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Persistence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in New Zealand broilers after discontinuation of avoparcin use.

Large amounts of tylosin, zinc-bacitracin, and avilamycin are currently used as prophylactics in New Zealand broiler production. Avoparcin was also used from 1977 to 2000. A total of 382 enterococci were isolated from 213 fecal samples (147 individual poultry farms) using enrichment broths plated on m-Enterococcus agar lacking antimicrobials. These isolates were then examined to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Of the 382 isolates, 5.8% (22 isolates) were resistant to vancomycin, and 64.7% were resistant to erythromycin. The bacitracin MIC was > or =256 microg/ml for 98.7% of isolates, and the avilamycin MIC was > or =8 microg/ml for 14.9% of isolates. No resistance to ampicillin or gentamicin was detected. Of the 22 vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) isolates, 18 (81.8%) were Enterococcus faecalis, 3 were Enterococcus faecium, and 1 was Enterococcus durans. However, when the 213 fecal enrichment broths were plated on m-Enterococcus agar containing vancomycin, 86 VRE were recovered; 66% of these isolates were E. faecium and the remainder were E. faecalis. Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium isolates were found to have heterogenous pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns of SmaI-digested DNA, whereas the PFGE patterns of vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis isolates were identical or closely related, suggesting that this VRE clone is widespread throughout New Zealand. These data demonstrate that vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis persists in the absence and presence of vancomycin-selective pressure, thus explaining the dominance of this VRE clone even in the absence of avoparcin.

Animal Husbandry↗

Stable-isotope method for determining the gastrointestinal handling of [1-13C]palmitic acid.

The 13C enrichment in individual fatty acids extracted from human feces following the oral administration of [1-13C]palmitic acid has been determined using a novel approach based upon gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The method was established and tested for precision and repeatability. Analytical precision was determined from 10 repeated injections of a sample containing 16:0 and 18:0 with levels of delta 13C abundance measured at -34.01 +/- 0.60 and -23.62 +/- 0.95 delta per mil (parts per thousand) (/1000), respectively (mean +/- SD). For the repeatability study, measurement of enrichment of the same mixture of unlabeled fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) standards (13:0, 14:0, 16:0, and 18:0) was found to have standard deviations (0.45, 0.56, 1.46 and 1.54/1000, respectively). When labeled [1-13C]palmitic acid was serially diluted with naturally enriched palmitic acid, a linear relationship was obtained to a dilution of 10% enriched compound (530/1000). FAME were prepared from two fecal samples from a normal healthy adult; the first, a baseline specimen, containing no added label and the second, followed a single oral dose of [1-13C]palmitic acid and was enriched. Enrichment in 13C was confined to the solvent-soluble fraction following lipid extraction, and was only identified with prior acidification. The enrichments were measured in triplicate, baseline sample -32.66 +/- 0.5/1000, enriched sample +268.61 +/- 8.0/1000. Enrichment was restricted to the labeled species consumed, 16:0. The methodology described here allows for the separation of compounds prior to the determination of enrichment and can be utilized to contribute to a more complete description of the gastrointestinal handling of labeled substrates than previously obtained.

Carbon Isotopes↗

A mass balance study to evaluate the biotransformation and excretion of [14C]-triamcinolone acetonide following oral administration.

The principle objective of this study was to characterize the absorption, metabolism, and disposition of orally administered [14C]-triamcinolone acetonide. Six healthy male subjects each received a single 100 microCi (approximately 800 micrograms) oral dose of [14C]-triamcinolone acetonide. Plasma, urine, and fecal samples were collected at selected times and analyzed for triamcinolone acetonide and [14C]-derived radioactivity. Plasma protein binding of triamcinolone acetonide was also determined. Metabolite profiling and identification were carried out in plasma and excreta. Principle metabolites were assessed for activity with in vitro anti-inflammatory models. [14C]-triamcinolone acetonide was found to be systemically absorbed following oral administration. The presystemic metabolism and clearance of triamcinolone acetonide were extensive, with only a small fraction of the total plasma radioactivity being made up of triamcinolone acetonide. Little to no parent compound was detected in the plasma 24 hours after administration. Most of the urinary and fecally [14C]-derived radioactivity was also excreted within 24 and 72 hours postdose, respectively. Mean plasma protein binding of triamcinolone acetonide was constant, predictable, and a relatively low 68% over a 24-fold range of plasma concentrations. Three principle metabolites of triamcinolone acetonide were profiled in plasma, urine, and feces. These metabolites were identified as 6 beta-hydroxy triamcinolone, 21-carboxylic acid triamcinolone acetonide, and 6 beta-hydroxy-21-oic triamcinolone acetonide. All three metabolites failed to show any concentration-dependent effects in anti-inflammatory models evaluating IL-5-sustained eosinophil viability and IgE-induced basophil histamine release.

Administration, Oral↗

Dietary risk factors and colonic pH and mineral concentrations in horses with enterolithiasis.

A prospective, unmatched case control study was performed to identify dietary and environmental risk factors for enterolithiasis in horses in California and to determine whether colonic ingesta analyses differed between horses with and without enteroliths. Forty-three horses with enterolithiasis were compared with 19 horses with surgical colic attributable to nonstrangulating obstruction of the colon without enteroliths. Colonic ingesta samples were collected at surgery from horses with enteroliths and control horses. Colonic pH and colonic concentrations of magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, sodium, calcium, potassium, and nitrogen were measured. Questionnaires were distributed to owners to determine diet and management practices. Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney tests were used to evaluate differences in pH, dry matter content, percent nitrogen, and mineral content. Associations between dietary and management risk factors and enterolith occurrence were quantified by odds ratios. Mean pH of colonic contents from horses with enterolithiasis was significantly higher than for control horses. Horses with enterolithiasis had significantly lower percent dry matter in colonic fecal samples and higher mean mineral concentrations than controls. On the basis of reported feeding and management practices, horses with enterolithiasis were fed a significantly higher proportion of alfalfa in their diet and were less likely to have daily access to pasture grass than horses without enteroliths. Results suggest that decreasing alfalfa consumption and allowing daily access to pasture grazing might reduce the risk of enterolithiasis. Dietary modifications promoting acidification of colonic contents and dilution of minerals might be beneficial as preventive measures for enterolithiasis in horses.

Animal Feed↗

Effects of repeat fenbendazole treatment in dairy calves with giardiosis on cyst excretion, clinical signs and production.

In this 90-day study, 60 male Holstein dairy calves were experimentally infected with Giardia duodenalis. Calves were randomly blocked by weight into treatment (N=30) and placebo (N=30) groups. Beginning on study Day 0, calves in the treatment group were administered an oral dose of 5mg/kg of fenbendazole once daily for three consecutive days. Calves in the placebo group received a daily oral treatment of 5 ml of saline for 3 days. These treatments were repeated on Days 30 and 60 of the study. Fecal samples were collected from calves once per week and examined for the presence of Giardia cysts. Calves were monitored daily for clinical signs of intestinal disease and all episodes of diarrhea recorded. Calves were weighed once per week and total feed intake, on a dry matter basis, was calculated daily. Following each treatment, the number of calves shedding Giardia cysts in the fenbendazole group was reduced (p<0.001) compared to the saline group. Also, calves in the fenbendazole group had fewer cysts (p<0.05) detected in their feces following treatment compared with calves that received saline. Within 2 weeks post treatment, the number of infected animals and fecal Giardia cysts returned to placebo levels. This pattern of reinfection was consistent after every treatment period. Calves receiving fenbendazole had fewer total days with diarrhea (p<0.01) and the average number of days each calf had diarrhea was reduced (p<0.05), compared to the placebo group. There were no differences in mean body weight, average daily gain, or feed intake between the treatment or placebo groups. This study demonstrates that fenbendazole is an effective treatment for giardiosis, resulting in a clinical benefit and reducing the number of infective cysts shed by calves. However, this treatment regime had no impact on production parameters and reinfection occurred rapidly in these calves.

Animals↗

Human safety and pharmacokinetics of a single intramuscular dose of a novel spectinomycin analog, trospectomycin (U-63,366F).

In this study, local and systemic tolerance and pharmacokinetics of trospectomycin sulfate in human beings were evaluated for the first time. Trospectomycin sulfate (U-63,366F; trospectomycin) or sterile saline was administered to 96 healthy male volunteers in doses ranging from 0.25 ml (75 mg) to 3.3 ml (1,000 mg) in a single intramuscular injection in a double-blind, randomized design. Volunteers were screened to establish baseline vital signs and laboratory test values. Pain and tenderness at the injection site, which occurred at doses of 450 mg and above, were the most common side effects; they were mild in severity and transient. Adverse drug experiences reported by subjects included nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, diaphoresis, costal pain, and perioral numbness. The perioral numbness (paresthesia) experienced at doses of 750, 900, and 1,000 mg was probably drug related. No Clostridium difficile toxin was detected in fecal samples. Pharmacokinetic calculations based on data obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography showed that after a 1,000-mg intramuscular dose of trospectomycin (3.3 ml), the serum mean half-life was 1.85 h (1.70 to 2.02 h), mean area under the serum concentration-time curve was 140.2 micrograms.h/ml and was linear with dose, mean peak concentration was 28.3 micrograms/ml (20.4 to 34.7 micrograms/ml), mean time to maximum concentration was 71 min (30 to 120 min), and the elimination rate constant was 0.307 h-1. The elimination rate constant and half-life did not vary with dose. Little trospectomycin was detected in 2-day fecal collections. A few randomly occurring abnormal clinical laboratory test values and vital signs were observed. For the trospectomycin-treated group, creatinine phosphokinase increased substantially for 24 h after injection and then decrease through day 5, while serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase increased slightly.

Adolescent↗

[Demonstration of coronavirus infection in buffaloes].

The hemagglutination-inhibition test and a bovine corona virus antigen were used to investigate a total of 293 samples of buffalo sera, of which 152 were taken from buffalo calves at the age of up to 12 months and 141 were taken from buffalo cows at the age of between 18 and 30 months. Corona virus antibodies were proven in 52.6 per cent of the sera of buffaloes originating from 3 cooperative farms and a number of private farms. The antibodies in the sera of buffalo calves had an average geometric titer of 182, and those in the sera of buffalo cows--74. The parallel study of 40 of the sera revealed a correlation between the hemagglutination inhibiting and the neutralizing antibodies. Twenty-nine fecal samples from buffalo calves with diarrhea, aged 5 to 30 days, were also studied via hemagglutination-inhibition on the same public farms. Corona virus of high titers was demonstrated in 7 of the samples, the hemagglutination activity of which had been suppressed by a bovine corona virus antiserum. It was concluded that a hemagglutinating coronavirus was circulating among the buffaloes. It seemed to be analogous to the bovine coronavirus and to participate in the etiology of part of the enteritis cases in growing buffalo calves.

Animals↗

Randomized trial of the effect of calcium supplementation on fecal risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Newmark et al. (J Natl Cancer Inst 1984; 72:1323-8) hypothesized that supplementation with calcium would decrease the concentration of bile acids in aqueous phase feces and that such a reduction would reduce the risk of malignant disease in the bowel. A randomized trial was therefore undertaken to examine the effects of calcium supplementation on fecal biochemistry. A total of 68 men between 40 and 60 years of age volunteered to participate after having been selected randomly from population lists in Scarborough, a city in the Toronto area, Ontario, Canada. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily supplement of 3 g of calcium carbonate or a sucrose placebo for a period of 1 week. Fecal samples were collected for 2 days prior to supplementation and for the last 2 days of supplementation. Records of all foods consumed were kept throughout the study period. The average concentration of total soluble bile acids fell in the placebo group (-11.2 g/ml) but increased slightly in the calcium group (1.4 g/ml). Similar patterns of change were observed for deoxycholic acid (placebo, -3.0 g/ml; calcium, 4.5 g/ml). The distribution of changes in total bile acids and deoxycholic acid differed between randomization groups at the 10 percent level of significance in univariate analysis. After adjustment for initial stool chemistry and initial levels and changes in nutrient intake, no reduction in fecal bile acid levels was observed in association with calcium supplementation. In fact, a statistically significant (p = 0.05) increase in deoxycholic acid concentration remained in the calcium supplemental group. Thus, this study was unable to support the hypothesis that calcium supplementation alters aqueous phase bile acids in the manner hypothesized to be consistent with protection from colorectal cancer.

Adult↗

Fecal leukocyte proteins in inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this prospective study was to compare five different leukocyte proteins in feces of patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy persons who underwent prophylactic colonoscopy. METHODS: The leukocyte proteins calprotectin, lactoferrin, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, and PMN-elastase were determined with immunoassays in fecal samples of three consecutive feces (e.g. three days) in 40 healthy persons, 39 patients with chronic IBD (of these 21 with Crohn's disease and 18 with ulcerative colitis), and 40 patients with IBS. RESULTS: ROC curves calculated for healthy persons and patients with IBD yielded the following areas under the curves (AUCs): PMN-elastase 0.916, calprotectin 0.872, myeloperoxidase 0.750, lysozyme 0.726, and lactoferrin 0.693. The AUCs of PMN-elastase and calprotectin were not significantly different (p = 0.327), whereas PMN-elastase or calprotectin vs. the other proteins were significantly different (p < 0.001). PMN-elastase and calprotectin correlated with the endoscopically classified severity of inflammation. All fecal leukocyte markers in IBS were found in the range of the healthy persons. Data on storage stability of leukocyte proteins in fecal supernatants are given. CONCLUSION: Fecal PMN-elastase and calprotectin support the differentiation of chronic IBD from IBS and correlate with the severity of inflammation.

Adult↗

Dietary supplement of neosugar alters the fecal flora and decreases activities of some reductive enzymes in human subjects.

The influence of dietary fructooligosaccharide (neosugar) on the fecal flora and activities of reductive enzymes was studied in 12 healthy, adult human subjects fed a controlled diet for 42 d and given 4 g neosugar/d between days 7 and 32. Fecal samples were collected before, during, and after supplementation with neosugar to enumerate total anaerobes, aerobes, bifidobacteria, and enterobacteria, and to assay for beta-glucuronidase, nitroreductase, and glycocholic acid hydroxylase. Although the controlled diet caused an increase in total anaerobes and bifidobacteria, the highest densities occurred during supplementation with neosugar. Total aerobes and enterobacteria were less affected by diet and neosugar. Neosugar caused beta-glucuronidase and glycocholic acid hydroxylase activities to decrease 75% and 90%, respectively; both increased after supplementation with neosugar was stopped. Nitroreductase activity declined 80% after the control diet was started, but was not affected by neosugar. These findings indicate that 4 g neosugar/d alters the fecal flora in a manner perceived as beneficial by decreasing activities of some reductive enzymes.

Adult↗

Diaper dermatitis: frequency and severity among a general infant population.

The frequency and severity of diaper dermatitis was measured among a midwestern suburban population of 1089 infants ranging in age from 1 to 20 months. No diagnosis of specific etiology was made. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed for Candida albicans, and information on family characteristics, infant diet, general health, history of rash, and diapering habits and practices was collected by questionnaire. The distribution of the severity of observed diaper rash can be described as a logarithmic-normal function, implying several multiplicative causative factors. Within the total severity range, there appear to be three subcategories of diaper rash, differing in some manner, perhaps reflecting different etiologies. The frequency of observed diaper rash was a function of the maturity of the infant, reaching a maximum around 9 to 12 months of age. The prevalence of severe rash correlated with the presence and level of fecal C. albicans. Infants diapered exclusively in disposable diapers showed less rash (P less than 0.001) than those diapered exclusively or sometimes in cloth diapers.

Age Factors↗

Variations of bacterial populations in human feces measured by fluorescent in situ hybridization with group-specific 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes.

Six 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes were designed, validated, and used to quantify predominant groups of anaerobic bacteria in human fecal samples. A set of two probes was specific for species of the Bacteroides fragilis group and the species Bacteroides distasonis. Two others were designed to detect species of the Clostridium histolyticum and the Clostridium lituseburense groups. Another probe was designed for the genera Streptococcus and Lactococcus, and the final probe was designed for the species of the Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale group. The temperature of dissociation of each of the probes was determined. The specificities of the probes for a collection of target and reference organisms were tested by dot blot hybridization and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The new probes were used in initial FISH experiments to enumerate human fecal bacteria. The combination of the two Bacteroides-specific probes detected a mean of 5.4 x 10(10) cells per g (dry weight) of feces; the Clostridium coccoides-Eubacterium rectale group-specific probe detected a mean of 7.2 x 10(10) cells per g (dry weight) of feces. The Clostridium histolyticum, Clostridium lituseburense, and Streptococcus-Lactococcus group-specific probes detected only numbers of cells ranging from 1 x 10(7) to 7 x 10(8) per g (dry weight) of feces. Three of the newly designed probes and three additional probes were used in further FISH experiments to study the fecal flora composition of nine volunteers over a period of 8 months. The combination of probes was able to detect at least two-thirds of the fecal flora. The normal biological variations within the fecal populations of the volunteers were determined and indicated that these variations should be considered when evaluating the effects of agents modulating the flora.

Adult↗

Experimental inoculation of pigeons (Columba livia) with Mycobacterium bovis.

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if pigeons (Columba livia) are susceptible to infection with Mycobacterium bovis by either oral or intratracheal inoculation and to assess their possible role in the lateral transmission of bovine tuberculosis. Six pigeons were orally inoculated with 1.3 x 10(5) colony-forming units of M. bovis, six pigeons were intratracheally inoculated with the same dose, and six pigeons served as noninoculated controls. The study continued for 90 days postinoculation (PI), with groups of birds necropsied at 30-day intervals, and fecal samples and tissues were collected for mycobacterial culture. Two pigeons, one intratracheally inoculated and one orally inoculated, shed M. bovis in their feces at 1 day PI, and one intratracheally inoculated bird shed M. bovis in its feces 60 days PI. Whereas no illness or weight loss was present during the course of the study, 2 of 12 inoculated birds exhibited microscopic lesions of mycobacteriosis, and the organism was isolated from tissues of three inoculated birds. Pigeons are susceptible to infection with M. bovis after high dose inoculation and can shed the organism in their feces for up to 60 days PI; intratracheally inoculated birds appear more likely to become active fecal shedders of M. bovis. Although these were high dose inoculations under experimental conditions, pigeons may potentially play a role in the lateral transmission of bovine tuberculosis between infected and uninfected mammalian hosts.

Animals↗

Effects of probiotic on intestinal mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis.

AIM: To investigate the effects of probiotic on intestinal mucosae of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to evaluate the role of probiotic in preventing the relapse of UC. METHODS: Thirty patients received treatment with sulphasalazine (SASP) and glucocorticoid and then were randomly administered bifid triple viable capsule (BIFICO) (1.26 g/d), or an identical placebo (starch) for 8 wk. Fecal samples were collected for stool culture 2 wk before and after the randomized treatments. The patients were evaluated clinically, endoscopically and histologically after 2 mo of treatment or in case of relapse of UC. p65 and IkappaB expressions were determined by Western blot analysis. DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB in colonic nuclear extracts was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). mRNA expressions of cytokines were identified by semi-quantitative assay, reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Three patients (20%) in the BIFICO group had relapses during 2-mo follow-up period, compared with 14 (93.3%) in placebo group (P<0.01). The concentration of fecal lactobacilli, bifidobacteria was significantly increased in BIFICO-treated group only (P<0.01). The expressions of NF-kappaB p65 and DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB were significantly attenuated in the treatment group than that in control (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines was elevated in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSION: The probiotic could impede the activation of NF-kappaB, decrease the expressions of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and elevate the expression of IL-10. These results suggest that oral administration of this new probiotic preparation is effective in preventing flare-ups of chronic UC. It may become a prophylactic drug to decrease the relapse of UC.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Influence of starch fermentation on bile acid metabolism by colonic bacteria.

Secondary bile acids (BA) may be involved in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. In vivo, starch malabsorption has been shown to reduce fecal excretion of secondary BA. The present in vitro study was performed to investigate the effect of starch fermentation on BA metabolism by colonic bacteria. Fecal samples of healthy volunteers were incubated in anaerobic batch cultures for 48 hours with the primary bile acids cholic (0.6 g/l) and chenodeoxycholic acid (0.4 g/l). Media were starch free or enriched with starch (10 g/l). The pH was controlled and held at 6 or 7. In the starch-free incubations, secondary BA were rapidly formed, and degradation of primary to secondary BA was complete within 24 hours. The formation of secondary BA was partially inhibited by the addition of starch to the media. This effect was stronger at pH 6 than at pH 7. Starch was rapidly and completely fermented. In conclusion, this study showed that formation of secondary BA by fecal bacteria is inhibited when starch is simultaneously fermented, an effect that is mainly, but not completely, explained by reduction of pH.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA amplicons to monitor changes in fecal bacterial populations of weaning pigs after introduction of Lactobacillus reuteri strain MM53.

The diversity and stability of the fecal bacterial microbiota in weaning pigs was studied after introduction of an exogenous Lactobacillus reuteri strain, MM53, using a combination of cultivation and techniques based on genes encoding 16S rRNA (16S rDNA). Piglets (n = 9) were assigned to three treatment groups (control, daily dosed, and 4th-day dosed), and fresh fecal samples were collected daily. Dosed animals received 2.5 x 10(10) CFU of antibiotic-resistant L. reuteri MM53 daily or every 4th day. Mean Lactobacillus counts for the three groups ranged from 1 x 10(9) to 4 x 10(9) CFU/g of feces. Enumeration of strain L. reuteri MM53 on MRS agar (Difco) plates containing streptomycin and rifampin showed that the introduced strain fluctuated between 8 x 10(3) and 5 x 10(6) CFU/g of feces in the two dosed groups. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of PCR-amplified 16S rDNA fragments, with primers specific for variable regions 1 and 3 (V1 and V3), was used to profile complexity of fecal bacterial populations. Analysis of DGGE banding profiles indicated that each individual maintained a unique fecal bacterial population that was stable over time, suggesting a strong host influence. In addition, individual DGGE patterns could be separated into distinct time-dependent clusters. Primers designed specifically to restrict DGGE analysis to a select group of lactobacilli allowed examination of interspecies relationships and abundance. Based on relative band migration distance and sequence determination, L. reuteri was distinguishable within the V1 region 16S rDNA gene patterns. Daily fluctuations in specific bands within these profiles were observed, which revealed an antagonistic relationship between L. reuteri MM53 (band V1-3) and another indigenous Lactobacillus assemblage (band V1-6).

Animals↗

A supplemental test system to measure competitive exclusion of Salmonellae by native microflora in the chicken gut.

An improved individual challenge test system is described for evaluation of competititve exclusion of salmonellae in day-old chicks by native gut microflora. Evaluation of salmonella protection is based on culture of cloacal and fecal samples by enrichment methods plus enumeration of salmonellae in fresh droppings collected from test groups. The use of a nalidixic-acid-resistant strain of salmonella allowed for ease of measurement. Comparative data are included that were developed by parallel tests by the seeder bird and this individual challenge test system on salmonella protection provided by microflora from a specific-pathogen-free population and from intestinal microflora propagated anaerobically in several media. The individual-bird challenge test system appeared to yield a more precise measurement of protection than the seeder-bird system and indicated that trypticase soy broth is as effective as VL broth for anaerobic culture of the protective microflora. Fresh fecal suspensions were somewhat more dependable than anaerobic cultures in providing a high level of protection against subsequent salmonella infection.

Animals↗

Carbohydrate absorption from fruit juices in infants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the absorption of carbohydrate in particular from a lower (10 mL/kg(-1)) quantity than that previously tested, of white grape juice and pear juice after a single feeding and after ingestion twice daily for 2 weeks, and determine their respective effects on stool water content, in healthy infants. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: Twelve healthy, well-nourished infants, 5 to 9 months of age, who were recruited from the general population. DESIGN/METHODS: Infants underwent a breath hydrogen test after a serving of pear juice. Three to 5 days later, the test was repeated after a serving of white grape juice. Infants were randomly assigned to receive a 10 mL/kg(-1) serving of grape juice or pear juice twice daily for 2 weeks. The breath tests were repeated after the ingestion of the juices in the same sequence. With the second breath test with pear juice, a charcoal marker and 20 mg (13)C fructose, a stable, nonradioactive isotope, were mixed with the juice. Water content of the stools was compared before and after the 2-week feeding of the juice, and fecal samples were analyzed for (13)C enrichment by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: After the ingestion of the fruit juices, only 1 infant had an abnormal peak hydrogen (H(2); >/=10 ppm), which followed the pear juice. That same infant was the only one who had H(2) levels >/=10 ppm after grape juice. There was no significant difference in the peak breath H(2) levels after grape juice and pear juice either at the beginning of the study or 2 weeks after taking the juice assigned (2.8 ppm +/- 2.9 vs 6.2 ppm +/- 9, respectively). The difference in breath H(2) response before and after the 2 weeks of fruit juice intake was not significant. Mean (+/-standard deviation) fecal (13)C enrichment at baseline was 3.0 Delta%o (+/-2.4), which was not significantly different from after 2 weeks of juice intake (2.4 Delta%o [+/-1.5]), regardless of the juice assigned: 2.7 Delta%o (+/-1.6) for grape juice and 2.2 Delta%o (+/-1.5) for pear juice. Mean (+/-standard deviation) percentage of fecal water at baseline was 24.1% (+/-5.1), which was not significantly different from after 2 weeks of juice (22.5% [+/-6]), regardless of the juice received: 21.8% (+/-5.8) for grape juice and 23.2% (+/-6.7) for pear juice. CONCLUSION: When either grape or pear juice is administered in a dosage of 10 mL/kg/day, the carbohydrate is well absorbed, produces no adverse gastrointestinal symptoms, and has no effect on stool water in healthy infants.

Beverages↗