Project Number: 1235-52000-054-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 02, 2004
End Date: Mar 15, 2009

Objective:
Define the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium lactis (Bb12) colonization on the immune system. 2. Determine the effects of LGG or Bb12 on the development of a local allergic response in pigs as a model for human disease. 3. Determine the impact of probiotic bacteria in modulating a worm-induced colitis and enteritis caused by Salmonella typhimurium. 4. Determine the production of volatile organic compounds in the GI tract of animals consuming probiotics and prebiotics and the effect of these products on GI function.

Approach:
It is hypothesized that probiotic microbes induced a more balanced maturation of mucosal immune system. These studies are difficult to conduct in humans and an animal model to demonstrate a 'proof of principle' for the effectiveness of dietary probiotics on neonatal maturation and modulation of mucosal immunity is needed. The overall approach of this project is to identify and measure the effect of probiotics as a dietary component for early induction of mucosal immune system development in newborn swine as a model for nutrient conditioning of a balanced immune system in humans. On the basis of the epidemiological studies done with humans we predict that it will be possible to enhance development and modulate the immune system by administration of probiotics.