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This study aimed to investigate the impacts of three strains of probiotics (Bacillus spp. (B.)) and one prebiotic based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall (SCCW) supplements on performance, egg quality and immune-related gene expression of laying hens. The experiment lasted 16 weeks (52–68 weeks), during which 450 Hisex white layers at 52 weeks were randomly allocated into five dietary regimens (five replications of 18 birds per floor pen): T1, basal diet; T2, basal + 0.5 g/kg B. subtilis (DSM17299); T3, basal + 0.5 g/kg B. subtilis (DSM 5750) and B. licheniformis (DSM 5749); T4, basal + 0.4 g/kg B. subtilis PB6; and T5, basal + 0.25 g/kg SCCW. The results showed that hen-day egg production (HDEP) improved in T4 and T5, egg mass (EM) improved in T3, T4 and T5, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved in T4 and T5 compared to T1 (p <.001). Relative wet and dry yolk weight were higher in hens received T2, T4 and T5 (p <.05) and T2, T3, T4 and T5 (p <.001), respectively, compared to T1. Moreover, T2, T4 and T5 had higher expression of GnRH-2 gene compared to T1 (p <.01). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of SCCW-based prebiotic (T5) and Bacillus spp. probiotic strains, especially T4 B. subtilis PB6 improved production performance, egg components and GnRH-II gene expression of laying hens during phase II of the production cycle and hold a great promise for boosting productivity and supporting health status of layers raised on AGPs-free diets. Highlights: Supplements used in this experiment improved laying hen's performance significantly compared to the un-supplemented group. Supplements improved significantly egg components and gene expression compared to the un-supplemented group. Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall-based prebiotic and B. subtilis PB6 showed better improvements for production performance, egg components and GnRH-II gene expression compared to other additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are live microorganisms beneficial to host health, predominantly comprising lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus. Additional non-LAB probiotics, termed intestinal isolates, encompass next-generation strains like Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Christensenella minuta, Anaerobutyricum soehngenii, Oxalobacter formigenes, etc. and alongside externally sourced Bacillus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Clostridium butyricum, and Propionibacterium. Intestinal-derived probiotics represent strictly anaerobic strains with challenging culturing requirements, contrasting with the aerobic nature of Bacillus probiotics and the ease of culturing S. cerevisiae. These strains exhibit diverse health-promoting properties, encompassing antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, and vitamin production capabilities, albeit contingent upon strain specificity. This review delineates the characteristics, culturing conditions, and health advantages associated with non-LAB probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of dietary inclusion of probiotic mixture (B. subtilis and B. licheniformis), Coconut oil (CO) and Nigella sativa oil (NSO) or Black cumin oil (BCO) on productive performance, economic efficiency indicators and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks. For this purpose, 140 day-old broiler chicks (Cobb500) were weighed individually and assigned randomly into four treatments (T) 35 chicks in each, divided into five replicates of 7 chicks in each. (T1) control fed a basal diet, (T2) fed a basal diet + Coconut oil (10 ml/kg feed); (T3) fed a basal diet + Nigella sativa oil (1ml/kg feed) and (T4) fed a basal diet + Bacillus probiotics (1g/kg of diet). Results clarified that CO, NSO and probiotic mixture groups improved significantly (P>0.05) the productive parameters (final body weight (FBW), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)) compared to control group. CO-based diet group recorded the highest BW and BWG, while probiotics mixture group was superior in feed intake value. The lowest FCR value was recorded in CO and NSO-based diet groups. The best economic efficiency measures were scored in CO followed by NSO then Bacillus probiotics. Also, there are significant differences (P<0.05) among dietary treatments on relative weight of carcass, inner organs and immune organs. Diet containing NSO acquired the highest dressing percent (73.50%), while the highest relative weight of (heart, proventriculus, thymus, spleen %) was registered in broilers fed probiotics mixture diet. In conclusion CO, NSO, probiotics mixture-based diet has a beneficial influence on productive performance and economic indicators, thus highly recommended utilizing those supplements as natural feed additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, probiotic soft jelly candy was developed using Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus clausii and Bacillus subtilis as probiotics and the rheological, textural, microbiological and sensory characteristics of jellies were determined. In terms of probiotic features, the viability and in vitro gastrointestinal tract (GIT) durability of probiotics were determined during 3 months of storage. No alteration in the physicochemical properties of the soft candies was observed with the usage of probiotics (p > 0.05) in comparison to the control samples. Utilization of the probiotic strains resulted in the increment of the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacities of soft candies. The flow behavior characteristics of the soft candies did not change with the addition of probiotics and they showed similar viscosity values. Jelly candies (P1, P2, EG and BB2) containing strains of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus clausii preserved their probiotic properties until the end of the 90th day as the Bacillus numbers were higher than 6 log cfu/g. In the in vitro GIT test, the survival rate of Bacillus strains was over 90.36% at the end of the storage period. The produced probiotic jelly candies presented desired sensorial acceptability. These findings revealed that using of probiotic Bacillus strains is excellent alternative for production of functional confectionery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Dietary supplementation of full-fat black soldier fly larvae (BSFL full-fat meal; alone or in combination with multi-probiotics) was tested as an alternative to dietary antibiotics in weaning piglets. We also tested the effects of these diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility coefficients, immune status, oxidative stress, intestinal histomorphology, and rectal microbial modulations in weaned pigs. A total of 80 piglets [(Landrace × Large White) × Duroc] of both sexes (a ratio of gilts and barrows; 1:1), were randomly allotted to four diet groups: positive control (PC) diet supplemented with 0.02% amoxicillin; negative control (NC) diet without supplement addition; BSFL12 diet (NC + 12% BSFL full-fat meal); and BSFL + Pro diet (BSFL full-fat meal + 0.1% multi-probiotics, including Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). All groups had five replicates, with four piglets per replicate. Results Dietary BSFL + Pro improved the overall average daily gain (P = 0.013), and gain-to-feed ratio (P = 0.032). The BSFL12 and BSFL + Pro diets improved nutrient digestibility and increased the serum levels of immunoglobulin A and glutathione peroxidase, while reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The spleen weight was higher and caecal pH was lower in pigs fed the BSFL + Pro diet than in those fed the NC diet (P = 0.011 and P = 0.021, respectively). Pigs fed the BSFL diets had longer duodenal villi, a higher villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (P = 0.004), and shorter crypt depth (P = 0.017) than those fed NC. The BSFL + Pro diet also increased faecal Lactobacillus spp. count (P = 0.008) and reduced Escherichia coli (P = 0.021) counts compared with that seen with PC and NC diets, respectively. Conclusions Dietary supplementation with BSFL or BSFL + multi-probiotics can improve the growth performance and intestinal health of pigs and may be an effective strategy to replace antibiotics for weaned pigs.

The use of antibiotics and therapeutics for Nile tilapia has increased along with its increased production and intensification. Probiotics have been studied as an alternative to the excessive use of antibiotics in fish diets. Studies have demonstrated that dietary Bacillus probiotic inclusion promotes faster growth and disease resistance in farmed fish species. Despite advances in research, there is still uncertainty about the mechanisms controlling the immune response of fish. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent research on the immune responses of Nile tilapia to Bacillus probiotics. Through the use of immunological information including phagocytosis, lysozyme activity, respiratory activity, antioxidant proteins, complement activity, and immune-related gene expression, researchers hope to develop effective strategies for successfully using Bacillus probiotics in Oreochromis niloticus farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary supplementation of full-fat black soldier fly larvae (BSFL full-fat meal; alone or in combination with multi-probiotics) was tested as an alternative to dietary antibiotics in weaning piglets. We also tested the effects of these diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility coefficients, immune status, oxidative stress, intestinal histomorphology, and rectal microbial modulations in weaned pigs. A total of 80 piglets [(Landrace × Large White) × Duroc] of both sexes (a ratio of gilts and barrows; 1:1), were randomly allotted to four diet groups: positive control (PC) diet supplemented with 0.02% amoxicillin; negative control (NC) diet without supplement addition; BSFL12 diet (NC + 12% BSFL full-fat meal); and BSFL + Pro diet (BSFL full-fat meal + 0.1% multi-probiotics, including Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). All groups had five replicates, with four piglets per replicate. Results: Dietary BSFL + Pro improved the overall average daily gain (P = 0.013), and gain-to-feed ratio (P = 0.032). The BSFL12 and BSFL + Pro diets improved nutrient digestibility and increased the serum levels of immunoglobulin A and glutathione peroxidase, while reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The spleen weight was higher and caecal pH was lower in pigs fed the BSFL + Pro diet than in those fed the NC diet (P = 0.011 and P = 0.021, respectively). Pigs fed the BSFL diets had longer duodenal villi, a higher villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (P = 0.004), and shorter crypt depth (P = 0.017) than those fed NC. The BSFL + Pro diet also increased faecal Lactobacillus spp. count (P = 0.008) and reduced Escherichia coli (P = 0.021) counts compared with that seen with PC and NC diets, respectively. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with BSFL or BSFL + multi-probiotics can improve the growth performance and intestinal health of pigs and may be an effective strategy to replace antibiotics for weaned pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three Bacillus probiotics on Salmonella Typhimurium, and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) gene expression in the co‐culture of the Bacillus and the pathogen in vitro. Methods and Results: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus indicus and Bacillus coagulans were initially turned to spore and heat‐inactivated forms. The cellular damages of the probiotics on the HT‐29 cells were investigated individually and in combination with S. Typhimurium using 3‐(4,5 dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and fluorescence assays. To extract cell free supernatants (CFS) of the probiotics, they were cultured in selective media. The inhibitory activity of CFSs were then assayed against the pathogen. The gene expression of IL‐8 of the HT‐29 cells was evaluated by real‐time PCR in all the groups. The results showed that the CFSs of three probiotics could inhibit the growth of S. Typhimurium by more than 50%. Inhibitory effects of B. indicus and B. subtilis CFSs were related to the production of pepsin‐sensitive compounds, except B. coagulans in which the high inhibitory effect was due to organic acids. The spores of the three probiotics and the heat‐inactivated forms of B. subtilis and B. coagulans could reduce the cytotoxicity of S. Typhimurium. The cell viability also increased applying both forms probiotics against the pathogen. In all co‐culture groups, the IL‐8 gene expression induced by S. Typhimurium was reduced. Conclusions: The three Bacillus probiotics can be considered as proper candidates for the prevention and treatment of S. Typhimurium food poisoning. Significance and Impact of the Study: Applying probiotics as live bacteria is universally noted in foods. This study tried to discover the effects of Bacillus probiotics in the form of spore or even heat‐killed bacteria against S. Typhimurium and evaluate ratio of IL‐8 gene expression in cell culture. The most effective Bacillus probiotic will be recommended. This approach will help to use probiotics as nonvegetative cells in foods to fight gastrointestinal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcal wound infections range from mild to severe with life-threatening complications. The challenge of controlling such infections is related to bacterial biofilm formation, which is a major factor contributing to antibiotic resistance and infection recurrence. In this study, four clinical isolates of staphylococci species; two isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and two methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolates. The identification of bacterial species based on cell morphology, initial biochemical tests, and the VITEK2 system were used to confirm the clinical microbiological diagnosis. Antibiotic sensitivity testing showed that the isolated staphylococci were highly resistant to the following antibiotics, amoxicillin, penicillin G, cefotaxime, and methicillin. Combinations of cefotaxime with the cell-free supernatants (CFS) of Bacillus subtilis KATMIRA1933 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B-1895, each one separately showed complementary activity against the tested staphylococci. The co-aggregation capability of the tested bacilli as beneficial bacteria against isolated staphylococci was also evaluated. The data showed a strong co-aggregation with scores (+ 3, + 4) which were reported between the bacilli strains and the isolated staphylococci. Furthermore, the CFS of bacilli strains showed an inhibitory effect against biofilm-associated MRSA and MSSA. These findings confirmed the ability of beneficial bacteria to compete with the pathogens at the site of colonization or for the source of nutrients and, eventually, lead to inhibition of the pathogens' capability of causing a wound infection. Such beneficial bacteria could play an important role in future pharmaceutical and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Значна поширеність запальних захворювань тканин пародонта свідчить про необхідність проведення профілактичних і лікувальних заходів. Наші попередні дослідження показали високу резистентність штамів, виділених із ротової порожнини пацієнтів із пародонтитом, до антибіотиків, що свідчить про необхідність пошуку альтернативних методів лікування цього захворювання. Останніми роками велика увага приділяється вивченню можливості використання пробіотиків із метою корекції мікрофлори ротової порожнини. У статті описано сучасні дані про потенційні переваги та основні властивості спорових пробіотиків роду Bacillus, що показують перспективність і актуальність їх використання у стоматологічній практиці. Наведено результати досліджень in vitro антагоністичних властивостей бацилярних біопрепаратів («Біоспорин», «Субалін», «Нормофлора», «Ентерожерміна») на клінічні штами мікроорганізмів, виділених із ротової порожнини пацієнтів із запальними захворюваннями тканин пародонта. Найбільшою антагоністичною активністю володіє препарат «Біоспорин». Це може бути пов’язано з наявністю двох пробіотичних штамів у його складі. Тому актуальним залишається проведення подальших досліджень із метою корекції мікробіоценозу ротової порожнини пацієнтів із пародонтитом за допомогою пробіотиків

Three in vivo experiments were conducted to measure the effectiveness of commercial Bacillus probiotics on survival and development of Litopenaeus vannamei larvae from nauplii 3-4 (N3-4) to zoea 3 (Z3) stages. Experiment I: Nine commercial Bacillus probiotics were individually added to larvae twice at N6 and Z1 at levels of 2, 20, and 100 mg L−1. Only six of nine products at 20 mg L−1 exhibited higher or significantly higher larval survival ( P < 0.05) than the control. Experiment II: Two superior products from the first experiment were administered to larvae with six dose frequencies at 20 mg L−1. For both products, three doses, once at each of N3-4, N6 and Z1 stages, yielded the best larval survival and development rates ( P < 0.05), and these were confirmed by enhanced activities of tryptase and amylase. Experiment III: The isolates of these two products, identified as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, were delivered to larvae singly at concentrations of 1.0 × 108 and 1.0 × 109 CFU L−1, or at the same concentrations by mixing the two equally. At 1.0 × 109 CFU L−1, B. subtilis exerted more beneficial effects on larvae than B. licheniformis or the mixture. Therefore, the optimal dosage and dose frequency of commercial Bacillus products should be evaluated prior to large-scale application in shrimp hatcheries to avoid futility or even adverse effects, as spore counts and non-bacterial ingredients are key factors influencing the efficacy of Bacillus probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to examine whether a mixture of bacteria composed of Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus has a beneficial impact on survival, growth, lysozyme activity and total immunoglobulins (Ig) in perch larvae. In experiment 1, control fish were compared with fish receiving bacteria (4.93 × 10 CFU L day) through tank water or both through tank water and Artemia metanauplii enriched with two bacteria doses (2 × 10 or 4 × 10 CFU L). Treatments were performed in 40 L triplicate tanks of 200 fish [initial body weight (IBW)=2.3 mg] each, placed in separated recirculating water systems. Experiment 2 evaluated the combining effects of bacteria feeding and densities (10 vs. 20 fish L, IBW=9.5 mg). In both experiments, the bacteria added to live food or both live food and water induced higher growth rate at the highest dietary dose and this was associated with higher Ig levels on days 14 and 28. In experiment 2, higher survival was associated to lower type-2 cannibalism (ingestion of whole prey) at the two dietary bacteria doses, and such positive effect was observed for fish fed bacteria at high density. Bacteria administration through water had no effect on growth and survival. In conclusion, the results show that high dietary concentrations of the mixture of bacteria used have potential stimulating impact on growth, survival, lysozyme activity and total Ig. But, further investigations are needed to demonstrate the optimal doses for emphasizing immune defence status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]