No description available.

Submitted by Automa??o e Estat?stica (sst@bczm.ufrn.br) on 2017-02-17T17:10:52Z No. of bitstreams: 1 NathaliaKellyDeAraujo_TESE.pdf: 3179382 bytes, checksum: 1d9cd507dd602cf235e6a9d53983b99a (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Monica Paiva (monicalpaiva@hotmail.com) on 2017-02-17T17:24:51Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 NathaliaKellyDeAraujo_TESE.pdf: 3179382 bytes, checksum: 1d9cd507dd602cf235e6a9d53983b99a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-17T17:24:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 NathaliaKellyDeAraujo_TESE.pdf: 3179382 bytes, checksum: 1d9cd507dd602cf235e6a9d53983b99a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-23 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior (CAPES) / Uma cepa produtora de quitosanase foi isolada e identificada como Bacillus cereus C-01. A partir disso a purifica??o da enzima e sua caracteriza??o bioqu?mica foram estudadas. Para purifica??o foi utilizado a resina da linha streamline Dietilaminoetil (DEAE) e coluna de vidro (2,6 cm x 30,0 cm) em sistema de Adsor??o em Leito Expandido (ALE). As condi??es para a purifica??o da quitosanase foram otimizadas estatisticamente atrav?s de um Planejamento Composto Central. As vari?veis que influenciaram significativamente os par?metros fator de purifica??o (P) e rendimento da enzima (Y) foram determinadas. As an?lises estat?sticas mostraram que as melhores condi??es para o m?ximo P foram 150 cm.h-1 (velocidade de aplica??o da amostra/carga), 6,0 cm de altura do leito fixo e 7,36 cm de altura do distribuidor. Em condi??es otimizadas, a enzima mostrou ligar-se a resina na mesma medida usando caldo clarificado e n?o clarificado (0,32 e 0,3 U/g adsorvente, respectivamente). A fra??o recuperada ap?s a elui??o exibiu 31% de rendimento com um aumento de 1,35 vezes na atividade espec?fica em rela??o ao inicial. Se analisada apenas fra??o elu?da com NaCl 0,3 M ? poss?vel encontrar um fator de purifica??o de 1,75. A enzima purificada apresentou estabilidade entre as temperaturas de 30-55?C durante 60 minutos, pH de 5-8 por 24 horas, e apresentou m?xima atividade em pH 5,5 e temperatura de 55?C. Os ?ons de Cu2+, Fe2+ e Zn2+ foram inibit?rios para a quitosanase. Em contraste, a enzima foi significativamente ativada por Mn2+. Os resultados demonstraram que ? poss?vel purificar m?ltiplas prote?nas, a partir de um extrato bruto sem qualquer pr?-tratamento, com um processo de purifica??o econ?mico e de um ?nico passo. / Uma cepa produtora de quitosanase foi isolada e identificada como Bacillus cereus C-01. A partir disso a purifica??o da enzima e sua caracteriza??o bioqu?mica foram estudadas. Para purifica??o foi utilizado a resina da linha streamline Dietilaminoetil (DEAE) e coluna de vidro (2,6 cm x 30,0 cm) em sistema de Adsor??o em Leito Expandido (ALE). As condi??es para a purifica??o da quitosanase foram otimizadas estatisticamente atrav?s de um Planejamento Composto Central. As vari?veis que influenciaram significativamente os par?metros fator de purifica??o (P) e rendimento da enzima (Y) foram determinadas. As an?lises estat?sticas mostraram que as melhores condi??es para o m?ximo P foram 150 cm.h-1 (velocidade de aplica??o da amostra/carga), 6,0 cm de altura do leito fixo e 7,36 cm de altura do distribuidor. Em condi??es otimizadas, a enzima mostrou ligar-se a resina na mesma medida usando caldo clarificado e n?o clarificado (0,32 e 0,3 U/g adsorvente, respectivamente). A fra??o recuperada ap?s a elui??o exibiu 31% de rendimento com um aumento de 1,35 vezes na atividade espec?fica em rela??o ao inicial. Se analisada apenas fra??o elu?da com NaCl 0,3 M ? poss?vel encontrar um fator de purifica??o de 1,75. A enzima purificada apresentou estabilidade entre as temperaturas de 30-55?C durante 60 minutos, pH de 5-8 por 24 horas, e apresentou m?xima atividade em pH 5,5 e temperatura de 55?C. Os ?ons de Cu2+, Fe2+ e Zn2+ foram inibit?rios para a quitosanase. Em contraste, a enzima foi significativamente ativada por Mn2+. Os resultados demonstraram que ? poss?vel purificar m?ltiplas prote?nas, a partir de um extrato bruto sem qualquer pr?-tratamento, com um processo de purifica??o econ?mico e de um ?nico passo.

O controle bacteriano na indústria alimentícia é de extrema importância uma vez que os microrganismos são responsáveis por causar contaminações persistentes, levando à deterioração do alimento e à transmissão de doenças. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano do biossurfatante ramnolipídeo (RL) e de óleoresinas (OR) de aipo, noz moscada, alho, gengibre, pracaxi, patauá e buriti frente as bactérias patogênicas alimentares Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus e Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC). O OR de aipo foi avaliado individualmente e em combinação com o RL. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pelo método de microdiluição em caldo - concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida mínima (CBM). Biofilmes de L. monocytogenes e B. cereus foram formados em placas de microtitulação de poliestireno, respectivamente, nos meios de cultivo triptona de soja com extrato de levedura (TSYE) e caldo nutriente (CN) à 37ºC por 48 h e avaliados através da quantificação da biomassa e viabilidade celular após tratamento com os antimicrobianos. O RL apresentou efeito bacteriostático com CIM 125 &#956g/mL frente a L. monocytogenes e para B. cereus observou-se ação bactericida com CBM de 31,25 &#956g/mL. A triagem preliminar mostrou que, dentro da faixa das concentrações testadas, os óleos de buriti, pracaxi, patauá, alho e gengibre não apresentaram CIM frente aos patógenos. O OR de aipo inibiu o crescimento de L. monocytogenes e B. cereus com CIM de 3% e 0,75%, respectivamente. A combinação de 125 &#956g/mL de RL e 3% de óleo de aipo foi bacteriostática para L. monocytogenes, enquanto para B. cereus a combinação dos agentes foi bacteriostática com menor valor de CIM (7,81 &#956g/mL de RL e 0,19% de OR de aipo), sugerindo efeito sinérgico. A linhagem de Escherichia coli (EHEC) foi resistente aos agentes nas concentrações testadas. O RL removeu 70,7% dos biofilmes de L. monocytogenes após 24 h de tratamento, entretanto a redução da viabilidade celular foi maior após 2 h de contato com RL inibindo 66,6%. O OR de Aipo (6%) foi capaz de reduzir 57,1% da viabilidade celular após 24 h de tratamento, já a combinação do RL com OR de aipo foi eficaz em todos os tempos de tratamentos, com redução média de 49,5% de células viáveis do biofilme de L. monocytogenes. Para o biofilme de B. cereus o melhor tratamento (13h) com RL (31,25 &#956g/mL) removeu 71,5% do biofilme, enquanto que a combinação com o OR de aipo (15,62 &#956g/mL + 0,38%) foi capaz de remover 79,5% da biomassa. O RL (62,50 &#956g/ mL) mostrou inibição média de 85,4% da viabilidade celular de biofilme de B. cereus. O melhor tratamento com OR de aipo (1,50%) reduziu a viabilidade celular de B. cereus em 51,2%, após 2 h; e quando combinado com RL (15,62 &#956g/ mL + 0,38%) em 71,8%. RL e OR de aipo mostraram ação antimicrobiana frente a células planctônicas e sésseis de L. monocytogenes e B. cereus, sugerindo potencial para desenvolvimento de novas formulações naturais visando o controle destes patógenos alimentares. / Bacterial control in the food industry is very important once many microorganisms are responsible for causing persistent contamination, leading to food deterioration and disease transmission. Research and development of natural antimicrobial agents is a trend of the market that has been gaining increasing interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the rhamnolipid biosurfactant (RL) and celery oleoresin (OR) against food pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) both in planktonic and in biofilms forms. Celery OR was evaluated individually and in combination with RL. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method and expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Biofilms of L. monocytogenes and B. cereus were formed in polystyrene microtiter plates, respectively, in tryptone yeast extract (TSYE) and nutrient broth (NB) media at 37°C for 48 h. Biofilms were evaluated by quantification of biomass and cell viability after treatment with antimicrobials. RL presented bacteriostatic effect showing MIC of 125 &#956g/mL against L. monocytogenes and a bactericidal effect at 31.25 &#956g/mL against B. cereus. Preliminary screening showed that, within the range of tested concentrations, buriti, pracaxi, patauá, garlic and ginger oils did not show minimal inhibitory concentration against pathogens. Celery OR inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes and B. cereus at MIC of 3% and 0.75%, respectively. The combination of 125 &#956g/mL RL and 3% celery oil was bacteriostatic for L. monocytogenes, while for B. cereus the combination effect was also bacteriostatic at a lower MIC (7.81 &#956g/mL RL and 0.19% celery OR), suggesting synergistic effect. Escherichia coli strain (EHEC) was resistant to all agents at the concentration tested. The biofilms of L. monocytogenes were removed by 70.7% after 24 h of treatment using RL (250 &#956g/mL), however, at shorter time (2 h) were more effective in reducing cell viability, showing an inhibition of 66,6%. Celery OR (6%) was able to reduce 57.1% of cell viability after 24 h of treatment, and the combination of RL and celery OR was effective at all treatment times, with a mean reduction of 49.5% of viable L. monocytogenes biofilm cells. Biofilms of B. cereus treated with RL (31.25 &#956g/ml) for 13 h were removed in 71.5%, while the combination of RL with celery OR (15.62 &#956g/mL + 0.38%) was able to remove 79.5%. The RL (62.50 &#956g/mL) reduced B. cereus biofilm viability by a mean of 85.4%. Treatment with celery OR (1.50%) reduced the cell viability of B. cereus in 51.2% after 2h and when combined with RL (15.62 &#956g/ mL + 0.38%) in 71.8%. The RL and celery OR showed antimicrobial activity against planktonic and sessile cells of L. monocytogenes and B. cereus suggesting potential to development of new natural formulations to control these food pathogens.

O controle bacteriano na indústria alimentícia é de extrema importância uma vez que os microrganismos são responsáveis por causar contaminações persistentes, levando à deterioração do alimento e à transmissão de doenças. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano do biossurfatante ramnolipídeo (RL) e de óleoresinas (OR) de aipo, noz moscada, alho, gengibre, pracaxi, patauá e buriti frente as bactérias patogênicas alimentares Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus e Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC). O OR de aipo foi avaliado individualmente e em combinação com o RL. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pelo método de microdiluição em caldo - concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida mínima (CBM). Biofilmes de L. monocytogenes e B. cereus foram formados em placas de microtitulação de poliestireno, respectivamente, nos meios de cultivo triptona de soja com extrato de levedura (TSYE) e caldo nutriente (CN) à 37ºC por 48 h e avaliados através da quantificação da biomassa e viabilidade celular após tratamento com os antimicrobianos. O RL apresentou efeito bacteriostático com CIM 125 &#956g/mL frente a L. monocytogenes e para B. cereus observou-se ação bactericida com CBM de 31,25 &#956g/mL. A triagem preliminar mostrou que, dentro da faixa das concentrações testadas, os óleos de buriti, pracaxi, patauá, alho e gengibre não apresentaram CIM frente aos patógenos. O OR de aipo inibiu o crescimento de L. monocytogenes e B. cereus com CIM de 3% e 0,75%, respectivamente. A combinação de 125 &#956g/mL de RL e 3% de óleo de aipo foi bacteriostática para L. monocytogenes, enquanto para B. cereus a combinação dos agentes foi bacteriostática com menor valor de CIM (7,81 &#956g/mL de RL e 0,19% de OR de aipo), sugerindo efeito sinérgico. A linhagem de Escherichia coli (EHEC) foi resistente aos agentes nas concentrações testadas. O RL removeu 70,7% dos biofilmes de L. monocytogenes após 24 h de tratamento, entretanto a redução da viabilidade celular foi maior após 2 h de contato com RL inibindo 66,6%. O OR de Aipo (6%) foi capaz de reduzir 57,1% da viabilidade celular após 24 h de tratamento, já a combinação do RL com OR de aipo foi eficaz em todos os tempos de tratamentos, com redução média de 49,5% de células viáveis do biofilme de L. monocytogenes. Para o biofilme de B. cereus o melhor tratamento (13h) com RL (31,25 &#956g/mL) removeu 71,5% do biofilme, enquanto que a combinação com o OR de aipo (15,62 &#956g/mL + 0,38%) foi capaz de remover 79,5% da biomassa. O RL (62,50 &#956g/ mL) mostrou inibição média de 85,4% da viabilidade celular de biofilme de B. cereus. O melhor tratamento com OR de aipo (1,50%) reduziu a viabilidade celular de B. cereus em 51,2%, após 2 h; e quando combinado com RL (15,62 &#956g/ mL + 0,38%) em 71,8%. RL e OR de aipo mostraram ação antimicrobiana frente a células planctônicas e sésseis de L. monocytogenes e B. cereus, sugerindo potencial para desenvolvimento de novas formulações naturais visando o controle destes patógenos alimentares. / Bacterial control in the food industry is very important once many microorganisms are responsible for causing persistent contamination, leading to food deterioration and disease transmission. Research and development of natural antimicrobial agents is a trend of the market that has been gaining increasing interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the rhamnolipid biosurfactant (RL) and celery oleoresin (OR) against food pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) both in planktonic and in biofilms forms. Celery OR was evaluated individually and in combination with RL. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method and expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Biofilms of L. monocytogenes and B. cereus were formed in polystyrene microtiter plates, respectively, in tryptone yeast extract (TSYE) and nutrient broth (NB) media at 37°C for 48 h. Biofilms were evaluated by quantification of biomass and cell viability after treatment with antimicrobials. RL presented bacteriostatic effect showing MIC of 125 &#956g/mL against L. monocytogenes and a bactericidal effect at 31.25 &#956g/mL against B. cereus. Preliminary screening showed that, within the range of tested concentrations, buriti, pracaxi, patauá, garlic and ginger oils did not show minimal inhibitory concentration against pathogens. Celery OR inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes and B. cereus at MIC of 3% and 0.75%, respectively. The combination of 125 &#956g/mL RL and 3% celery oil was bacteriostatic for L. monocytogenes, while for B. cereus the combination effect was also bacteriostatic at a lower MIC (7.81 &#956g/mL RL and 0.19% celery OR), suggesting synergistic effect. Escherichia coli strain (EHEC) was resistant to all agents at the concentration tested. The biofilms of L. monocytogenes were removed by 70.7% after 24 h of treatment using RL (250 &#956g/mL), however, at shorter time (2 h) were more effective in reducing cell viability, showing an inhibition of 66,6%. Celery OR (6%) was able to reduce 57.1% of cell viability after 24 h of treatment, and the combination of RL and celery OR was effective at all treatment times, with a mean reduction of 49.5% of viable L. monocytogenes biofilm cells. Biofilms of B. cereus treated with RL (31.25 &#956g/ml) for 13 h were removed in 71.5%, while the combination of RL with celery OR (15.62 &#956g/mL + 0.38%) was able to remove 79.5%. The RL (62.50 &#956g/mL) reduced B. cereus biofilm viability by a mean of 85.4%. Treatment with celery OR (1.50%) reduced the cell viability of B. cereus in 51.2% after 2h and when combined with RL (15.62 &#956g/ mL + 0.38%) in 71.8%. The RL and celery OR showed antimicrobial activity against planktonic and sessile cells of L. monocytogenes and B. cereus suggesting potential to development of new natural formulations to control these food pathogens.

Bacillus cereus (Bc) et Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sont deux espèces génétiquement proches. Bc est une bactérie pathogène que peuvent causer des gastro-entérites d’origine aliméntaire. Bt est une bactérie entomopathogène, dont le cycle de vie dans la larve d’insecte est contrôlé par des systèmes de quorum sensing, comme le système Rap/Phr, que régule processus tels que la sporulation, la formation de biofilm et la conjugaison. La présence des ces genès a été identifiée dans les plasmides, et ces eleménts ont été associés à l’adaptation des spécies dans sont niche ecologique. Le but de cette étude est de comprendre le rôle des plasmides dans ces bactéries. Pour la première étude l’insecte larvae, le niche privilegie de Bt, ont été infectées par souches de Bc et Bt, avec un contenu plasmidique diffèrent. Le fitness a été evallué par le comptage de cellules végétatives et spores dans quatre temps. Les souches de Bt et Bc ont été classées dans cinq groups par rapport à sont fitness. Dans ces groups le plasmide a affecté le fitness de la bactérie positive ou négativement. Les résultats ont démontré que les souches du group du B. cereus que reçoivent a pathogène plasmid ne est pas suffisant pour une augmentation effectif de la population bactérienne, i.e., coloniser l’hôte. La deuxième étude a permis caractériser le système rap/phr porté par le plasmide cryptique pHT8_1. Les résultats démontrent que la protéine Rap8 inhibe la sporulation dans la l’insecte. L’activité de cette protéine est inhibée par le peptide de signalisation Phr8. Le système Rap/Phr8_1 a permis les bactéries exercer un strict contrôle sur la sporulation, un processus important pour assurer la survie et la dissémination des bactéries. L’ensemble des résultats de la deuxième étude montrent que les plasmides peuvent fournir avantages pour l’adaptation et evolution de B. thuringiensis dans son niche ecologique, alors que les résultats de la première étude indiqués que les souches de Bc group doivent avoir un contenu génétique approprié pour exhiber un fitness élévé en permettant une optimal multiplication and dissemination de populations bactérienne dans l’insect larvae. / Bacillus cereus (Bc) and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are two closely related species. Bc is a pathogenic species responsible for gastroenteritis by food-borne. Bt is an entomopathogenic bacterium, which the lifecycle in insect larvae is controlled by quorum sensing systems, such as Rap/Phr, which regulates processes such as sporulation, biofilm formation and conjugation. The presence of these genes in plasmids has been described, furthermore, plasmids have been involved in bacterial adaptation to their ecological niche. In order to understand the role of the plasmids to these species, two complementary works were carried out. First, insect larvae, a privileged ecological niche of Bt strains, were infected with Bc and Bt strains harboring different plasmid contents. Their fitness were evaluated by vegetative cells and spore counts at four time points. Bt and Bc strains were classified into five groups according to the bacterial fitness. In these groups, the plasmid affects positively or negatively the bacterial fitness. The results demonstrated that for B. cereus group strains, getting a pathogenicity plasmid is not enough to effectively increase bacterial population, colonizing insect hosts. The second study characterized the rap/phr system encoded by the cryptic plasmid pHT8_1. The Rap8 protein inhibited the sporulation process in insect larvae. This protein was directly inhibited by the active signaling peptide Phr8. The Rap8/Phr8 system may allow the bacteria to exert a tight control of the sporulation process in the host cadaver for optimizing the multiplication, the survival and the dissemination of the bacteria. Thus, the results of the second study showed that the plasmids can provide advantages for the adaptation and the evolution of B. thuringiensis in its ecological niche, while the results of the first study indicate that B. cereus group strains must have a suitable genetic background to display a high fitness allowing optimal multiplication and dissemination of the bacterial population within insect larvae.

Clostridium difficile est responsable de vingt-cinq pour cent des diarrhées post-antibiotiques et de la majorité des cas de colite pseudomembraneuse. C'est un bacille anaérobie à Gram positif sporulant. La bactérie est recouverte par un réseau cristallin bidimensionnel appelé couche S. Elle est formée par deux sous-unités de haut et bas poids moléculaire issues du clivage du précurseur SlpA par la protéase Cwp84. Ces deux protéines sont codées par des gènes situés dans le locus cwp et sont sécrétées par le système de sécrétion de type SecA2. Elles sont impliquées dans l'adhésion/colonisation du côlon par C. difficile. L'adhésion est une étape commune avec la formation du biofilm par les bactéries. Le biofilm est une communauté bactérienne enchâssée et protégée par une matrice extracellulaire produite par les membres de la communauté. C'est le mode de vie principal des bactéries. Nous avons caractérisé la voie de sécrétion de type SecA2 de C. difficile. La protéine SecA2 (codée également par un gène du locus cwp) est essentielle pour la survie de C. difficile. Elle a une double localisation : le cytoplasme et la membrane intracellulaire. SecA2 de B. anthracis est capable de dimériser avec les protéines SecA1 et SecA2 de C. difficile. De plus, la complémentation du mutant secA2 de B. anthracis par le gène secA2 de C. difficile est fonctionnelle. Le rôle de la couche S, de la protéase Cwp84 et de la mobilité dans le biofilm de C. difficile ont été également étudiés. La souche 630∆erm forme un biofilm fin et fragile tandis que le mutant 630∆ermcwp84::erm forme un biofilm épais et robuste. Nous avons montré que l'activité protéolytique de Cwp84 était impliquée dans la formation du biofilm. De plus, une inhibition de la traduction de l'ARN slpA avec un ARN antisens spécifique permet une augmentation de la taille du biofilm formé par la souche 630∆erm. Similairement, l'expression de l’allèle secA2 muté dominant qui bloque au moins partiellement la voie de sécrétion de type SecA2 augmente la taille du biofilm. Nos résultats suggèrent que la couche S, la protéase Cwp84 et la protéine SecA2 sont impliquées dans la formation du biofilm de C. difficile. Par ailleurs nous avons testé un panel de souches dans leur capacité à former un biofilm. Les résultats montrent que les souches non mobiles ne seraient pas capables de former un biofilm épais. Enfin, nous avons étudié la capacité de C. difficile à se développer en aérobiose au sein d’un biofilm mixte avec Bacillus cereus. Nous avons mis en évidence un recrutement et une multiplication de C. difficile dans la pellicule formée à l'interface air/liquide par B. cereus. Un rapport optimal des spores des deux espèces est requis pour le développement de C. difficile dans ces conditions. La présence de spores de C. difficile dans la pellicule suggère que les biofilms de l'environnement pourraient être des réservoirs de spores de C. difficile, et à l'origine de contaminations humaine et animale. / Clostridium difficile is responsible for twenty-five percent of post-antibiotics diarrhea and for most cases of pseudomembranous colitis. It is an anaerobic, sporulating, Gram-positive bacillus. The bacterium is covered by a two-dimensional lattice called S-layer. It is formed by two subunits of high and low molecular weight after the cleavage of the SlpA precursor by the Cwp84 protease. These two proteins are encoded by genes located in the locus cwp and are secreted by the SecA2 secretion system. They are involved in colonic adhesion/colonization by C. difficile. Adhesion is a common step with biofilm formation by bacteria. The Biofilm is a microbial community embedded in and protected by an extracellular matrix produced by the community members. The biofilm is the main bacterial way of life.We have characterized the SecA2 secretory pathway of C. difficile. The SecA2 protein (as encoded by a gene locus cwp) is essential for the survival of C. difficile. It has a dual location: cytoplasm and intracellular membrane. SecA2 of B. anthracis is able to dimerize with SecA1 and SecA2 proteins of C. difficile. Moreover, the complementation of B. anthracis secA2 mutant with secA2 gene of C. difficile is functional.The role of the S-layer, of the Cwp84 protease and of the motility in the biofilm of C. difficile have also been studied. The 630∆erm strain forms a thin and weak biofilm while the 630∆ermcwp84::erm mutant forms a thick and robust biofilm. We have shown that proteolytic activity of Cwp84 was involved in biofilm formation. Furthermore, a decrease in the translation of slpA RNA with an antisense RNA specific permits an increase in the size of the biofilm of the strain 630∆erm strain. Similarly, the expression of the dominant mutated secA2 allele, which at least partially blocks the SecA2 secretory pathway, increases the biofilm size. Our results suggest that the S-layer, the Cwp84 protease and the SecA2 protein are involved in biofilm formation of C. difficile. On the other hand, we have tested a panel of strains in their capacity to form a biofilm. The results show that non-motile strains are unable to form a thick biofilm.Finally, we have studied the ability of C. difficile to grow aerobically in a mixed biofilm with B. cereus. We highlighted a recruitment and proliferation of C. difficile in the film formed at the air/liquid interface with B. cereus. An optimal ratio of spores of both species is required for the development of C. difficile in these conditions. The presence of C. difficile spores in the film suggests that the environment biofilms could be reservoirs of spores of C. difficile, and the source of human and animal contamination.

Diarrhoe ist eines der häufigsten Probleme beim equinen Neonaten. Nahezu alle Fohlen entwickeln Durchfall innerhalb der ersten Lebenswochen. Unterschiedliche virale, bakterielle und parasitäre Ursachen werden diskutiert. In diesen Zeitraum fällt ebenfalls die erste Rosse der Stute, sodass der Durchfall um den 5. - 15. Lebenstag (LT) bei den Fohlen als „Fohlenrossedurchfall“ bezeichnet wird. Es wird vermutet, dass die Entwicklung der intestinalen Mikroflora und die Reifung der Darmschleimhaut im Wesentlichen für das Durchfallgeschehen verantwortlich sind. Bisher ist jedoch wenig bekannt über die Entwicklung der intestinalen Mikroflora bei Fohlen. Einige Probiotika sind als Darmflorastabilisatoren bei Tieren zugelassen. Studien belegten positive Effekte von Toyocerin® (B. cereus var. toyoi) auf die Darmgesundheit bei anderen Tierarten wie z.B. Kälbern, Ferkeln, Broilern, Puten und Mastkaninchen. Die vorliegende Arbeit sollte klären, ob die Supplementierung von B. cereus var. toyoi zu einer Stabilisierung der sich entwickelnden intestinalen Mikroflora und damit zu einer Verringerung der Durchfälle bei Fohlen führt. Die Untersuchung wurde an 25 Mutterstuten eines Vollblutgestüts und ihren Fohlen durchgeführt. Alle Fohlen wurden von Februar bis Mai 2011 geboren. Von Geburt an wurden die Fohlen randomisiert in drei Behandlungsgruppen eingeteilt: Placebo-Gruppe (10 ml isotone Kochsalzlösung, n=8), 50 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe (5 x 108 KbE B. cereus var. toyoi gelöst in 10 ml isotoner Kochsalzlösung, n=7) und 200 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe (2 x 109 KbE B. cereus var. toyoi gelöst in 10 ml isotoner Kochsalzlösung, n=10). Die Placebo- und Behandlungsgruppen wurden einmal täglich vom 1. – 58. LT supplementiert. Herz- und Atemfrequenz, Körperinnentemperatur und die Körpermasseentwicklung wurden nach einem standardisierten Protokoll erhoben. Kotproben konnten mit Hilfe von Kotsammelbeuteln oder durch rektale Entnahme innerhalb von 24 Stunden nach der Geburt sowie an LT 9, 16, 23, 30, 44, 58 und am ersten Durchfalltag gewonnen werden. Blutproben wurden aus der Vena jugularis externa am 1., 9., 16., 30., 58. LT sowie am ersten Durchfalltag entnommen. Die bakteriologische Untersuchung erfolgte mit Hilfe des Kulturverfahrens. Die Bestimmung der Gesamt-IgG-Werte wurde mit einem kompetitiven ELISA, die Bestimmung der spezifischen Antikörper IgG-anti-LPS von E. coli J5 und IgG-anti-PLC-von-C. perfringens-1a mit einem indirekten ELISA durchgeführt. 88 % der Fohlen entwickelten Durchfall (Placebo 7/8, 50 mg Toyocerin 5/7, 200 mg Toyocerin 10/10) mit einer hohen Inzidenz zwischen dem 8. und 16. LT. Das Allgemeinbefinden und die Bewegungs- und Sauglust blieben dabei unbeeinflusst. Zum Zeitpunkt des ersten Östrus der Stute zeigten 59 % der Fohlen Diarrhoe. Unter den 41 %, die keinen Durchfall zum Zeitpunkt der Fohlenrosse hatten, waren Fohlen, die nie Durchfall vom 1. – 58. LT zeigten, aber auch welche die Diarrhoe entwickelten, als die Mutterstute sich nicht in Rosse befand. Ein Zusammenhang zwischen der Fohlenrosse der Stute und Durchfall bei ihrem Fohlen konnte nicht hergestellt werden. Es zeigte sich eine Tendenz, dass hohe Spiegel der Gesamt-IgG (>20 mg/ml) und IgG-anti-LPS von E. coli J5 (>120 RE/ml) nach der Kolostrumaufnahme im Zusammenhang mit einer geringeren Anzahl von Durchfalltagen innerhalb der ersten zwei Lebensmonate standen. C. perfringens und Enterobakterien waren gleichermaßen nachweisbar bei Fohlen mit Durchfall als auch bei unauffälligen Fohlen. Aus der Supplementierung von B. cereus var. toyoi ergab sich kein Effekt auf die Kotflora der Fohlen, außer auf die Gesamtkeimzahlen (GKZ) der aeroben Bakterien. Bei den Aerobiern im Fohlenkot konnte ein signifikanter Behandlungseffekt (p=0,012) festgestellt werden. Im ersten Milchkot der Fohlen waren GKZ von 4,5 x 104 KbE/g (200 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe) bis 5,0 x 105 KbE/g (50 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe) bei den aeroben Bakterien und GKZ von 2,4 x 105 KbE/g (200 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe) bis 4,7 x 106 KbE/g (50 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe) median bei den Anaerobiern nachweisbar. Danach stieg der Gehalt der aeroben und anaeroben Bakterien weiter bis zum 3. LT und stagnierte bis zum 16. LT. Während dieser Stagnationsphase trat bei 92 % der Fohlen (23/25) eine Veränderung der Kotkonsistenz bis hin zu Durchfällen auf. Vom 16. bis zum 58. LT sanken die Gehalte moderat bei den Aerobiern median am 58. LT auf 2,7 x 105 KbE/g (Placebo-Gruppe) bis 2,2 x 106 KbE/g (50 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe) und bei den Anaerobiern median am 58. LT auf 3,8 x 105 KbE/g (Placebo-Gruppe) bis 2,9 x 106 KbE/g (200 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe). Bis zum 58. LT näherte sich der Medianwert der aeroben und anaeroben Bakterien im Kot der Placebo-Gruppe dem Wert der Mutterstuten (gemessen am ersten Tag nach der Geburt) an. Innerhalb der ersten Lebenstage war eine hohe aerobe sowie anaerobe Keimzahl im Kot der Fohlen nachzuweisen, die sich oberhalb der Keimzahlen befand, die im Kot der Mutterstuten zum Zeitpunkt der Geburt gemessen wurde. Im Rahmen der Entwicklung und Etablierung der bakteriellen intestinalen Mikroflora wurde das Fohlenrossedurchfallgeschehen bei den Fohlen beobachtet. B. cereus var. toyoi hatte dabei keinen Einfluss auf die Anzahl der Fohlen mit Durchfall und den Gesundheitsstatus der Fohlen. / Diarrhoea is probably one of the most common problems in equine neonates. Almost all foals develop transient diarrhoea within the first weeks of life. Different viral, bacterial and parasitic causes are discussed. Between the 5th and the 15th day of the foal’s life, when their dam’s first post partum (p.p.) oestrus is expected, diarrhoea in foals is observed quite often. That is why it’s called “foal heat diarrhoea”. In literature establishment of intestinal microflora and maturation of the intestinal mucosa is responsible for the occurrence of diarrhoea in this period of life. But little is known about the development of the intestinal microflora in foals. Many probiotics are authorised as gut flora stabilisers in animal nutrition. Some studies proved positive effects of Bacillus (B.) cereus var. toyoi (Toyocerin®) on intestinal health in other species e.g. calves, piglets, broiler chicken, poultry and growing rabbits. The present study deals with the question if a supplementation of B. cereus var. toyoi lead to a stabilisation of the developing intestinal microflora and therefore to a reduction of diarrhoea in foals. A total of 25 mares and foals of a thoroughbred stud were included into the study. Foals were born between February and May 2011. From birth, the foals were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: placebo group (10 ml isotonic saline solution, n=8), 50 mg Toyocerin group (5 x 108 cfu B. cereus var. toyoi solved in 10 ml isotonic saline solution, n=7) and 200 mg Toyocerin group (2 x 109 cfu B. cereus var. toyoi solved in 10 ml isotonic saline solution, n=10). Placebo- and treatment groups were orally supplemented once a day starting on the 1st through to the 58th day of life. Determination of heart and respiratory rate, body temperature, body weight was realised according to a standardised protocol. Within the first day of life, on day 9, 16, 23, 30, 44, 58 and on the first day of diarrhoea faecal samples has been taken from the rectum or by the use of a collection bag. Blood samples were taken via jugular venipuncture on day 1, 9, 16, 30, 58 and on the first day of diarrhoea. Culture-depend methods were used to analyse the bacterial microflora. Serum IgG was analysed by a competitive ELISA, IgG-anti-LPS from E. coli J5 and IgG-anti-PLC-from-C. perfringens-1a by an indirect ELISA. 88 % of the foals developed diarrhoea (placebo 7/8, 50 mg Toyocerin 5/7, 200 mg Toyocerin 10/10) with a high incidence between the 8th and the 16th day of the foal’s life. Meanwhile, foals remained bright and alert and continued to nurse. At the time point of the first p.p. oestrus in the mares, 59 % of their foals showed signs of diarrhoea. Within the remaining 41 % there are foals that had no diarrhoea but there are also foals which had diarrhoea when the mare had not been in heat. Neonatal diarrhoea in foals is not linked to p.p. oestrus in their mares. There was a tendency, that high serum-IgG (> 20 mg/ml) and IgG-anti-LPS from E. coli J5 (> 120 RE/ml) after colostrum uptake were associated with lower diarrhoea severity in the first 58 days of the foal’s life. C. perfringens and enterobacteria can be found equally in foals with diarrhoea and in foals which are not afflicted. B. cereus var. toyoi supplementation had no effect on faecal bacteria in foals, except on aerobic bacteria (p=0,012). In the first milk faeces aerobic bacteria were detected in median from 4,5 x 104 cfu/g (200 mg Toyocerin-group) to 5,0 x 105 cfu/g (50 mg Toyocerin-group) and anaerobic bacteria were detected in median from 2,4 x 105 cfu/g (200 mg Toyocerin-group) to 4,7 x 106 cfu/g (50 mg Toyocerin-group). Afterwards the counts increased towards the 3rd day of life and stayed on a high level till the 16th day of life. During this stagnation in 92 % of the foals a change in faecal consistency and diarrhoea was observed. Afterwards, from the 16th though to the 58th day of life, the bacteria counts in the faeces moderately decreased in median for the aerobic bacteria on the 58th day of life down to 3,8 x 105 cfu/g (placebo-group) till 2,9 x 106 cfu/g (200 mg Toyocerin-group). On the 58th day of life the counts of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the faeces of the placebo-group approached the counts in the faeces of the mare (measured at the time point of birth). In the first days of foals’ life detection of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the faeces were high, and above the level of the bacteria counts in the faeces of the mare at the time point of birth. Foal heat diarrhoea is observed as a part of the development and establishment of bacterial intestinal microflora. B. cereus var. toyoi had no effect on the percentage of foals with diarrhoea and health status in the foals at that point.

Bacillus cereus sensu stricto (ss) est un pathogène alimentaire majeur représentant la 2e cause de toxiinfectionalimentaire en France en 2012. Cette espèce fait partie du groupe Bacillus cereus sensu lato (sl)constitué d’espèces ubiquitaires génétiquement très proches et incluant d’autres pathogènes comme B.anthracis, B. thuringensis et B. cytotoxicus. Les souches de B. cereus sl sont d’autre part réparties en septgroupes phylogénétiques présentant des gammes de température de croissance variées et caractérisés partrois thermotypes principaux: thermotolérants, mésophiles, psychrotolérants. L’adaptation au froid dessouches B. cereus ss est un mécanisme clé car il conditionne sa capacité à se développer dans les alimentsréfrigéré pour atteindre des doses qui peuvent être dangereuse pour les consommateurs. Le but de cetteétude a été d’étudier les mécanismes moléculaires impliqués dans l’adaptation au froid de la diversité desouches représentant B. cereus sl.Nous avons mis en évidence que les gènes codant pour le système à deux composants CasK/R sontsurexprimés à basse température. CasK/R s’est révélé être un système générique d’adaptation de B. cereussl au froid, car son rôle a été mis en évidence lors de l’étude de quatre souches de thermotypes différents etleurs mutants isogéniques ΔcasK/R respectifs. Une étude transcriptomique réalisée sur une souche ATCC14579 et son mutant ΔcasK/R a révélé que seize des gènes différentiellement exprimés en début de phaseexponentielle et en phase stationnaire, à basse température, codent pour des protéines impliquées dans lemétabolisme des acides gras. Nous avons mis en évidence le rôle de CasK /R dans la modification de lacomposition en acides gras membranaires via une augmentation de la proportion en acides gras insaturéslors de la croissance de B. cereus au froid. Par ailleurs, le gène codant pour la désaturase DesA,principalement responsable des insaturations des acides gras à basse température est régulée positivementpar CasK/R au froid.Nous avons également démontré que les gènes casK/R sont organisés en opéron avec un gène codant pourun régulateur RpiR-like. De manière originale, cet opéron est négativement régulé par CasK/R à bassetempérature en phase stationnaire. Le promoteur individuel du rpiR est réprimé à basse température maisaussi à température optimale de croissance, ce qui suggère un rôle de CasK/R, même à températureoptimale / Bacillus cereus sensu stricto (ss) is a major foodborne pathogen representing the second cause of foodpoisoning in France in 2012. This species belongs to Bacillus cereus sensu lato (sl) consisting of ubiquitousspecies genetically close-related and including other pathogens such as B. anthracis, B. thuringiensis and B.cytotoxicus. The strains of B. cereus sl are divided into seven phylogenetic groups with various growthtemperature ranges and characterized by three main thermotypes: thermotolerant, mesophilic,psychrotolerant. The B. cereus ss cold adaptation is a key mechanism because it determines B. cereusability to grow in refrigerated foods and achieve doses that can be dangerous to consumers. The aim of thisstudy was to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the cold adaptation of strains representing B.cereus sl diversity.We demonstrated that the genes encoding the two component system CasK/R are overexpressed at lowtemperature. CasK/R was found to be a generic mechanism for B. cereus sl cold adaptation as its role washighlighted in the study of four strains with different thermotypes and their respective isogenic mutantsΔcasK/R. A transcriptomic study on a B. cereus ATCC 14579 strain and its ΔcasK/R mutant strain revealedthat sixteen of the genes differentially expressed in both early log phase and stationary phase at lowtemperature encode proteins involved in the fatty acids metabolism. We showed the role of CasK/R in themodification of the membrane fatty acid composition via an increase of the proportion of unsaturated fattyacids during growth of B. cereus at low temperature. Furthermore, the gene encoding the desaturase DesA,mainly responsible of the fatty acids unsaturation at a low temperature is upregulated by CasK/R at lowtemperature.We also demonstrated that casK/R genes were organized in operon with a gene encoding a RpiR-likeregulator. Interstingly,, this operon is negatively regulated by CasK/R at low temperature in the stationaryphase. The individual rpiR promoter is repressed by CasK/R at low temperature but also optimal growthtemperature, suggesting also a role for CasK/R at optimal temperature

Diarrhoe ist eines der häufigsten Probleme beim equinen Neonaten. Nahezu alle Fohlen entwickeln Durchfall innerhalb der ersten Lebenswochen. Unterschiedliche virale, bakterielle und parasitäre Ursachen werden diskutiert. In diesen Zeitraum fällt ebenfalls die erste Rosse der Stute, sodass der Durchfall um den 5. - 15. Lebenstag (LT) bei den Fohlen als „Fohlenrossedurchfall“ bezeichnet wird. Es wird vermutet, dass die Entwicklung der intestinalen Mikroflora und die Reifung der Darmschleimhaut im Wesentlichen für das Durchfallgeschehen verantwortlich sind. Bisher ist jedoch wenig bekannt über die Entwicklung der intestinalen Mikroflora bei Fohlen. Einige Probiotika sind als Darmflorastabilisatoren bei Tieren zugelassen. Studien belegten positive Effekte von Toyocerin® (B. cereus var. toyoi) auf die Darmgesundheit bei anderen Tierarten wie z.B. Kälbern, Ferkeln, Broilern, Puten und Mastkaninchen. Die vorliegende Arbeit sollte klären, ob die Supplementierung von B. cereus var. toyoi zu einer Stabilisierung der sich entwickelnden intestinalen Mikroflora und damit zu einer Verringerung der Durchfälle bei Fohlen führt. Die Untersuchung wurde an 25 Mutterstuten eines Vollblutgestüts und ihren Fohlen durchgeführt. Alle Fohlen wurden von Februar bis Mai 2011 geboren. Von Geburt an wurden die Fohlen randomisiert in drei Behandlungsgruppen eingeteilt: Placebo-Gruppe (10 ml isotone Kochsalzlösung, n=8), 50 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe (5 x 108 KbE B. cereus var. toyoi gelöst in 10 ml isotoner Kochsalzlösung, n=7) und 200 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe (2 x 109 KbE B. cereus var. toyoi gelöst in 10 ml isotoner Kochsalzlösung, n=10). Die Placebo- und Behandlungsgruppen wurden einmal täglich vom 1. – 58. LT supplementiert. Herz- und Atemfrequenz, Körperinnentemperatur und die Körpermasseentwicklung wurden nach einem standardisierten Protokoll erhoben. Kotproben konnten mit Hilfe von Kotsammelbeuteln oder durch rektale Entnahme innerhalb von 24 Stunden nach der Geburt sowie an LT 9, 16, 23, 30, 44, 58 und am ersten Durchfalltag gewonnen werden. Blutproben wurden aus der Vena jugularis externa am 1., 9., 16., 30., 58. LT sowie am ersten Durchfalltag entnommen. Die bakteriologische Untersuchung erfolgte mit Hilfe des Kulturverfahrens. Die Bestimmung der Gesamt-IgG-Werte wurde mit einem kompetitiven ELISA, die Bestimmung der spezifischen Antikörper IgG-anti-LPS von E. coli J5 und IgG-anti-PLC-von-C. perfringens-1a mit einem indirekten ELISA durchgeführt. 88 % der Fohlen entwickelten Durchfall (Placebo 7/8, 50 mg Toyocerin 5/7, 200 mg Toyocerin 10/10) mit einer hohen Inzidenz zwischen dem 8. und 16. LT. Das Allgemeinbefinden und die Bewegungs- und Sauglust blieben dabei unbeeinflusst. Zum Zeitpunkt des ersten Östrus der Stute zeigten 59 % der Fohlen Diarrhoe. Unter den 41 %, die keinen Durchfall zum Zeitpunkt der Fohlenrosse hatten, waren Fohlen, die nie Durchfall vom 1. – 58. LT zeigten, aber auch welche die Diarrhoe entwickelten, als die Mutterstute sich nicht in Rosse befand. Ein Zusammenhang zwischen der Fohlenrosse der Stute und Durchfall bei ihrem Fohlen konnte nicht hergestellt werden. Es zeigte sich eine Tendenz, dass hohe Spiegel der Gesamt-IgG (>20 mg/ml) und IgG-anti-LPS von E. coli J5 (>120 RE/ml) nach der Kolostrumaufnahme im Zusammenhang mit einer geringeren Anzahl von Durchfalltagen innerhalb der ersten zwei Lebensmonate standen. C. perfringens und Enterobakterien waren gleichermaßen nachweisbar bei Fohlen mit Durchfall als auch bei unauffälligen Fohlen. Aus der Supplementierung von B. cereus var. toyoi ergab sich kein Effekt auf die Kotflora der Fohlen, außer auf die Gesamtkeimzahlen (GKZ) der aeroben Bakterien. Bei den Aerobiern im Fohlenkot konnte ein signifikanter Behandlungseffekt (p=0,012) festgestellt werden. Im ersten Milchkot der Fohlen waren GKZ von 4,5 x 104 KbE/g (200 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe) bis 5,0 x 105 KbE/g (50 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe) bei den aeroben Bakterien und GKZ von 2,4 x 105 KbE/g (200 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe) bis 4,7 x 106 KbE/g (50 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe) median bei den Anaerobiern nachweisbar. Danach stieg der Gehalt der aeroben und anaeroben Bakterien weiter bis zum 3. LT und stagnierte bis zum 16. LT. Während dieser Stagnationsphase trat bei 92 % der Fohlen (23/25) eine Veränderung der Kotkonsistenz bis hin zu Durchfällen auf. Vom 16. bis zum 58. LT sanken die Gehalte moderat bei den Aerobiern median am 58. LT auf 2,7 x 105 KbE/g (Placebo-Gruppe) bis 2,2 x 106 KbE/g (50 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe) und bei den Anaerobiern median am 58. LT auf 3,8 x 105 KbE/g (Placebo-Gruppe) bis 2,9 x 106 KbE/g (200 mg Toyocerin-Gruppe). Bis zum 58. LT näherte sich der Medianwert der aeroben und anaeroben Bakterien im Kot der Placebo-Gruppe dem Wert der Mutterstuten (gemessen am ersten Tag nach der Geburt) an. Innerhalb der ersten Lebenstage war eine hohe aerobe sowie anaerobe Keimzahl im Kot der Fohlen nachzuweisen, die sich oberhalb der Keimzahlen befand, die im Kot der Mutterstuten zum Zeitpunkt der Geburt gemessen wurde. Im Rahmen der Entwicklung und Etablierung der bakteriellen intestinalen Mikroflora wurde das Fohlenrossedurchfallgeschehen bei den Fohlen beobachtet. B. cereus var. toyoi hatte dabei keinen Einfluss auf die Anzahl der Fohlen mit Durchfall und den Gesundheitsstatus der Fohlen. / Diarrhoea is probably one of the most common problems in equine neonates. Almost all foals develop transient diarrhoea within the first weeks of life. Different viral, bacterial and parasitic causes are discussed. Between the 5th and the 15th day of the foal’s life, when their dam’s first post partum (p.p.) oestrus is expected, diarrhoea in foals is observed quite often. That is why it’s called “foal heat diarrhoea”. In literature establishment of intestinal microflora and maturation of the intestinal mucosa is responsible for the occurrence of diarrhoea in this period of life. But little is known about the development of the intestinal microflora in foals. Many probiotics are authorised as gut flora stabilisers in animal nutrition. Some studies proved positive effects of Bacillus (B.) cereus var. toyoi (Toyocerin®) on intestinal health in other species e.g. calves, piglets, broiler chicken, poultry and growing rabbits. The present study deals with the question if a supplementation of B. cereus var. toyoi lead to a stabilisation of the developing intestinal microflora and therefore to a reduction of diarrhoea in foals. A total of 25 mares and foals of a thoroughbred stud were included into the study. Foals were born between February and May 2011. From birth, the foals were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: placebo group (10 ml isotonic saline solution, n=8), 50 mg Toyocerin group (5 x 108 cfu B. cereus var. toyoi solved in 10 ml isotonic saline solution, n=7) and 200 mg Toyocerin group (2 x 109 cfu B. cereus var. toyoi solved in 10 ml isotonic saline solution, n=10). Placebo- and treatment groups were orally supplemented once a day starting on the 1st through to the 58th day of life. Determination of heart and respiratory rate, body temperature, body weight was realised according to a standardised protocol. Within the first day of life, on day 9, 16, 23, 30, 44, 58 and on the first day of diarrhoea faecal samples has been taken from the rectum or by the use of a collection bag. Blood samples were taken via jugular venipuncture on day 1, 9, 16, 30, 58 and on the first day of diarrhoea. Culture-depend methods were used to analyse the bacterial microflora. Serum IgG was analysed by a competitive ELISA, IgG-anti-LPS from E. coli J5 and IgG-anti-PLC-from-C. perfringens-1a by an indirect ELISA. 88 % of the foals developed diarrhoea (placebo 7/8, 50 mg Toyocerin 5/7, 200 mg Toyocerin 10/10) with a high incidence between the 8th and the 16th day of the foal’s life. Meanwhile, foals remained bright and alert and continued to nurse. At the time point of the first p.p. oestrus in the mares, 59 % of their foals showed signs of diarrhoea. Within the remaining 41 % there are foals that had no diarrhoea but there are also foals which had diarrhoea when the mare had not been in heat. Neonatal diarrhoea in foals is not linked to p.p. oestrus in their mares. There was a tendency, that high serum-IgG (> 20 mg/ml) and IgG-anti-LPS from E. coli J5 (> 120 RE/ml) after colostrum uptake were associated with lower diarrhoea severity in the first 58 days of the foal’s life. C. perfringens and enterobacteria can be found equally in foals with diarrhoea and in foals which are not afflicted. B. cereus var. toyoi supplementation had no effect on faecal bacteria in foals, except on aerobic bacteria (p=0,012). In the first milk faeces aerobic bacteria were detected in median from 4,5 x 104 cfu/g (200 mg Toyocerin-group) to 5,0 x 105 cfu/g (50 mg Toyocerin-group) and anaerobic bacteria were detected in median from 2,4 x 105 cfu/g (200 mg Toyocerin-group) to 4,7 x 106 cfu/g (50 mg Toyocerin-group). Afterwards the counts increased towards the 3rd day of life and stayed on a high level till the 16th day of life. During this stagnation in 92 % of the foals a change in faecal consistency and diarrhoea was observed. Afterwards, from the 16th though to the 58th day of life, the bacteria counts in the faeces moderately decreased in median for the aerobic bacteria on the 58th day of life down to 3,8 x 105 cfu/g (placebo-group) till 2,9 x 106 cfu/g (200 mg Toyocerin-group). On the 58th day of life the counts of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the faeces of the placebo-group approached the counts in the faeces of the mare (measured at the time point of birth). In the first days of foals’ life detection of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the faeces were high, and above the level of the bacteria counts in the faeces of the mare at the time point of birth. Foal heat diarrhoea is observed as a part of the development and establishment of bacterial intestinal microflora. B. cereus var. toyoi had no effect on the percentage of foals with diarrhoea and health status in the foals at that point.

This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of bioactive plant compounds along with high pressure processing (HPP) against pathogens Bacillus cereus and Cronobacter sakazakii in infant formula and infant rice cereal. The influence of these applications on antimicrobial activity, shelf-life and sensory attributes of infant foods were examined. Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and [10]-Gingerol (GI) were incorporated (0.05%) in infant rice cereal reconstituted with infant formula. The cereal was inoculated with either B. cereus (ATCC 14579) or B. cereus spores (107-108 log CFU g-1). All the samples were stored at 7, 23 or 37°C for 0, 4, 8 and 24 h. TC showed the highest antimicrobial activity by inhibiting the B. cereus and its spores up to 2.72 and 3.8 log CFU g-1, respectively. HPP (600 MPa for 5 m), and TC (0.05-0.1%) along with Chitosan (CH) (1%), were applied to reconstituted powder infant formula which was inoculated with either 3 strains of C. sakazakii (ATCC 29544, ATCC 12868, and ATCC BAA 894) or 5 strains of B. cereus spore (ATCC 14579, ATCC 33018, ATCC 12826, ATCC 4342, and Difco Spores) cocktail (107-108 log CFU ml-1). All the samples were stored at 7, 23 or 45°C for 5-8 weeks. HPP and TC (0.1%) combination exhibited the highest inhibition (P < 0.05) by reducing the B. cereus spores 2.97 log CFU ml-1 after 7 d. C. sakazakii was fully inactivated by HPP, TC (0.05%) and C (1%) combination following 8 weeks of storage at 7 and 23°C and 2 weeks storage at 45°C. The combination of HPP and bioactive compounds exhibited additive antimicrobial effect. Gradual decrease (P < 0.05) in pH was observed in rice cereal and non-HPP formula samples due to the microbial growth and metabolic activity. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in color, aroma and general appearance of EGCG and GI applied cereal samples, while TC only did exhibit a cinnamon taste. In summary, the antimicrobial findings suggest that TC, EGCG, GI and CH could be incorporated in infant foods along with HPP as natural and safe alternatives to synthetic preservatives and thermal applications.