Abstract: The invention provides compositions that include isolated, non-pathogenic, hydrogen peroxide-producing bacterial strains and genetically engineered LDH-deficient bacterial strains, which can be used to whiten teeth and treat periodontal disease.

Abstract: Methods are described herein for generating beneficial compounds and/or materials such as bacteriocins that include contacting ‘challenger’ microbes with the ‘protagonist’ microorganisms. The challenger microbes do not directly manufacture the beneficial compounds and/or materials and instead stimulate the protagonist microorganisms to produce beneficial compounds and materials. The protagonist and/or challenger microorganisms can be administered to a subject so the beneficial compounds and/or materials can be made in vivo. Compositions and methods of using beneficial compounds and/or materials are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the preparation and purification of the sodium salt of HA from the fermentation broth of Streptococcus or Bacillus or from rooster combs, the sodium salt of HA obtained and purified with said process and pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutritional compositions comprising said sodium salt of HA.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are probiotic compositions comprising a mixture of at least two probiotic bacteria, including Streptococcus salivarius K12® (BLIS K12®) and at least a Lactobacillus bacteria. The Streptococcus salivarius K12® (BLIS K12®) may comprise Streptococcus salivarius K12® (BLIS K12®) BAA1024. The Lactobacillus bacteria may be selected from those known to be suitable for oral administration, for example from those known to improve recipient health, particularly recipient oral health.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for producing cheese with S. thermophilus and a urease inhibitor, and for producing cottage cheese with S. thermophilus that is partially or completely deficient in its ability to release ammonia from urea. The present invention also provides methods, compositions, and systems for reducing the amount of open texture (e.g., slits, cracks, or fractures) in gassy cheeses, such as cheddar cheese.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for targeted delivery of biotherapeutics are provided. The compositions comprise bile-sensitive St. thermophilus bacteria modified to release a biotherapeutic agent following bile exposure. Biotherapeutic agents released by the St. thermophilus bacteria disclosed herein include AQ and AQR rich peptides. Methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject a St. thermophilus bacterium modified to release a biotherapeutic agent following bile exposure. Administration of the St. thermophilus bacterium promotes a desired therapeutic response. The bacterium may be modified to express and release AQ or AQR rich peptides which subsequently inhibit cellular apoptosis or reduce mucosal damage. Thus, methods of the invention find use in treating or preventing a variety of gastrointestinal disorders including C. difficile infection and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Abstract: A concentration agent for microorganisms is provided that contains both lanthanum and carbonate. Additionally, articles that include the concentration agent and methods of concentrating a microorganism using the concentration agent are provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for reagents and methods for rapidly isolating viable microbial cells, including S. pneumoniae, from positive blood culture samples. The resulting microbial pellet can be used for both identification and growth-based methods such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The buffers described herein may contain a base solution, non-ionic detergents, thiols, and optionally, ammonium chloride. The disclosed methods provide a process for rapidly isolating and concentrating viable microorganism (s) from PBC samples using only one sample preparation tube and centrifugation while removing cellular debris from the mammalian blood cells that may interfere with identification methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacterial cell with texturizing property, starter cultures comprising the cell, and dairy products fermented with the starter culture.

Abstract: A probiotic organism which is capable of proliferation in iron-rich media, an environment which is generally unfavourable to probiotic organisms, is described.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inducing cell death in a gram positive bacterium and methods for reducing the proliferation of a gram positive bacterium that include contacting a gram positive bacterium with a dye (e.g., an azo dye) and a TarO inhibitor. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having a gram positive bacterial infection that include administering to a subject having a gram positive bacterial infection a dye (e.g., an azo dye) and a TarO inhibitor. Also provided are compositions containing a dye (e.g., an azo dye) and a TarO inhibitor, and kits containing at least one of these compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a Streptococcus dysgalactiae ID9103 strain having accession number KCTC11818BP, and a method of producing hyaluronic acid by culturing the strain to produce hyaluronic acid having an average molecular weight of 10,000,000 Da or more.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of pro biotic micro-organisms, in particular to the field of non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms. Embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions comprising probiotic microorganisms that were rendered non-replicating by extrusion. Such compositions may be used to treat or prevent disorders that are related to a compromised immune system.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an oral cavity composition which is nontoxic, excellent in plaque control, can prevent or treat onset of caries and periodontal disease caused by oral pathogens as well as can prevent or eliminate bad breath. The invention provides an oral cavity composition containing a lactic acid bacterium, Streptococcus faecalis as an active ingredient, the oral cavity composition wherein the lactic acid bacterium, Streptococcus faecalis is Streptococcus faecalis WB2000 strain and the oral cavity composition which is a non-aqueous oral cavity composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of freeze dried microorganism composition, comprising the step of (i) subjecting a frozen composition comprising micro-organisms to a drying pressure of from 133 Pa [1000 mT] to 338 Pa [2540 mT] such that at the drying pressure the frozen composition is dried by sublimation of water present in the frozen composition to provide a freeze dried composition comprising the micro-organisms.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new competence stimulating peptide identified in Firmicutes, in particular Streptococcus, and more preferably S. thermophilus and methods of producing transformation competent Firmicutes, in particular Streptococcus, and more preferably S. thermophilus bacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising one or more isolated LDH-deficient mutans streptococcus strains and one or more isolated S. oralis strains and/or one or more isolated S. uberis strains. Compositions of the invention are useful to maintain oral health, by for example treating and/or preventing one or more symptoms of dental caries, periodontitis and/or other oral cavity diseases or wounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anhydrous mixture of biologically active probiotic bacteria for topical administration and methods of making thereof. The mixture of the invention is used for hydrating the skin, reducing and preventing fine lines and wrinkles, treating acne and decreasing skin inflammation.

Abstract: The bacteriolytic effect of a bacterial cell wall lytic enzyme can be increased by the addition of a surfactant to the enzyme. As a result, the time required for lysis of cariogenic bacterium with the bacterial cell wall lytic enzyme can be shortened, and the practical utility of the bacterial cell wall lytic enzyme (such as automutanolysin) as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for dental caries can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the viscosity of a microorganism-containing suspension or concentrate and a method for obtaining a microorganism concentrate, wherein a monosaccharide and/or disaccharide and/or sugar alcohol is added to said microorganism-containing suspension or concentrate.

Abstract: Provided is a Streptococcus dysgalactiae ID9103 strain having accession number KCTC11818BP, and a method of producing hyaluronic acid by culturing the strain to produce hyaluronic acid having an average molecular weight of 10,000,000 Da or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing purified bacteria-containing concentrates, comprising at least the steps of adding an aqueous solution to a first bacteria-containing concentrate to provide a bacteria-containing suspension, wherein the volume of the added aqueous solution is in the range of 0.3 liters to 10 liters per liter of said first bacteria-containing concentrate; and concentrating said bacteria-containing suspension to provide a second bacteria-containing concentrate. Further, the present invention relates to the purified concentrates per se.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extract from bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus, Moraxella, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus. The extract is useful as a treatment for indications such as respiratory disorders, compositions comprising the extract, and processes of making the extract from media that do not pose a risk of prion diseases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses culture medium unit doses for cultivating microorganisms comprising at least two compositions, each composition packaged in a composition unit dose of a predetermined amount, the composition unit doses being used for combining one of each composition unit dose forming the culture medium unit dose. The composition unit doses being packaged separately and individually until a time the culture medium unit dose is to be prepared for use for cultivation of microorganisms, wherein the time one of each composition unit dose are combined thereby forming the culture medium unit dose. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing the composition unit doses, and a kit for cultivating microorganisms, the kit comprising a combination of the composition unit doses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetic cluster of strains of S. thermophilus, wherein the milk fermented with said strains is highly viscous and weakly ropy. The invention also relates to a genetic cluster of strains of S. thermophilus, wherein the genome of said strains comprises a CRISPR locus having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID No 1.

Abstract: Provided is a novel lactic acid bacterium strain which is capable of suppressing production of volatile sulfur compounds by oral bacteria, has no cariogenicity and no causative role in infective endocarditis, and is safe in an oral cavity, and provided is an agent for preventing, improving and/or treating oral diseases and discomforts by use of the bacterial strain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a zinc-enriched biomass comprising living or subsequently killed micro-organisms, selected from the group consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and combinations thereof, a method for the manufacture of said zinc-enriched biomass, as well as food preparations, nutraceutic products, functional foods, cosmetic and cosmeceutic products, and food supplements, comprising the said biomass. Furthermore, new micro-organism strains are described which are able to concentrate zinc within the cell in very high amounts and therefore are particularly suitable for use in the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses different specific bacterial strains isolated from individuals without caries which are characterised in that they present inhibitory activity against cariogenic organisms. The invention also discloses a process for isolating said strains, as well as bioactive peptides, such as anti-microbial peptides of human and bacterial origin, which also show anti-cariogenic activity. Moreover, the present invention also discloses pharmaceutical and/or probiotic/prebiotic compositions, functional foods, mouthwashes, toothpaste, chewing gum, etc., that comprise at least one of the strains and/or at least one of the bioactive peptides described in the invention, or a combination thereof, which are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of infectious diseases of the buccal cavity, preferably caries.

Abstract: Described are Streptococcus suis infections in pigs, vaccines directed against those infections and tests for diagnosing S. suis infections. Provided is an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid encoding a capsular gene cluster of S. suis or a gene or gene fragment derived therefrom. Further provided is a nucleic acid probe or primer allowing species or serotype-specific detection of S. suis. Also provided is a Streptococcus suis antigen and vaccine derived therefrom.

Abstract: A novel lactic acid bacterium strain is found, which has a high IgA production-inducing ability and a high immunostimulating activity, and belongs to the genus Enterococcus. Thus, provided is an excellent lactic acid bacterium preparation for foods or feeds, which has a high enteric colonization rate. Specifically disclosed are: a novel lactic acid bacterium Enterococcus faecium NHRD IHARA (FERM BP-11090) which has a high IgA production-inducing ability and a high immunostimulating activity; and a lactic acid bacterium preparation for enhancing the production of immunoglobulin A, which comprises a culture of the bacterium strain, an extract of the bacterium strain, or a product of any treatment of cells of the bacterium strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and methods for transforming a bacterium belonging to the Streptococcus genus by natural competence and their use in the food and feed industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for producing cheese with S. thermophilus and a urease inhibitor, and for producing cottage cheese with S. thermophilus that is partially or completely deficient in its ability to release ammonia from urea. The present invention also provides methods, compositions, and systems for reducing the amount of open texture (e.g., slits, cracks, or fractures) in gassy cheeses, such as cheddar cheese.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a fermented dairy product comprising (a) subjecting a milk base to fermentation with a starter comprising of a weakly post-acidifying bacterial culture, until a desired pH value in the range of 4.0 and 5.0 is reached (end of fermentation), (b) optionally cooling the fermented milk base obtained in step (a); and (c) packaging the fermented dairy product.

Abstract: Safe and effective live vaccines against bacteria infecting aquatic animals were created through the induction of novobiocin-resistance in liquid culture and novobiocin- and rifampicin-resistance in liquid culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial inocula and in particular to standardised inocula for producing reference cultures of microorganisms. The invention has been developed primarily for use as a solid, disc-shaped, inoculum and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of bacterial cultures and specifically relates to the optimization of culture conditions to improve the production of bacterial capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus strains in fed batch culture and to novel purification methods suitable for production scale purification of bacterial capsular polysaccharides from Streptococcus strains resulting in higher levels of purity than previously obtained for production scale.

Abstract: The present invention provides attenuated S. suis strains that elicit an immune response in animal S. suis, compositions comprising said strains, methods of vaccination against S. suis, and kits for use with such methods and compositions. The invention further provides novel, mutagenically-induced mutations in S. suis genes, which are useful in the production of novel attenuated S. suis bacterial strains.

Abstract: A process for concentrating microorganism-containing suspensions comprising (a) centrifuging a microorganism-containing suspension to provide a first microorganism-containing concentrate and a supernatant liquid; (b) filtering said first microorganism-containing concentrate, to provide a permeate and a second microorganism-containing concentrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a zinc-enriched biomass comprising living or subsequently killed micro-organisms, selected from the group consisting of Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and combinations thereof, a method for the manufacture of said zinc-enriched biomass, as well as food preparations, nutraceutic products, functional foods, cosmetic and cosmeceutic products, and food supplements, comprising the said biomass. Furthermore, new micro-organism strains are described which are able to concentrate zinc within the cell in very high amounts and therefore are particularly suitable for use in the method of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and emerging serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae designated serotype 6C, and assays and monoclonal antibodies useful in identifying same. Also disclosed is a novel pneumococcal polysaccharide with the repeating unit {2) glucose 1 (1?3) glucose 2 (1?3) rhamnose (1?3) ribitol (5?phosphate}. This new serotype may be included in pneumococcal vaccines.

Abstract: Culturally modified lactic acid bacterial cells containing a porphyrin compound and their use in a novel method of reducing the oxygen content in a food and feed product or starting material is provided and means of improving the shelf life and/or quality of such products by using the culturally modified bacterial cells. Such culturally modified cells are useful in the manufacturing of a food and a feed product and for the manufacturing of metabolites produced by modified cells.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism which is novel at the elemental composition level, and to provide a technique for providing such a microorganism. The present inventor has succeeded in causing a microorganism to efficiently contain a non-essential element by decreasing the content of an essential nutrient source for the microorganism, a C source, an N source, a P source, or an S source, and by adding an X compound containing the non-essential element as a constitutive element in a manner to make up for the decreased amount, and then culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of nutrition, more particularly to the use of probiotics in nutrition. In particular the present invention relates to the use of a probiotic or of a mixture of probiotics in the manufacture of a nutritional composition or a medicament to act the colon in a pre- or post surgical environment.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of probiotic micro-organisms, in particular to the field of non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms. Embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions comprising probiotic micro-organisms that were rendered non-replicating by extrusion. Such compositions may be used to treat or prevent disorders that are related to a compromised immune system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses culture medium unit doses for cultivating microorganisms comprising at least two compositions, each composition packaged in a composition unit dose of a predetermined amount, said composition unit doses being used for combining one of each composition unit dose forming said culture medium unit dose. The composition unit doses being packaged separately and individually until a time said culture medium unit dose is to be prepared for use for cultivation of microorganisms, wherein said time one of each composition unit dose are combined thereby forming said culture medium unit dose. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing the composition unit doses, and a kit for cultivating microorganisms, the kit comprising a combination of the composition unit doses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and emerging serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae designated serotype 6D, and assays and monoclonal antibodies useful in identifying same. Also disclosed is a novel pneumococcal polysaccharide with the repeating unit?2) glucose 1 (1?3) glucose 2 (1?3) rhamnose (1?4) ribitol (5?phosphate. This new serotype may be included in pneumococcal vaccines.

Abstract: A method for making at least 2 kg (dry weight) of a lactic acid bacteria composition formulated with from 1% to 50% of ascorbate or ascorbic acid (w/w?dry matter) as antioxidant, wherein the pH is controlled so 3?pH?8 during at least the majority of the fermentation process by addition of a base not comprising NH3 (ammonia).

Abstract: A stable, pellet-frozen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture comprises at least one additive compound in a commercial relevant package. The pellet-frozen culture has at least 50 g frozen material and a content of viable bacteria of at least 109 colony forming units per gram of frozen material. The individual pellets of the frozen culture do not stick together and remain as individual pellets, when stored at about ?46° C., for at least 7 to 14 days.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising prebiotic and probiotic components and is used to reduce elevated levels of nitrogenous waste products and to promote a healthy bowel microenvironment.

Abstract: The invention relates to Streptococcus suis infection in pigs, vaccines directed against those infections and tests for diagnosing Streptococcus suis infections. The invention provides an isolated or recombinant nucleic acid encoding a capsular gene cluster of Streptococcus suis or a gene or gene fragment derivated thereof. The invention further provides a nucleic acid probe or primer allowing species or serotype-specific detection of Streptococcus suis. The invention also provides a Streptococcus suis antigen and vaccine derived thereof.