Abstract: The present invention provides a triple vital bacteria composition, including: powder of Bifidobacterium longum, powder of Lactobacillus acidophilus, and powder of Streptococcus faecalis. The present invention further provides a method for preparing the above triple vital bacteria composition, as well as the protection agents, the fermenting culture medium and the seed culture medium used therein.

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: An embodiment is a method of preventing, mitigating or treating Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) that includes administering an effective amount of a medicament comprised of Streptococcus oralis 89a to a human to prevent, mitigate or treat PANDAS.

Abstract: The invention relates to the area of health-beneficial preparations and production methods thereof, in particular to the use of thermally pre-treated Lactobacillus preparations having specific bonding capacity for Streptococcus mutans for caries prophylaxis. The invention further relates to the Lactobacillus preparations and thermal pasteurization.

Abstract: Probiotic microorganisms are micro encapsulated by dispersing the probiotic microorganism in an aqueous suspension of a film forming protein and a carbohydrate; in an oil in water emulsion of a film forming protein and a carbohydrate and a fat; or in an oil which is subsequently dispersed in a film forming protein and a carbohydrate. The emulsion or suspension may be dried to form a powder. The probiotic may be dispersed in oil and then emulsified with the aqueous suspension and then dried to produce an encapsulated oil be dried to produce a powder. Oil suspended probiotics may be preferred where the probiotic is water sensitive. The preferred protein is casein or whey protein and the carbohydrate may be a resistant starch or a saccharide with a reducing sugar group. Where the probiotic is oxygen sensitive the protein carbohydrate is heated to create Maillard reaction products in the encapsulating film.

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 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 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 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 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 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: The invention relates to a composition for modulating the immune responses induced by Gram negative bacteria, potential pathogenic Gram positive bacteria and/or their derivatives, comprising lipoteichoic acid from lactic acid bacteria as an active ingredient. It also relates to the use of a lipoteichoic acid from lactic acid bacteria as an active ingredient and/or lactic acid bacteria producing it and/or its supernatant of culture, in the manufacture of a medicament, an oral or topical product for cosmetic, dermatological or ophtalmological applications, a food or petfood composition for modulating bacterial colonization, immune responses and decreasing the inflammatory processes associated with bacterially-mediated disease and infection in the gastrointestinal tract, bone, skin, eye, ear, lung and oral cavity. The invention also relates to lipoteichoic acid selected thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses to 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: The present invention relates to antibodies, binding portions thereof, or probes that bind specifically to glucosyltransferase enzymes, and uses of these agents for detecting glucosyltransferase enzyme(s) in a sample and for diagnosing predisposition of a human child to early childhood caries. The present invention also relates to a kit for detecting a glucosyltransferase enzyme in an oral sample from an animal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for extracting markers from biological samples, and to systems, devices, kits and reagents for use in such methods. The invention is also to methods, kits, reagents and compositions for measuring a plurality of different organism types in a sample. One of the specific advantages of the present invention is the ability to simultaneously extract more than one microorganism or viral particle marker in one volume from a single sample containing a complex biological matrix.

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: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to the use of a novel competitive exclusion bacterial composition to prevent or reduce Salmonella or Campylobacter colonization in poultry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hyaluronic acid producing strain Streptococcus sp. KL0188 and a method for purifying hyaluronic acid, more particularly to a Streptococcus sp. KL0188 that does not express hyaluronidase and is non-hemolytic, and a method for purifying hyaluronic acid using an aromatic adsorption resin and an active carbon.

Abstract: A lactic bacteria strain that is exogenous to the oral microflora is selected for its ability to adhere the pellicle of the teeth and to produce a growth inhibition factor. This strain is used for the preparation of a composition intended for reducing dental plaque and for treating or preventing root caries and other diseases related to Actinomyces naeslundii in mammals.

Abstract: Describes a new strain of Streptococcus thermophilus ssp. salivarius (deposited on 4 Dec. 2001 at the DSMZ—Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany, with accession No. DSM 14667) and edible compositions, drugs and veterinary products containing it. The use of the said strain is particularly effective in the prevention/treatment of hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) and in nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for extracting markers from biological samples, and to systems, devices, kits and reagents for use in such methods. The invention is also to methods, kits, reagents and compositions for measuring a plurality of different organism types in a sample. One of the specific advantages of the present invention is the ability to simultaneously extract more than one microorganism or viral particle marker in one volume from a single sample containing a complex biological matrix.

Abstract: A microbe-specific medium for detection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci in a test sample within 24 hours and preferably within 18 hours. The testing medium provides a selective growth medium for vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and includes specific nutrient indicators which only the target microbe can significantly metabolize and use for growth. The nutrient indicator contain a nutrient moiety and a detectable moiety linked together by a covalent bond. The nutrient indicators produce detectable signals only if the nutrient indicators are hydrolyzed by the Enterococci specific enzymes including ?-glucosidase and pyrrolidonyl arylamidase.

Abstract: To provide a pre-treatment kit for saliva and a pre-treatment method for saliva for identification and quantitation of mutans streptococci in human saliva by the immunochromatographic method, which can eliminate mucin in saliva and prevent mutans streptococci from chaining and aggregation in a simple method, the pre-treatment kit is constructed of (A) an aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide, (B) a tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer solution containing tartaric acid and/or citric acid, and (C) a nonionic surfactant and/or an amphoteric surfactant, wherein the component (C) is previously mixed with or prepared separately from the component (A) and/or the component (B), and further (D) a pH indicator having a color transition range of pH 5 to 9 is previously mixed with or prepared separately from the component (A) or the component (A) having the component (C) previously mixed therewith, and/or the component (B) or the component (B) having the component (C) previously mixed therewith.

Abstract: The use of sphingomyelinase to increase the levels of skin and mucosal ceramides, as well as dermatological and cosmetic compositions containing same which are suitable for topical application are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns lactic acid bacteria with anxiolytic properties and not inducing sedative effect. Said lactic acid bacteria are useful in particular for preparing foods or medicines.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for detection of bacteria based on recognition and infection of one or more selected strains of bacteria with bacteriophage genetically modified to cause production of an inducer molecule in the bacterium following phage infection. The inducer molecule is released from the infected bacterium and is detected by genetically modified bacterial bioreporter cells designed to emit bioluminescence upon stimulation by the inducer. Autoamplification of the bioluminescent signal permits detection of low levels of bacteria without sample enrichment. Also disclosed are methods of detection for select bacteria, and kits for detection of select bacteria based on the described technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper, utilizing glucans, produced by the glucosyltransferase B, C or D enzyme of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to currently utilized modified starches and are particularly useful in the coating step of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step.

Abstract: A microbe-specific medium for detection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci in a test sample within 24 hours and preferably within 18 hours. The testing medium provides a selective growth medium for vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and includes specific nutrient indicators which only the target microbe can significantly metabolize and use for growth. The nutrient indicator contain a nutrient moiety and a detectable moiety linked together by a covalent bond. The nutrient indicators produce detectable signals only if the nutrient indicators are hydrolyzed by the Enterococci specific enzymes including &bgr;-glucosidase and pyrrolidonyl arylamidase.

Abstract: A method of improving sleep in a mammal having a sleep disorder is disclosed. The method includes identifying the mammal having a sleep disorder and then administering Lactobacillus acidophilus CNCM I-2274, Lactobacillus acidophilus CNCM I-2132, Lactobacillus helveticus CNCM I-2275, Streptococcus thermophilus CNCM I-1520, Streptococcus thermophilus CNCM I-2272 or mixtures thereof. The method increases the length of the non rapid eye movement sleep phase and decreases the length of the rapid eye movement sleep phase. The bacteria can be administered in an orally consumable food product or a dietary supplement.

Abstract: This invention provides a microbe composition comprising three viable and beneficial lactic acid producing bacteria of new strains: Bifidobacterium longum 6-1 (CCTCC Number M 98003), Lactobacillus acidophilus YIT 2004 (CCTCC Number M 98004) and Sterptococcus faecalis YIT 0027 (CCTCC Number M 98005). This invention also provides the materials to protect the viability of the lactic acid producing bacteria in lyophilized form and the method to prepare the composition. Finally, this invention provides various uses of the composition.

Abstract: A microbe-specific medium for detection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci in a test sample within 24 hours and preferably within 18 hours. The testing medium provides a selective growth medium for vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and includes specific nutrient indicators which only the target microbe can significantly metabolize and use for growth. The nutrient indicator contain a nutrient moiety and a detectable moiety linked together by a covalent bond. The nutrient indicators produce detectable signals only if the nutrient indicators are hydrolyzed by the Enterococci specific enzymes including &bgr;-glucosidase and pyrrolidonyl arylamidase.

Abstract: Lactoferrin tablets comprising as the active ingredients lactoferrin and lactulose and having a horizontal hardness of at least 4 kg and a vertical hardness of at least 3 kg; and lactoferrin tablets comprising as the active ingredients a microbial cell powder of at least one microorganism selected from among lactic acid bacteria, lactoferrin and lactulose and having a horizontal hardness of at least 4 kg and a vertical hardness of at least 3 kg. These tablets can be produced by using the conventional tableting apparatuses and yet have high hardness. Thus, they do not adhere to the inner wall of the oral cavity and have a favorable taste. Since no excessive tableting pressure is needed in the production process, moreover, these tablets can contain much viable cells of lactic acid bacteria, though they are in the form of rigid tablet.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper, utilizing glucans, produced by the glucosyltransferase B, C or D enzyme of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to currently utilized modified starches and are particularly useful in the coating step of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step.

Abstract: An assay for compounds useful in the treatment of a bacterial induced coagulation disorder has the following steps: a) incubating a plasma sample with a strain of bacteria; b) adding a compound to be assayed to the plasma sample before, during or after step (a); c) conducting an activated partial thromboplastin time test; d) determining the clotting time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay device with an increased range of sensitivity without an increase in the clearance time or the occurrence of false positive results. The indicator reagent for the analyte is located in both a separate labeling reagent region and a discrete zone of the analyte detection region.

Abstract: To reduce the effects of the contaminants in the measurement of microorganisms and the reduction of the time necessary for the measurement. Measurement is performed of the microorganism prior to and following culture, and the difference between the two is found. This prevents errors caused by the effect of contaminants contained in the specimens. Since the measurement of the microorganism is performed by means of a flow cytometer, the microorganisms can be measured even when the culture period is short. Moreover, the measurements are accurate, since the contaminants are not measured. Furthermore, the growth form of the microorganisms can be determined by measuring the changes in the intensity of the light emission over the duration of emission of the forward scattered light detected by means of a flow cytometer.

Abstract: A culture medium which is completely free of chemical additives and which can be used for the individual culture of yeast and of lactic acid bacteria or for the coculture of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria is prepared. The preparation of the medium is carried out by a process comprising making in a bioreactor a first medium using a dilute aqueous mixture containing a yeast autolysate and whole-meal or wheat germ, starch and gluten. Alpha-amylase enzymes and amyloglucosidase are added thereto for hydrolyzing the starch into a sugar. Furthermore proteolytic enzymes of food quality are also added for hydrolyzing gluten into aromatic peptides and free amino acids for microbial growth. The first medium is further sterilized and table salt may be added, however, no other chemical additives are ever added to the first medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of systemically administering a vaccine comprising live attenuated bacteria of the species Streptococcus equi in order to protect against Streptococcus equi infection.

Abstract: A new bacteria species within the genus Streptococcus is disclosed, designated as Streptococcus sp PT DSM 8747. From this bacteria species a lipoteichoic acid LTA can be isolated which has a lipid anchor, galacto-furanosyl-beta-1-3-glycerol with different rests of fatty acids esterified to the two adjacent hydroxy groups in the glycerol moiety and a non-glycosylated, linear, unbranched GroP chain. The hydrophilic backbone may comprise 10 glycerophosphate units esterified with D-alanine in an extent of about 30%. The invention further concerns a pharmaceutical composition with the LTA, optionally together with a monokine and/or hyaluronidase, a method of treating cancer comprising administrating an antitumor effective amount thereof, a method of producing the LTA, and degradation products of the LTA and their use.

Abstract: The invention provides infB polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding in polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing infB polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: Supercapsulated strains of group A and C streptococci are provided. The strains are used in the production of hyaluronic acid with a molecular weight exceeding 6 million.

Abstract: Viruses of the family poxviridae such as vaccinia or fowlpox viruses are modified to contain a gene which expresses a protein corresponding to the conserved exposed region of the M6 protein. The modified products are useful as vaccines against streptococcal infection.

Abstract: A purified pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) comprises a truncated form of the PspA protein which is immunoprotective and contains the protective epitopes of PspA. The PspA protein is soluble in physiologic solution and lacks at least the cell membrane anchor region of the whole protein. The protein is formed by insertion-duplication of mutagenesis of S. pneumoniae with pspA gene and expression of the truncated protein into the growth medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing pure lactic acid or a salt thereof by fermentation. The preparation process comprises bioreactor refreshing cycle and a lactic acid production cycle, wherein during the production cycle a solution comprising substantially pure feedstock is recycled through a bioreactor containing refreshed microorganism cells, the lactic acid produced being neutralized by adding an alkali, and the recycling is discontinued when the alkali consumption is substantially diminished, and during the refreshing cycle the microorganism cells are refreshed by recycling through the bioreactor a carbohydrate solution enriched with nutrients, thus replenishing the capacity of the microorganisms to produce an acid, and recovery of lactate or conversion thereof into lactic acid or other salt.

Abstract: The invention provides IgA Fc binding protein polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding IgA Fc binding protein polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing IgA Fc binding protein polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for feed use containing a mixture of lyophilized live bacteria comprising at least two species of bacteria selected from Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum and at least two species of bacteria selected from Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus faecium and one or more oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal test systems and methods of use thereof for identifying a microorganism among at least two groups of widely divergent microorganisms. The universal test system comprises a predetermined combination of non-redundant biochemical tests comprising a substrate for at least one enzyme wherein the substrate, if acted on by the enzyme results in formation of a detectable product. Detectable products from the combination of biochemical tests are then used to identify the microorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a compound capable of disrupting the addition of choline onto a bacterial cell surface component comprising incubating a sample of bacteria in a solution containing choline in the presence or absence of a test compound, and assessing the effect of the test compound on the addition of choline onto the bacterial cell surface component, wherein a lower level of choline on the cell surface component in the presence of the test compound, compared with the level of choline on the cell surface component in the absence of the test compound, is an indication that the test compound inhibits the addition of choline onto the cell surface component.

Abstract: Disclosed are DNA segments encoding hyaluronic acid synthase which are employed to construct recombinant cells useful in the production of hyaluronate synthase or hyaluronic acid (HA) the recombinant DNA segment identified in FIG. 5. In preferred aspects, chromosomal DNA from Streptococcus equisimilis is partially digested with EcoRI and the resultant fragments are ligated to form recombinant vectors. These vectors are useful in the transformation of host cells such as E. coli and or Streptococcal hosts. Resultant transformants are screened by the novel screening assays to identify colonies which have incorporated HA synthase DNA in a form that is being actively transcribed into the corresponding HA synthase enzyme. These colonies may be selected and employed in the production of the enzyme itself or its product, HA. The recombinant DNA segment identified in FIG. 5 is then inserted into a recombinant Streptococcal host for the production of hyaluronic acid (HA).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing several different bacteria including Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria is disclosed. The bacteria are present in the composition at a total concentration of 1×1011 to 1×1013 per gram. Further, methods of using the pharmaceutical are disclosed which include treatment of a gastrointestinal disorder and hypercholestermia. Also a method for modulating a host's immune response is disclosed.