating its reliability and accuracy.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
A signal-amplified electrochemical DNA biosensor incorporated with a colorimetric internal control for Vibrio cholerae detection using shelf-ready reagents

Low KF, Zain ZM, Yean CY

Biosens Bioelectron, 2017 Jan 15;87:256-263.
PMID: 27567251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.08.064

A novel enzyme/nanoparticle-based DNA biosensing platform with dual colorimetric/electrochemical approach has been developed for the sequence-specific detection of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of acute diarrheal disease in cholera. This assay platform exploits the use of shelf-stable and ready-to-use (shelf-ready) reagents to greatly simplify the bioanalysis procedures, allowing the assay platform to be more amenable to point-of-care applications. To assure maximum diagnosis reliability, an internal control (IC) capable of providing instant validation of results was incorporated into the assay. The microbial target, single-stranded DNA amplified with asymmetric PCR, was quantitatively detected via electrochemical stripping analysis of gold nanoparticle-loaded latex microspheres as a signal-amplified hybridization tag, while the incorporated IC was analyzed using a simplified horseradish peroxidase enzyme-based colorimetric scheme by simple visual observation of enzymatic color development. The platform showed excellent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity (100%) when challenged with 145 clinical isolate-spiked fecal specimens. The limits of detection were 0.5ng/ml of genomic DNA and 10 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml of bacterial cells with dynamic ranges of 0-100ng/ml (R(2)=0.992) and log10 (1-10(4) CFU/ml) (R(2)=0.9918), respectively. An accelerated stability test revealed that the assay reagents were stable at temperatures of 4-37°C, with an estimated ambient shelf life of 200 days. The versatility of the biosensing platform makes it easily adaptable for quantitative detection of other microbial pathogens.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology*
Additional oligofructose/inulin does not increase faecal bifidobacteria in critically ill patients receiving enteral nutrition: a randomised controlled trial

Majid HA, Cole J, Emery PW, Whelan K

Clin Nutr, 2014 Dec;33(6):966-72.
PMID: 24290345 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2013.11.008

Patients with diarrhoea during enteral nutrition (EN) have been shown to have low faecal bifidobacteria concentrations. Oligofructose/inulin selectively stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in healthy humans. This study investigates the effect of additional oligofructose/inulin on the gastrointestinal microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and faecal output in patients receiving EN.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology*
Fulltext Faecal DNA metabarcoding reveals novel bacterial community patterns of critically endangered Southern River Terrapin, Batagur affinis

Mohd Salleh MH, Esa Y, Ngalimat MS, Chen PN

PeerJ, 2022;10:e12970.
PMID: 35368336 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12970

Southern River Terrapin, Batagur affinis, is a freshwater turtle listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2000. Many studies suggest that faecal DNA metabarcoding can shield light on the host-associated microbial communities that play important roles in host health. Thus, this study aimed to characterise and compare the faecal bacterial community between captive and wild B. affinis using metabarcoding approaches. A total of seven faeces samples were collected from captive (N = 5) and wild (N = 2) adult B. affinis aseptically, crossing the East and West coast of peninsular Malaysia. The DNA was extracted from the faeces samples, and the 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4 region) was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplicon was further analysed using SILVA and DADA2 pipelines. In total, 297 bacterial communities taxonomic profile (phylum to genus) were determined. Three phyla were found in high abundance in all faeces samples, namely Firmicutes (38.69%), Bacteroidetes (24.52%), and Fusobacteria (6.95%). Proteobacteria were detected in all faeces samples (39.63%), except the wild sample, KBW3. Under genus level, Cetobacteriumwas found as the most abundant genus (67.79%), followed by Bacteroides (24.56%) and Parabacteroides (21.78%). The uncultured genus had the highest abundance (88.51%) even though not detected in the BK31 and KBW2 samples. The potential probiotic genera (75.00%) were discovered to be more dominant in B. affinis faeces samples. Results demonstrated that the captive B. affinis faeces samples have a greater bacterial variety and richness than wild B. affinis faeces samples. This study has established a starting point for future investigation of the gut microbiota of B. affinis.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Prevalence of Giardia spp. infection in pre-weaned and weaned calves in relation to management factors

Muhid A, Robertson I, Ng J, Yang R, Ryan U

Vet J, 2012 Jan;191(1):135-7.
PMID: 21339075 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.01.007

Two hundred and forty calf faecal samples from 16 Malaysian farms were screened by PCR for Giardia spp. The overall prevalence was 12.5% and the overall farm prevalence was 68.8% (11/16 farms). The prevalence in pre-weaned and weaned calves was 16.7% and 8.3%, respectively. Sequence analysis of 25 isolates identified all as G. duodenalis assemblage E. Management factors associated with an increased risk of infection with Giardia spp. included keeping weaned calves in pens with sand floors and calf age. Keeping pre-weaned calves in pens with concrete floors and calving in single cow calving areas decreased the risk.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Coccidian parasites (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) of the lesser mouse-deer, Tragulus javanicus. I. Descriptions of three new Eimeria species

Mullin SW, Colley FC

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1971 Dec;2(4):441-3.
PMID: 5169144
Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Coccidia of Malaysian mammals: new host records and descriptions of three new species of Eimeria

Mullin SW, Colley FC, Stevens GS

J. Protozool., 1972 May;19(2):260-3.
PMID: 5032224
Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Fulltext Genomic and phenotypic characterization of Acinetobacter colistiniresistens isolated from the feces of a healthy member of the community

Muzahid NH, Md Zoqratt MZH, Ten KE, Hussain MH, Su TT, Ayub Q, et al.

Sci Rep, 2023 Aug 03;13(1):12596.
PMID: 37537198 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39642-0

Acinetobacter species are widely known opportunistic pathogens causing severe community and healthcare-associated infections. One such emerging pathogen, Acinetobacter colistiniresistens, is known to exhibit intrinsic resistance to colistin. We investigated the molecular characteristics of A. colistiniresistens strain C-214, isolated from the fecal sample of a healthy community member, as part of a cohort study being conducted in Segamat, Malaysia. Comparison of the whole genome sequence of C-214 with other A. colistiniresistens sequences retrieved from the NCBI database showed 95% sequence identity or more with many of the genome sequences representing that species. Use of the Galleria mellonella killing assay showed that C-214 was pathogenic in this model infection system. The strain C-214 had a colistin and polymyxin B MIC of 32 and 16 mg/L, respectively. Besides, it was resistant to cefotaxime, amikacin, and tetracycline and showed moderate biofilm-producing ability. Different genes associated with virulence or resistance to major classes of antibiotics were detected. We observed mutations in lpxA/C/D in C-214 and other A. colistiniresistens strains as probable causes of colistin resistance, but the biological effects of these mutations require further investigation. This study provides genomic insights into A. colistiniresistens, a potentially pathogenic bacterium isolated from a community member and notes the public health threat it may pose.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Fulltext Non-protein coding RNA genes as the novel diagnostic markers for the discrimination of Salmonella species using PCR

Nithya R, Ahmed SA, Hoe CH, Gopinath SC, Citartan M, Chinni SV, et al.

PLoS One, 2015;10(3):e0118668.
PMID: 25774907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118668

Salmonellosis, a communicable disease caused by members of the Salmonella species, transmitted to humans through contaminated food or water. It is of paramount importance, to generate accurate detection methods for discriminating the various Salmonella species that cause severe infection in humans, including S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A. Here, we formulated a strategy of detection and differentiation of salmonellosis by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay using S. Typhi non-protein coding RNA (sRNA) genes. With the designed sequences that specifically detect sRNA genes from S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A, a detection limit of up to 10 pg was achieved. Moreover, in a stool-seeding experiment with S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A, we have attained a respective detection limit of 15 and 1.5 CFU/mL. The designed strategy using sRNA genes shown here is comparatively sensitive and specific, suitable for clinical diagnosis and disease surveillance, and sRNAs represent an excellent molecular target for infectious disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Fulltext Contamination of faecal coliforms in ice cubes sampled from food outlets in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan

Noor Izani NJ, Zulaikha AR, Mohamad Noor MR, Amri MA, Mahat NA

Trop Biomed, 2012 Mar;29(1):71-6.
PMID: 22543605 MyJurnal

The use of ice cubes in beverages is common among patrons of food outlets in Malaysia although its safety for human consumption remains unclear. Hence, this study was designed to determine the presence of faecal coliforms and several useful water physicochemical parameters viz. free residual chlorine concentration, turbidity and pH in ice cubes from 30 randomly selected food outlets in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Faecal coliforms were found in ice cubes in 16 (53%) food outlets ranging between 1 CFU/100mL to >50 CFU/ 100mL, while in the remaining 14 (47%) food outlets, in samples of tap water as well as in commercially bottled drinking water, faecal coliforms were not detected. The highest faecal coliform counts of >50 CFU/100mL were observed in 3 (10%) food outlets followed by 11-50 CFU/100mL and 1-10 CFU/100mL in 7 (23%) and 6 (20%) food outlets, respectively. All samples recorded low free residual chlorine concentration (<0.10mg/L) with the pH ranging between 5.5 and 7.3 and turbidity between 0.14-1.76 NTU. Since contamination by faecal coliforms was not detected in 47% of the samples, tap water and commercially bottled drinking water, it was concluded that (1) contamination by faecal coliforms may occur due to improper handling of ice cubes at the food outlets or (2) they may not be the water sources used for making ice cubes. Since low free residual chlorine concentrations were observed (<0.10mg/ L) in all samples as well as in both tap water and commercially bottled drinking water, with the pH ranged between 5.5-7.3, ineffective disinfection of water source as a contributing factor to such high counts of faecal coliforms in ice cubes also could not be ruled out. Therefore, a periodical, yet comprehensive check on the food outlets, including that of ice cube is crucial in ensuring better food and water for human consumption.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology*
Faecal prevalence of extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing coliforms in a geriatric population and among haematology patients

Nurul Atifah MA, Loo HK, Subramaniam G, Wong EH, Selvi P, Ho SE, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2005 Dec;27(2):75-81.
PMID: 17191389

Antimicrobial resistance to the extended-spectrum cephalosporins is increasingly reported worldwide. In the local setting, nosocomial infections with multi-resistant Gram-negative bacilli are not uncommon and are a growing concern. However, there is limited data on the carriage rates of such organisms in the local setting. In May 2001, a prospective study was carried out to determine the enteric carriage rates of ceftazidime-resistant Gram negative bacilli (CAZ-R GNB) among residents of nursing homes and from in-patients of the geriatric and adult haematology wards of University Malaya Medical Centre. Ceftazidime-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CAZ-R GNB) were detected in 25 samples (30%), out of which 6 were from nursing home residents, 5 from geriatric in-patients and 14 from the haematology unit. A total of 28 CAZ-R GNB were isolated and Escherichia coli (10) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (7) were the predominant organisms. Resistance to ceftazidime in E. coli and Klebsiella was mediated by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Although the majority of the CAZ-R GNB were from patients in the haematology ward, the six nursing home residents with CAZ-R GNB were enteric carriers of ESBL-producing coliforms. Prior exposure to antibiotics was associated with carriage of ESBL organisms and to a lesser extent, the presence of urinary catheters.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology*
Single-dose and short course regimens of metronidazole in the treatment of amoebiasis in Malaysia

O'Holohan DR, Hugoe-Matthews J

Ann Trop Med Parasitol, 1972 Jun;66(2):181-6.
PMID: 4338870
Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Fulltext A pentaplex PCR assay for the detection and differentiation of Shigella species

Ojha SC, Yean Yean C, Ismail A, Singh KK

Biomed Res Int, 2013;2013:412370.
PMID: 23509722 DOI: 10.1155/2013/412370

The magnitude of shigellosis in developing countries is largely unknown because an affordable detection method is not available. Current laboratory diagnosis of Shigella spp. is laborious and time consuming and has low sensitivity. Hence, in the present study, a molecular-based diagnostic assay which amplifies simultaneously four specific genes to identify invC for Shigella genus, rfc for S. flexneri, wbgZ for S. sonnei, and rfpB for S. dysenteriae, as well as one internal control (ompA) gene, was developed in a single reaction to detect and differentiate Shigella spp. Validation with 120 Shigella strains and 37 non-Shigella strains yielded 100% specificity. The sensitivity of the PCR was 100 pg of genomic DNA, 5.4 × 10(4) CFU/ml, or approximately 120 CFU per reaction mixture of bacteria. The sensitivity of the pentaplex PCR assay was further improved following preincubation of the stool samples in gram-negative broth. A preliminary study with 30 diarrhoeal specimens resulted in no cross-reaction with other non-Shigella strains tested. We conclude that the developed pentaplex PCR assay is robust and can provide information about the four target genes that are essential for the identification of the Shigella genus and the three Shigella species responsible for the majority of shigellosis cases.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
Infrequent occurrence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in poultry from Malaysian wet markets

Ong CH, Asaad M, Lim KC, Ngeow YF

Malays J Pathol, 2002 Dec;24(2):91-4.
PMID: 12887166

Fifty samples of chicken, duck and geese faeces were obtained from 13 wet markets in Kuala Lumpur to study the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) among local market poultry. Biotyping of colonies grown on azide agar incubated at 45 degrees C yielded E. pseudoavium, E. faecalis, E. faecium and E. gallinarum from chicken faeces and E. malodoratus, E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. gallinarum, E. hirae/dispar, and E. durans from goose and duck faeces. On agar containing 6 mg/ l of vancomycin, one strain of E. flavescens was identified, giving a VRE detection rate of 2.0%. This isolate had a vancomycin M.I.C. of 8 mg/l as determined by the Etest, and the van C-3 gene that was identified by PCR followed by sequence analysis. The prevalence of VRE among poultry sold in local markets appears to be low, and may reflect the infrequent use of antimicrobials in our poultry farms. Nevertheless, the possibility of human acquisition of microbes via the food chain cautions against the use of antimicrobials in animal husbandry that may encourage the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant organisms like the VRE among animal microbial flora.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology
An integrative study on biologically recovered polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and simultaneous assessment of gut microbiome in yellow mealworm

Ong SY, Kho HP, Riedel SL, Kim SW, Gan CY, Taylor TD, et al.

J Biotechnol, 2018 Jan 10;265:31-39.
PMID: 29101024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.10.017

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are produced in microbes as a source of carbon and energy storage. They are biodegradable and have properties similar to synthetic plastics, which make them an interesting alternative to petroleum-based plastics. In this study, a refined method of recovering PHA from Cupriavidus necator biomass was proposed by incorporating the use of the yellow mealworm (the larval phase of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor) as partial purification machinery, followed by washing of the fecal pellets with distilled water and sodium hydroxide. The PHA contents of the cells used in this study were 55wt% (produced from palm olein) and 60 wt% (produced from waste animal fats). The treatment of distilled water and NaOH further increased the purity of PHA to 94%. In parallel, analysis of the 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing of the mealworm gut microbiome has revealed remarkable changes in the bacterial diversity, especially between the mealworms fed with cells produced from palm olein and waste animal fats. This biological recovery of PHA from cells is an attempt to move towards a green and sustainable process with the aim of reducing the use of harmful solvents and strong chemicals during polymer purification. The results obtained show that - purities of >90%, without a reduction in the molecular weight, can be obtained through this integrative biological recovery approach. In addition, this study has successfully shown that the cells, regardless of their origins, were readily consumed by the mealworms, and there is a correlation between the feed type and the mealworm gut microbiome.

Matched MeSH terms: Feces/microbiology

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