BACKGROUND Changes in the human microbiome have been suggested as a risk factor for a number of lifestyle-related disorders, such as atopic diseases, possibly through a modifying influence on immune maturation in infancy. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore the association between neonatal fecal flora and the development of atopic disorders until age 6 years, hypothesizing that the diversity of th...

A total of 45 preruminant goats were fed either goat milk or a milk substitute to compare the evolution of taurine and glycine conjugated bile acids and the evolution of the intestinal flora during the first month of life. Samples of hepatic bile were obtained from kids of 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days old and conjugated bile acids were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Bacterial ...

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFBs) are apathogenic autochthonous bacteria in the murine small intestine that preferentially attach to Peyer's patch epithelium. SFBs have never been cultured in vitro. We have studied the effects of SFBs on the immune system of the host. Mice monoassociated with SFBs were compared with germ-free mice and with mice without SFBs but with a specific-pathogen-free...

The normal bacterial flora contains antibiotic resistance genes to various degrees, even in individuals with no history of exposure to commercially prepared antibiotics. Several factors seem to increase the number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in feces. One important factor is the exposure of the intestinal flora to antibacterial drugs. Antibiotics used as feed additives seem to play an impo...

Obesity and insulin resistance are the major predisposing factors to comorbidities, such as Type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and several types of cancer. The prevalence of obesity is still increasing worldwide and now affects a large number of individuals. Here, we review the role of the gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of in...

The aim of this study was to count, isolate and identify by traditional methods the major bacteria colonizing the intestinal tract of organic and conventional chickens. The study was performed in 2 conventional and 2 organic chicken farms. Intestinal samples (24 from ileum and 24 from caecum) were collected from organic reared chickens during the production cycle (40 days of age) and at slaught...

Nutritional practices that promote good health and optimal athletic performance are of interest to athletes, coaches, exercise scientists and dietitians. Probiotic supplements modulate the intestinal microbial flora and offer promise as a practical means of enhancing gut and immune function. The intestinal microbial flora consists of diverse bacterial species that inhabit the gastrointestinal t...