Intestine pathogens

Puupoonen-Pimia R, Nohynek L, Hartmann-Schmidlin S, Kahkonen M, Heinonen M, Maatta-Riihinen K, Oksman-Caldentey KM. (2005) Berry phe-nolics selectively inhibit the growth of intestinal pathogens. JAppl Microbiol 98 991-1000. 

Fooks, L.J. and Gibson, G.R., In vitm investigation of the effect of probiotics and prebiotics on selected human intestinal pathogens, FEMS Microbial Ecol., 39, 67-75, 2002. 

Escherichia coli is a member of the bacterial family, Enterobacteriaceae, the enteric bacteria. Members of the Enterobacteriaceae are among the most important bacteria medically. A number of genera within the family are human intestinal pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia). Several others are normal colonists of the human gastrointestinal tract (e.g., Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella), but these bacteria, as well, may occasionally be associated with diseases of humans. E. coli is a facultative anaerobic, motile, gram-negative rod. 

Preliminary studies have shown evidence of red raspberry effects against intestinal pathogens and inflammatory mechanisms. These properties have been ascribed to the anthocyanin content, particularly the numerous cyanidin glycosides and ellagitannins, which are strongly linked to inhibiting mechanisms that initiate inflammation. 

An understanding of osmosis and the intestinal absorption of salt and glucose forms the basis for a simple therapy that saves millions of lives each year, particularly in less-developed countries. In these countries, cholera and other intestinal pathogens are major causes of death of young children. A toxin released by the bacteria activates chloride secretion by the intestinal epithelial cells into the lumen water follows osmotlcally, and the resultant massive loss of water causes diarrhea, dehydration, and ultimately death. A cure demands not only killing the bacteria with antibiotics, but also rehydration— replacement of the water that is lost from the blood and other tissues. 

E. coli is very rarely found in water when faecal pollution is absent, and testing for E. coli and coliforms is the most sensitive method of demonstrating faecal pollution. Confirmation of the presence of E. coli indicates faecal pollution and the possible presence of intestinal pathogens. High counts suggest recent or heavy pollution, whilst low counts suggest slight pollution or pollution at some time in the distant past. 

Efficacy probiotics must confer positive effects to the host, such as improving microbial balance, modulating immune response and combating intestinal pathogens. Such effects should be proved by in vitro and in vivo experiments. 

The invention of the water closet, while it appeared to overcome these problems for a while, has created new difficulties, since it can be seen as a device for contaminating enormous volumes of potable water with the complete range of intestinal pathogens present within each catchment area. 

Helicobacter pylori eradication Specific strains of lactic acid bacteria have been reported to inhibit a wide range of intestinal pathogens including Helicobacter pylori, which is involved in the process of gastric ulcer development. Lactic acid bacteria are often able to survive acidic gastric conditions and it has therefore been proposed that they may have a beneficial influence during the eradication of H. pylori. It has been reported that both the inhibitory substances produced and the specific strains may influence the survival of Helicobacter, and studies have been conducted, particularly with a L. 

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