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<OL> <LI> Define the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium lactis
(Bb12) colonization on the immune system. <LI> Determine the effects of LGG or Bb12 on
the development of a local allergic response in pigs as a model for human disease. <LI> Determine the impact of probiotic bacteria in modulating a worm-induced colitis
and enteritis caused by Salmonella typhimurium. <LI> 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.