Abstract: The invention described herein relates generally to methods and compositions for administration to modulate the microbiome for the express purpose of increasing host interferon beta (IPN?) in mammals of target populations that are at risk for or are being treated for certain inflammatory conditions including infections, viral infection, autoimmune conditions, and recovery from sequalae associated with acute inflammatory insults. In particular, the invention provides a method of elevating the level of IPN? in the gut of a mammal by providing the mammal with a live bacterium and a prebiotic that the live bacterium is known to consume. Further, the invention described herein may relate to the administration of compositions found to increase the endogenous production of IPN? in the target mammal.

Abstract: The inventions described herein relate generally to the use of compositions to increase output of acetate and lactate while reducing pH and the levels of pathogenic bacteria and inflammation in the gut of a nursing infant mammal including humans. These compositions generally comprise one or more bacterial strains selected for their growth on mammalian milk oligosaccharides, a source of mammalian milk oligosaccharides, and, optionally, nutritive components required for the growth of that infant mammal.

Abstract: This disclosure describes compositions of one or more components including milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) complexes, milk fat globules (MFG), commensal organisms, SlgA, recombinant SlgA (rSlgA), triglycerides or oils, and mammalian milk oligosaccharides (MMO) and the use of such compositions. The reconstituted MFGM component of the disclosed invention may come from an animal source, particularly from a mammalian source, including from the processing of buttermilk.

Abstract: The inventions described herein relate generally to the use of compositions to increase output of acetate and lactate while reducing pH and the levels of pathogenic bacteria and inflammation in the gut of a nursing infant mammal including humans. These compositions generally comprise one or more bacterial strains selected for their growth on mammalian milk oligosaccharides, a source of mammalian milk oligosaccharides, and, optionally, nutritive components required for the growth of that infant mammal.

Abstract: Compositions comprising vitamin A, vitamin D, threonine, mammalian milk oligosaccharides, and Bifidobacterium, B. infantis cell wall components and their uses to treat or prevent diseases, support therapies including metabolic and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The inventions described herein relate generally to the use of compositions to increase output of particular metabolites in the gut of a nursing infant mammal including humans. These compositions generally comprise one or more bacterial strains selected for their growth on mammalian milk oligosaccharides, a source of mammalian milk oligosaccharides, and, optionally, nutritive components required for the growth of that infant mammal.

Abstract: The inventions described herein relate generally to the methods for monitoring the health of the mammalian gut by checking for whether dysbiotic parameters exceed a threshold level or not. In particular, this invention is directed to the use of parameters which correlate with the level of bifidobacteria, especially Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis in the mammalian colon.

Abstract: A collection and test apparatus is provided that comprises a collection wand, a tubular test housing and an annular seal member. The collection wand has a cylindrical stem and a collection tip. The collection tip has a cylindrical sample capture portion having one or more specimen capture grooves each having a groove volume and collectively providing a specimen capture volume. The annular seal member has a seal aperture sized to allow passage of the cylindrical sample capture portion of the collection tip. The seal member is fixedly positioned within the tubular housing transverse to its longitudinal axis and divides the housing into a proximal housing space and a distal housing space comprising a test chamber sized to receive an amount of reagent liquid. The collection wand is positionable in a test configuration where the collection tip is disposed within the test chamber and the stem extends through the aperture seal.

Abstract: The inventions described herein relate generally to the use of compositions to increase output of acetate and lactate while reducing pH and the levels of pathogenic bacteria and inflammation in the gut of a nursing infant mammal including humans. These compositions generally comprise one or more bacterial strains selected for their growth on mammalian milk oligosaccharides, a source of mammalian milk oligosaccharides, and, optionally, nutritive components required for the growth of that infant mammal.