Cattle have been recognized as a principal reservoir of Escherichia coli O157:H7, and the organism appears to be confined to the gastrointestinal tract and is shed in the feces. A probiotic product containing lactic acid-producing Streptococcus bovis and Lactobacillus gallinarum isolated from adult cattle was developed to eliminate the carriage of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle. By administration of the probiotic product, shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in the feces of experimentally infected calves was completely inhibited.
(Lab. of Clinical Bacteriology, Kyushu Research Station)
