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Published on: February 8, 2016
Potential probiotic thermophiles isolated from mice after compost ingestion
H Miyamoto1, M Seta, S Horiuchi
1Japan Eco-science (Nikkan Kagaku) Co. Ltd, Chuuou-ku, Chiba, Japan. hirokuni@je-s.com
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|January 15, 2013
Summary
Researchers isolated thermophilic bacteria, Bacillus thermoamylovorans and Bacillus coagulans, from compost. These potential probiotics enhanced gut immunity and feeding efficiency in mice, highlighting compost as a source of beneficial microbes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Animal Science
- Probiotics
Background:
- Marine animal compost fermented with thermophiles offers health benefits to fish and pigs.
- Identifying specific beneficial bacteria within this compost is crucial for understanding its physiological effects on host animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify thermophilic bacteria from marine animal compost.
- To evaluate the potential of these isolates as probiotics for modulating host animal physiology.
Main Methods:
- Compost extract administered orally to germ-free mice for 21 days.
- Culturable bacterial populations in caeca were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Isolated thermophilic bacteria (Bacillus thermoamylovorans and Bacillus coagulans) were administered to conventionally maintained mice.
Main Results:
- Two thermophilic bacterial species, related to Bacillus thermoamylovorans and Bacillus coagulans, were identified.
- These bacteria thrive at higher temperatures (50-55°C) but can grow at 37°C.
- Administration of isolates increased fecal immunoglobulin A levels and altered feeding efficiency in mice.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus thermoamylovorans and Bacillus coagulans are candidate probiotics for mammalian gut health.
- Agricultural compost can be a source of thermophilic bacteria with probiotic potential.
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