Abstract: A dispensing tube containing a selected material, such as bacterial cells or other additive, on the inside of the tube. The tube is wrapped and sealed in an outer watertight envelope until time for usage. At the time of usage the outer envelope is taken away and when the tubular device penetrates a solution container such as a beverage or an enteral solution, the selected material is added to the solution while the solution flows through the tube.

Abstract: The antibiotic reuterin is obtained by cultivating strains of Lactobacillus reuteri under controlled conditions. Reuterin has inhibitory activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, against the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and against the protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi. Reuterin-producing strains are identified by growth inhibition of susceptible microorganisms in the presence of glycerol or glyceraldehyde. Lactobacillus reuteri strains may be used for reducing the number of non-Lactobacillus reuteri bacteria in food items and in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals.

Abstract: A therapeutic method of treating diarrhea of a patient, such as that caused by rotavirus in which a liquid suspension of one or more strains of Lactobacillus reuteni is administered to the patient. Preferably the L. reuteri is isolated from an animal of the same species as the animal to which the therapy is being given. Preferably at least about 10.sup.7 cells of L. reuteri, and most preferably, at least 10.sup.8 cells, are administrated per day, over a period of one to seven days, depending on the severity of the gastroenteritis. The result is a rapid, dramatic reduction in animal's diarrhea and vomiting, previously not found using other therapies.

Abstract: A method of reducing symptoms associated with cryptosporidia infection in mammals including humans in which L. reuteri cells are administered to the mammal in an amount sufficient to reduce diarrhea in the animal to a normal level. Daily administration as soon as cryptosporidia infection symptom are observed optimizes results. The L. reuteri cells may also be administered prophylactically to a mammal before exposure to cryptosporidia. The cells may be administered suspended in a liquid or in dry form.

Abstract: The antibiotic reuterin is obtained by cultivating strains of Lactobacillus reuteri under controlled conditions. Reuterin has inhibitory activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, against the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and against the protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi. Reuterin producing strains are identified by growth inhibition of suspectible microorganisms in the presence of glycerol or glyceraldehyde.