Probiotics, Probiotics, Symbiotics

Question 1

microbiota

Answer 1

all the living microorganisms that inhabit the GI tract (includes archaea, bacteriam protozoa, viruses)

Question 2

microbiome

Answer 2

mutual interaction of the organism in the GI with the host cells

Question 3

what are the pros/cons of bacterial culture?

Answer 3

• useful when looking for something specific
• allows assessment of viability, sensitivity, genotype analysis, identifying metabolic properties
• limited in defining the microorganisms that are unknown or anaerobic
• haven’t created culture techniques for many bugs (fewer than 5%)

Question 4

how are RNA and DNA from the GI tract analyzed?

Answer 4

• done via intestinal contents, tissue biopsy, feces
• PCR using 16S rRNA = “what is there”, amplicons = fingerprint for “who exactly is there”
• qPCR and FISH = how much and where in epithelium

Question 5

how do cats and dogs differ in their GI bacteria?

Answer 5

cats have higher duodenal numbers of bacteria and greater numbers of anaerobic bacteria

Question 6

what are the control mechanisms for bacteria in the GI?

Answer 6

gastric acid

bile

intestinal motility

intestinal mucus

immune response

bacteria

Question 7

prebiotics

Answer 7

nondigestable dietary carbohydrates that stimulate growth and metabolism of enteric protective bacteria, encourage Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, increase fecal short-chain fatty acid concentration

exaples: lactosucrose, FOS, psyllium, bran

Question 8

probiotics

Answer 8

living microorganisms that impart a health benefit, must survive colon and SI to have effect

may improve epithelial barrier function, modulate immune system, alter microbiota to prevent pathogenic bacteria

Question 9

symbiotics

Answer 9

combo of both prebiotics and probiotics