Antimicrobial potential of probiotics against human pathogens

Abstract

The present invention relates to pure cultures of strains of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium as well as next-generation probiotic for use as antimicrobials for inhibiting growth of a bacterium, such as infectious bacteria or a bacterium under infections conditions. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a substance or composition comprising such substantially pure cultures of strains of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium or of a next-generation probiotic, as well as to methods of treating a bacterial infection in mammals by administering such strains of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium or of a next-generation probiotic.

Description

[0001] Antimicrobial potential of probiotics against human pathogens

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to pure cultures of strains of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium as well as next-generation probiotic for use as antimicrobials for inhibiting growth of a bacterium, such as infectious bacteria or a bacterium under infections conditions. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a substance or composition comprising such substantially pure cultures of strains of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium or of a next-generation probiotic, as well as to methods of treating a bacterial infection in mammals by administering such strains of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium or of a next-generation probiotic.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Pathogenic bacteria can cause various diseases in humans of all ages. The effects can vary from causing mild symptoms to a life-threatening condition. Some probiotic bacteria are able to kill or reduce the effects of pathogens by various mechanisms including production of antimicrobial compounds such as organic acids, bacteriocins and low-molecular weight antimicrobials.

[0006] Lactic acid bacteria have long been considered important protectors of gut health, with many probiotic organisms belonging to the family Lactobacillaceae and genus Bifidobacterium.

[0007] Escherichia coll is a gram-negative facultative anaerobe responsible for diarrheal infections, meningitis, septicemia, and urinary tract infections (Makvana and Krilov, 2015). Another infectious gram-negative bacterium, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, is usually obtained from eating contaminated food such as eggs or meat or drinking contaminated water. Salmonella infections affect the gastrointestinal tract and may cause typhoid fever, food poisoning and gastroenteritis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause infections in different parts of the body, for example urinary tract infections, or infections in the blood or lungs. Especially susceptible are people with defective immune system (Love and Jones, 2008).

[0008] Gram-positive, facultative anaerobe Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis in humans. The symptoms can be mild including diarrhea, nausea, muscle ache and fever, but listeriosis can be very dangerous for immunocompromised people and pregnant women (Farber and Peterkin, 1991). Streptococcus agalactiae is a group B Streptococcus best known for its ability to cause postpartum infections and neonatal sepsis. Infections in healthy adults are rare, however, sometimes occurring in young and middle-aged women with underlying diseases (Onile, 1985). Another gram-positive coccus, Staphylococcus aureus does usually not cause infections on healthy skin but if it enters the bloodstream or internal tissues it can lead to serious illnesses including blood stream infection and sepsis (Taylor and Unakal, 2020). Spore forming, gram-positive Clostridioides difficile infections are severe threats to especially elderly people (Guh and Kutty, 2018). It causes especially antibiotic-associated diarrhea which ranges in severity from mild diarrhea to difficult colitis and death. Other members of the same family, Clostridium perfringens also causes diarrhea and abdominal cramps, which can be dangerous to very young and elderly people (Kiu and Hall, 2018). The next-generation probiotics (NGP) have been explored for use in Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) prevention (Pamer, 2016). Antibiotic disruption of a healthy microbiota leaves the host susceptible to CDI.

[0009] Candida albicans is a yeast that is a member of a normal human microbiota. Sometimes, however, it can cause mild superficial infections, such as oral or vaginal candidiasis, or more severe, life-threatening systemic infections (Mayer et aL, 2013).

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1. Representative images of the inhibition zone categories. Zones are categorized based on their diameter. A) 0 (no inhibition), B) +, fair (no growth on top of the spot), C) + + , good, less than 25 mm, D) + ++, very good (> 25 < 40 mm), E) + + ++, excellent (>40 mm).

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide substantially pure cultures of bacterial strains for use as an antimicrobial for inhibiting growth of other bacteria, such as infectious bacteria, or bacteria in inappropriate unwanted high numbers.

[0014] The present invention relates in a broad aspect to the use of a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium, or a nextgeneration probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium as an antimicrobial for inhibiting growth of selected specific bacteria.

[0015] Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention relates to the use, such as non-therapeutic use of a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium as an antimicrobial for inhibiting growth of a bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella vaginalis.

[0016] In a second aspect the present invention relates to the use, such as non-therapeutic use of a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of a next-generation probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium selected from the genus Blautia, Bacteroides, Intestinimonas, Barnesiella, Alistipes, Phocaeicola, and Butyricicoccus, commensal to a mammal, such as a human, for inhibiting growth of a bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Clostridioides difficile, and Clostridium perfringens. In a third aspect the present invention relates to a substance or composition comprising a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of the family LactobaciHaceaeor of the genus Bifidobacterium or of a next-generation probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium commensal to a mammal, such as a human, for use in a method of treating a bacterial infection or therapeutically inhibiting growth of a human pathogenic bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella vaginalis; in a mammal.

[0017] In a further aspect the present invention relates to a method of treating a bacterial infection in mammal, the method comprising the step of administering a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium or of a next-generation probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium commensal to a mammal, such as a human, to the infected mammal.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The antimicrobial activity of 39 specific strains of the family Lactobacillaceae and genus Bifidobacterium and 19 next-generation probiotics (NGP) strains belonging to different genus and species were assessed using a dual-culture in vitro plate-assay and many of the strains showed antimicrobial activity against selected human pathogens.

[0020] All tested lactobacilli and bifidobacteria effectively inhibited the Gram-negative bacteria, almost all inhibited the gram-positive bacteria up to a certain extent and a couple even inhibited the yeast. These beneficial bacteria could be used alone or in combination to decrease pathogenesis or risk of severe illness caused by pathogens that were studied here. Similarly, several NGPs showed inhibition against Gram positive gut pathogens.

[0021] The term Next-Generation Probiotics (NGPs) as used herein refers to microorganisms that are commensal strains naturally found in healthy human gut and are often anaerobic.

[0022] As used herein a probiotic refers to a live microorganism that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (FAO / WHO 2001, Hill et al 2014). In the present context pathogen inhibition of a probiotic is considered a health benefit.

[0023] The term "inhibiting growth of a pathogenic bacteria" means reducing, decreasing, lowering the number of live pathogenic bacteria, or impairing or slowing down the growth of such pathogenic bacteria.

[0024] "Pathogenic bacteria" means any to a mammal harmful or disease inducing bacteria either by its mere presence or by being present in higher numbers. Accordingly, within the meaning of pathogenic bacteria are bacteria that in lower numbers are not disease inducing, but which are when present in higher numbers. Bacteria

[0025] The bacterial strains used in aspects of the present invention are bacterial strains of the family Lactobacillaceae in its taxonomic meaning as of the filing date of this present application. (See https: / / www.microbioloqyresearch.orq / content / journal / ijsem / 10.1099 / ijsem .0.004107) This family of Lactobacillaceae includes the reclassified taxonomic groups of the genus Lactobacillus comprising Lactobacillus delbrueckii group, Paralactobacillus as well as genera Holzapfelia, Amylolactobacillus , Bombilactobacillus, Companilactobacillus, Lapidilactobacillus, Agrilactobacillus, Schleiferilactobacillus, Loigolactobacilus , Lacticaseibacillus, Latilactobacillus, Dellaglioa, Liquorilactobacillus, Ligilactobacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, Furfurilactobacillus, Paucilactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus, Fructilactobacillus, Acetilactobacillus, Apilactobacillus, Levilactobacillus, Secundilactobacillus and Lentilactobacillus.

[0026] Other bacterial strains used in aspects of the present invention are bacterial strains of the genus Bifidobacterium, the genus Blautia, the genus Bacteroides, the genus Intestinimonas, the genus Barnesiella, the genus Alistipes, the genus Phocaeicola, or the genus Butyricicoccus. The terms are used in their officially recognised taxonomic meaning at the time of filing.

[0027] The term "commensal to a mammal" refers to a bacterium that naturally inhabits the microbiome of a mammal, such as the mucosal and epidermal surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract, the skin, or cavities in a mammal, such as a human. It is to be understood that within this definition is any bacteria that would habitat any mammal even if not all mammals or individuals of a specific mammal would have a specific bacterium. In some embodiments the term refers to bacterial commensal to humans.

[0028] It is further to be understood that aspects of the invention relate to a pure culture of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium, or of a nextgeneration probiotic for inhibiting growth of other bacteria, which may be unnaturally or naturally present within the microbiome of a mammal, such as Escherichia coli. Although some bacteria may be naturally present, they may be present in a proportionally inappropriate amount, or in an inappropriate place, where inhibiting the growth of such bacteria are required for health or simply benefit the mammalian host.

[0029] Compositions

[0030] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to the amount of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium, or of a next-generation probiotic, which gives rise to an inhibition of the bacterial growth or a reduction of the number of other bacteria in the substance or composition. In some embodiments Preferably, the effective amount of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium, or of a next- generation probiotic is from about 106to about 1012organisms or CFU per dose, preferably about 108to about 1012CFU of bacterial strain per dose.

[0031] In aspects of the invention, a pure culture of at least one strain in used in a composition. Compositions may consist essentially of a single strain of the of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium, or of a next-generation probiotic. Alternatively, a composition may comprise more than one strain, such as more than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 different strains. In some embodiments, the compositions may comprise bacterial strains according to the present invention together with other components, such as biological and chemical components, active ingredients, metabolites, nutrients, fibers prebiotics, etc.

[0032] In one aspect, the present invention provides for the use of composition comprising a substantially pure culture of at least one strain according to the present invention, wherein said bacterial strains are administered in the form of compositions, such as food products, food ingredients, functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutically acceptable formulations. In a particular aspect, the compositions according to the present invention further comprise prebiotics.

[0033] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, the bacterial strains according to the present invention are each present in the composition in an amount between 106and 1012, e.g. between 108and 1012colony forming units (CFU) per dose, optionally IO10CFU per dose.

[0034] While it is not a requirement that the compositions comprise any support, diluent or excipient, such a support, diluent or excipient may be added and used in a manner which is familiar to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable excipients include, but are not limited to, microcrystalline cellulose, rice maltodextrin, silicone dioxide, and magnesium stearate. The compositions of the invention may also comprise cryoprotectant components (for example, glucose, sucrose, lactose, trehalose, sodium ascorbate and / or other suitable cryoprotectants).

[0035] The terms "composition" and "formulation" may be used interchangeably.

[0036] Compositions used in aspects of the invention may take the form of solid, liquid, solution or suspension preparations. Examples of solid preparations include, but are not limited to: tablets, pills, capsules, granules and powders which may be wettable, spray-dried or freeze dried / lyophilized. The compositions may contain flavoring or coloring agents. The compositions may be formulated for immediate-, delayed-, modified-, sustained-, pulsed- or controlled-release applications.

[0037] By way of example, if the compositions of the present invention are used in a tablet form, the tablets may also contain one or more of: excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, sodium citrate, calcium carbonate, dibasic calcium phosphate and glycine; disintegrants such as starch (preferably corn, potato or tapioca starch), sodium starch glycollate, croscarmellose sodium and certain complex silicates; granulation binders such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), sucrose, gelatin and acacia; lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate and talc may be included.

[0038] Examples of other acceptable carriers for use in preparing compositions include, for example, water, salt solutions, alcohol, silicone, waxes, petroleum jelly, vegetable oils, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycol, liposomes, sugars, gelatin, lactose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, surfactants, silicic acid, viscous paraffin, perfume oil, fatty acid monoglycerides and diglycerides, hydroxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and the like.

[0039] For aqueous suspensions and / or elixirs, the composition of the present invention may be combined with various sweetening or flavoring agents, coloring matter or dyes, with emulsifying and / or suspending agents and with diluents such as water, propylene glycol and glycerin, and combinations thereof.

[0040] Specific non-limiting examples of compositions which can be used in aspects of the invention are set out below for illustrative purposes. These include, but are not limited to food products, food ingredients, functional foods, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are used for non-therapy or in a non-therapeutic composition. In other embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are used for therapy or in a medical composition or medicament.

[0041] Food

[0042] The compositions of the invention may take the form of a food product. Here, the term "food" is used in a broad sense and covers food and drink for humans as well as food and drink for animals ( / .e. a feed). Preferably, the food product is suitable for, and designed for, human consumption.

[0043] The food may be in the form of a liquid, solid or suspension, depending on the use and / or the mode of application and / or the mode of administration.

[0044] When in the form of a food product, the composition may comprise or be used in conjunction with one or more of: a nutritionally acceptable carrier, a nutritionally acceptable diluent, a nutritionally acceptable excipient, a nutritionally acceptable adjuvant, a nutritionally active ingredient.

[0045] By way of example, the compositions of the invention may take the form of one of the following: A fruit juice; a beverage comprising whey protein: a health or herbal tea, a cocoa drink, a milk drink, a lactic acid bacteria drink, a yoghurt and / or a drinking yoghurt, a cheese, an ice cream, a water ice, a dessert, a confectionery, a biscuit, a cake, cake mix or cake filling, a snack food, a fruit filling, a cake or doughnut icing, an instant bakery filling cream, a filling for cookies, a ready-to-use bakery filling, a reduced calorie filling, an adult nutritional beverage, an acidified soy / juice beverage, a nutritional or health bar, a beverage powder, a calcium fortified soy milk, or a calcium fortified coffee beverage.

[0046] Optionally, where the product is a food product, the bacterial strains used according to the present invention should remain effective through the normal "sell-by" or "expiration" date during which the food product is offered for sale by the retailer. Preferably, the effective time should extend past such dates until the end of the normal freshness period when food spoilage becomes apparent. The desired lengths of time and normal shelf life will vary from foodstuff to foodstuff and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that shelf-life times will vary upon the type of foodstuff, the size of the foodstuff, storage temperatures, processing conditions, packaging material and packaging equipment.

[0047] Food ingredients

[0048] Compositions of the present invention may take the form of a food ingredient and / or feed ingredient.

[0049] As used herein the term "food ingredient" or "feed ingredient" includes a composition which is or can be added to functional foods or foodstuffs as a nutritional and / or health supplement for humans and animals.

[0050] The food ingredient may be in the form of a liquid, suspension or solid, depending on the use and / or the mode of application and / or the mode of administration.

[0051] Functional Foods

[0052] Compositions of the invention may take the form of functional foods.

[0053] As used herein, the term "functional food" means food which is capable of providing not only a nutritional effect but is also capable of delivering a further beneficial effect to the consumer.

[0054] Accordingly, functional foods are ordinary foods that have components or ingredients (such as those described herein) incorporated into them that impart to the food a specific function - e.g. medical or physiological benefit - other than a purely nutritional effect.

[0055] Although there is no legal definition of a functional food, most of the parties with an interest in this area agree that they are foods marketed as having specific health effects beyond basic nutritional effects.

[0056] Some functional foods are nutraceuticals. Here, the term "nutraceutical" means a food which is capable of providing not only a nutritional effect and / or a taste satisfaction but is also capable of delivering a therapeutic (or other beneficial) effect to the consumer. Nutraceuticals cross the traditional dividing lines between foods and medicine.

[0057] Dietary Supplements The compositions of the invention may take the form of dietary supplements or may themselves be used in combination with dietary supplements, also referred to herein as food supplements.

[0058] The term "dietary supplement" as used herein refers to a product intended for ingestion that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to add nutritional value or health benefits to (supplement) the diet. A "dietary ingredient" may include (but is not limited to) one, or any combination, of the following substances: bacteria, a probiotic (e.g. probiotic bacteria), a vitamin, a mineral, a herb or other botanical, an amino acid, a dietary substance for use by people to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake, a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, or extract.

[0059] Dietary supplements may be found in many forms such as tablets, capsules, soft gels, gel caps, liquids, or powders. Some dietary supplements can help ensure an adequate dietary intake of essential nutrients; others may help reduce risk of disease.

[0060] Pharmaceutical compositions (formulations)

[0061] Compositions of the invention may be used as - or in the preparation of -pharmaceuticals. Here, the term "pharmaceutical" is used in a broad sense - and covers pharmaceuticals for humans as well as pharmaceuticals for animals ( / .e. veterinary applications).

[0062] In a preferred aspect, the pharmaceutical is for human use.

[0063] The pharmaceutical can be for therapeutic purposes - which may be curative, palliative or preventative in nature.

[0064] A pharmaceutical may be in the form of a compressed tablet, tablet, capsule, ointment, suppository or drinkable solution.

[0065] When used as - or in the preparation of - a pharmaceutical, the compositions of the present invention may be used in conjunction with one or more of: a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, a pharmaceutically active ingredient.

[0066] The pharmaceutical may be in the form of a liquid or as a solid - depending on the use and / or the mode of application and / or the mode of administration.

[0067] Medicaments

[0068] Compositions of the invention may take the form of medicaments.

[0069] The term "medicament" as used herein encompasses medicaments for both human and animal usage in human and veterinary medicine. In addition, the term "medicament" as used herein means any substance which provides a therapeutic, preventative and / or beneficial effect. The term "medicament" as used herein is not necessarily limited to substances which need marketing approval but may include substances which can be used in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, food (including feeds and beverages for example), probiotic cultures, and natural remedies. In addition, the term "medicament" as used herein encompasses a product designed for incorporation in animal feed, for example livestock feed and / or pet food.

[0070] Medical Foods

[0071] Compositions of the present invention may take the form of medical foods.

[0072] By "medical food" it is meant a food which is formulated to be consumed or administered with or without the supervision of a physician and which is intended for a specific dietary management or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation.

[0073] The compositions of the present invention may comprise from 106to 1012colony forming units (CFU) of each bacterial strain(s) per dose or per gram of composition, and more particularly from 108to 1012CFU of bacterial strain(s) per dose or per gram of composition. Optionally the compositions comprise about IO10CFU of each bacterial strain(s) per dose or per gram of composition.

[0074] The bacterial strain(s) may be administered at a dosage from about 106to about 1012CFU of bacterial strain per dose, preferably about 108to about 1012CFU of bacterial strain per dose. By the term "per dose" it is meant that this number of bacteria is provided to a female mammal either per day or per intake, preferably per day. For example, if the bacteria are to be administered in a food product, for example in a yoghurt, then the yoghurt may contain from about 106to 1012CFU of the bacterial strain. Alternatively, however, this number of bacteria may be split into multiple administrations, each consisting of a smaller amount of microbial loading -so long as the overall amount of bacterial strain received by the female mammal in any specific time, for instance each 24 h period, is from about 106to about 1012CFU of bacteria, optionally 108to about 1012CFU of bacteria.

[0075] In accordance with the present invention an effective amount of at least one bacterial strain may be at least 107CFU of bacteria / dose, optionally from about 108to about 1012CFU of bacteria / dose, e.g., about IO10CFU of bacteria / dose.

[0076] Prebiotics

[0077] In one embodiment, the bacterial strains and compositions of the present invention may further be combined or comprise one or more fibers and / or prebiotics.

[0078] Prebiotics are defined as a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. These are generally ingredients that beneficially affect the health of the host by selectively stimulating the growth and / or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria, and thus improve host health. The prebiotic can be applied to oral route, but it can be also applied to other microbially colonized sites. Typically, prebiotics are carbohydrates (such as oligosaccharides), but the definition does not preclude non-carbohydrates, such as polyphenols, or polyunsaturated fatty acids or other ingredients that can be utilized selectively by a limited number of bacteria to confer a health benefit. The most prevalent forms of prebiotics are nutritionally classed as soluble fibers . To some extent, many forms of dietary fibers exhibit some level of prebiotic effect.

[0079] Examples of suitable prebiotics include alginate, xanthan, pectin, locust bean gum (LBG), inulin, guar gum, galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), polydextrose 10 (i.e. Litesse®), lactitol, L-Arabinose, D-Xylose, L-Rhamnose, D-Mannose, L-Fucose, inositol, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, fructose, carrageenan, alginate, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), betaine, lactosucrose, soybean oligosaccharides, isomaltulose (Palatinose TM), isomaltooligosaccharides, gluco-oligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, manno-oligosaccharides, betaglucans, cellobiose, raffinose, gentiobiose, melibiose, xylobiose, cyciodextrins, isomaltose, trehalose, stachyose, panose, pullulan, verbascose, galactomannans, (human) milk oligosaccharides and all forms of resistant starches.

[0080] Numbered embodiments of the invention:

[0081] 1. Use, such as non-therapeutic use of a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium as an antimicrobial for inhibiting growth of a bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella vaginalis.

[0082] 2. Use, such as non-therapeutic use of a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of a next-generation probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium selected from the genus Blautia, Bacteroides, Intestinimonas, Barnesiella, Alistipes, Phocaeicola, and Butyricicoccus, commensal to a mammal, such as a human, for inhibiting growth of a bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Clostridioides difficile, and Clostridium perfringens.

[0083] 3. The use according to embodiment 2, which next-generation probiotic is isolated from a healthy mammal, which bacterium possess the ability to grow within the gastrointestinal tract, at least temporarily, to support gut health and a healthy microbiota / microbiome by displacing or destroying pathogenic organisms, as well as providing other benefits to the host. 4. The use according to any one of embodiments 1-3, which use, such as a non-therapeutic use increases the bacterial diversity in the microbiome, such as of the gastrointestinal tract, the skin, the mouth, the urinary tract, the bladder, or the vagina of a human individual.

[0084] 5. The use according to any one of embodiments 1-4, which use supports the growth of non- pathogenic bacteria, such as Lactobacillaceae in the microbiome, such as of the gastrointestinal tract, the skin, the mouth, the urinary tract, the bladder, or the vagina of a human individual.

[0085] 6. The use according to any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the at least one strain is in a concentration therapeutically effective in a mammal.

[0086] 7. The use according to any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the at least one strain is included in a concentration of about 106to 1012viable cells (cfu) per ml of composition.

[0087] 8. The use according to any one of embodiments 1-7, which use is for preventing or reducing the effects of a bacterial infection by any of the bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella Vaginalis.

[0088] 9. Use according to embodiments 1-7, which use is in vitro.

[0089] 10. Use according to any one of embodiments 1-8, which use is in vivo in a mammal, such as a human, to support a healthy digestive and immune system.

[0090] 11. Use according to any one of embodiments 1-10, which bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella vaginalis is an anaerobic bacterium.

[0091] 12. Use according to any one of embodiments 1-11, which bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella vaginalis is an aerobic bacterium.

[0092] 13. Use according to any one of embodiments 1-12, which bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella vaginalis is a food-borne pathogen, nosocomial pathogen and / or a spoilage microorganism.

[0093] 14. Use according to any one of embodiments 1-13, which at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium is a probiotic strain independently selected from a strain of the species Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactococcus lactis, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Levilactobacillus brevis, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, B. longum subsp. infantis, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, B. animalis subsp. lactis, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus helveticus.

[0094] Use according to any one of embodiments 1-14, which at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium is independently selected from Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus Lb-87, Lacticaseibacillus casei Lc-11, Lactococcus lactis LI-23, Ligilactobacillus salivarius Ls-33, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei Lpc-37, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Lp-115, Bifidobacterium breve Bb-03, Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-06, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BI-04, Bifidobacterium longum BI-05, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi-07, B. longum subsp. infantis Bi-26, Lactobacillus gasseri Lg-36, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14, Levilactobacillus brevis Lbr-35, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Lr-32, Streptococcus thermophilus St-21, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM 13241, B. animalis subsp. lactis DSM 15954, Lacticaseibacillus casei shirota, Limosilactobacillus fermentum SBS-1, Limosilactobacillus reuteri 1E1, Lactobacillus crispatus Lxl220 / DNH-4299, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei Lc-10, Lactobacillus helveticus TR.160, Levilactobacillus brevis Lbr 6108, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LP12418, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LP12151, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LP12407, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LP202195, Lactobacillus jensenii Lj36-D, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Lpl2119, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Lpl2733, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Lpl2480, and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 4979.

[0095] Use according to any one of embodiments 2-13, which at least one strain of a nextgeneration probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium commensal to a mammal is a species independently selected from Blautia faecis, Blautia obeum, Bacteroides finegoldii, Intestinimonas massiliensis, Barnesiella intestinihominis, Alistipes onderdonkii, Butyricicoccus faecihominis, and Phocaeicola vulgatus. 17. Use according to any one of embodiments 1-8, 10-16, which is for topical use, e.g. of the skin, nasal mucosa and / or vagina.

[0096] 18. Use according to any one of embodiments 2-13, 16-17, wherein the at least one strain of a next-generation probiotic is of the species Intestinimonas massiliensis for inhibiting growth of a bacterium of the species Clostridioides difficile.

[0097] 19. Use according to any one of embodiments 2-13, 16-17, wherein the at least one strain of a next-generation probiotic is of the species Barnesiella intestinihominis for inhibiting growth of a bacterium of the species Clostridioides difficile and / or of Clostridium perfringens.

[0098] 20. Use according to any one of embodiments 2-13, 16-17, wherein the at least one strain of a next-generation probiotic is of the species Alistipes onderdonkii for inhibiting growth of a bacterium of the species Clostridioides difficile and / or of Clostridium perfringens.

[0099] 21. A substance or composition comprising a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium or of a next-generation probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium commensal to a mammal, such as a human, for use in a method of treating a bacterial infection or inhibiting growth of a human pathogenic bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella vaginalis; in a mammal.

[0100] 22. The substance or composition according to embodiment 21, which is in the form of a creme, liquid, tablet, capsule, sweet, chewing gum, or other edible foodstuff.

[0101] 23. The substance or composition according to embodiments 21 or 22, which use is as defined in embodiments 1-8, 10-20.

[0102] 24. Use according to any one of embodiments 1-20, or substance or composition according to embodiments 18-20, which substantially pure culture of at least one strain is not more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20 strains, such as 1-10, or 1-10 strains. 25. A method of treating a bacterial infection in mammal, the method comprising the step of administering a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium or of a next-generation probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium commensal to a mammal, such as a human, to the infected mammal.

[0103] 26. The method according to embodiment 25, which method comprise a use as defined in embodiments 1-8, 10-20, or 24. EXAMPLES

[0104] EXAMPLE 1

[0105] For lactobacilli and bifidobacteria:

[0106] Thirty-nine bacteria of different genera and strains were tested for their activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Candida albicans pathogens using a dual-culture overlay assay. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were first cultivated in MRS-broth anaerobically for 18-24h. Then, 5pl of probiotic solution was spotted on 3 different locations of MRS + L-cysteine agar plates. The plates were incubated at +37°C for 24 h under anaerobic conditions.

[0107] Soft agar (0.7%) for each pathogen was prepared with a culture broth that was specific for each pathogen (Table 2). Seven ml of soft agar was then dispensed into glass tubes and autoclaved. After autoclaving the tubes were tempered at +45°C water bath for at least 30 minutes.

[0108] Pathogens were grown under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, as appropriate for the organism, for 24h (Table 2). Soft agar was inoculated with 70 pl of the pathogen culture (140 pl for the Clostridioides difficile) resulting in an approximate final concentration of lx 106bacteria / ml. MRS-plates with probiotic cultures (after 24h cultivation) were then overlaid with the soft agar. Control plates were prepared without lactobacilli or bifidobacteria in order to verify the pathogens growth in this test setup. Plates were incubated anaerobically / aerobically (depending on the pathogen) at +37°C for 24h or 48h (Table 2).

[0109] The growth of inhibition was measured by using a ruler and the plates were photographed. The inhibition zones were measured as a diameter with a clear inhibition area around the spotted bacterial strain. The categorization of the inhibition zones is presented in Table 1. The results were considered as positive if the pathogen could not overgrow the probiotic strain or if clear inhibition area was observed around the probiotic spot. In the negative samples (no inhibition) the whole plate was covered with the pathogen.

[0110] For NGPs:

[0111] Nineteen anaerobic NGP bacteria of different genera were tested for their activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Clostridioides difficile, and Clostridium perfringens pathogens using a dual-culture overlay assay. The NGPs were streaked on Yeast Casitone Fatty Acid with carbohydrates agar plates (YCFAC) (Anaerobe systems, US) from -80 °C glycerol stocks and were allowed to grow at 37 °C for 48 h in Don Whitley cabinet under anoxic conditions (80% N2, 10% CO2, 10% O2). The NGPs are then inoculated in YCFAC broth (Anaerobe systems, US) and grown anaerobically for approximately 72 h. NGP culture 7 pl was spotted on 3 different places on YCFAC agar plates (Anaerobe systems, US). The plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 h under anoxic conditions. The A. muciniphila was also tested on Brain Heart Infusion agar plate with mucin, as it grows better in the presence of mucin.

[0112] Soft agar (0.7%) for each pathogen was prepared with a culture broth that was specific for each pathogen (Table 3). Seven ml of soft agar was then dispensed into glass tubes and autoclaved. After autoclaving the tubes were tempered at 45°C water bath for at least 30 minutes.

[0113] Pathogens were grown under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, as appropriate for the organism, for 48 h but were observed also after 24 h (Table 3). Soft agar was inoculated with 70 pl of the pathogen culture (140 pl for the Clostridioides difficile) resulting in an approximate final concentration of lx 106bacteria / ml. YCFAC and BHI agar plates with NGP cultures (after 48 h cultivation) were then overlaid with the soft agar in laminar hood. Plates were incubated in anoxic or oxic conditions (depending on the pathogen) at 37°C for 24h or 48h (Table 3).

[0114] The growth of inhibition was measured by using a ruler and the plates were photographed. The diameter of the inhibition zones was measured indicated by a clear inhibition area around the spotted NGP strain. The results were considered as positive if the pathogen could not overgrow the NGP strain or if clear inhibition area was observed around the probiotic spot.

[0115] Table 1. Categorization of the inhibition area (used for interpretation of inhibition zones of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria and NGPs as seen in figure 1)

[0116] Category Inhibition zone

[0117] 0 no inhibition

[0118] no growth on top of the (fair)

[0119] spot

[0120] less than 25 mm (good)

[0121] > 25 < 40 mm (very good)

[0122] >40 mm (excellent)

[0123]

[0124] Table 2. Growth conditions of the specified pathogens. Tryptic soy broth with glucose (TSB+), Nutrient broth (NB), Brain heart infusion (BHI), Reinforced clostridial medium (RCM), Yeast Mold broth, (YM), Fastidious anaerobic agar (FAA).

[0125] Pathogen Growth conditions Soft agar

[0126] Escherichia coli TSB+, aerobic NB, aerobic, 24h

[0127] Salmonella enterica serovar TSB+, aerobic NB, aerobic, 24h

[0128] Typhimurium

[0129] Pseudomonas aeruginosa NB, aerobic NB, aerobic, 24h

[0130] Listeria monocytogenes BHI, anaerobic NB, anaerobic, 48h

[0131] Streptococcus agalactiae BHI, aerobic TSB + Yeast Extract,

[0132]

[0133] aerobic, 24h Staphylococcus aureus TSB+, aerobic NB, aerobic, 24h

[0134] Clostridium perfringens RCM, anaerobic FAA, anaerobic, 48h

[0135] Clostridioides difficile Mod RCM, anaerobic FAA, anaerobic, 48h

[0136] Candida albicans YM, aerobic YM, aerobic, 24h

[0137]

[0138] Table 3. Agar spot rankings for NGPs including type strains against gut pathogens. The categories can be interpreted using table 1.

[0139] 1NGP1Clostridioides Clostridium Escherichia coli Salmonella difficile (mm) perfringens (mm) (mm) typhimurium (mm) i Blautiafaecis DSM27629 (Type I ++

[0140] | strain) | I I

[0141] | Blautiafaecis DGCC 13629 | ++

[0142] I DSM 33791 I

[0143] i Blautiafaecis DGCC 13626 i ++ i ++ i 0

[0144] I DSM 33833 I I I

[0145] i Blautia obeum DSM25238 i ++ i ++ i +

[0146] i (Type strain) i i i

[0147] I Blautia sp DGCC 13627 DSM I ++ I + 1 +4

[0148] | 33790 | | |

[0149] | Blautia obeum DGCC 13628 | ++ | ++ | +

[0150] I DSM 33834 I I I

[0151] i Bacteroidesfinegoldii DGCC i ++ i ++ i +4

[0152] I 13806 DSM 34013 I I I

[0153] i Intestinimonas massiliensis i ++ i 0 i 0

[0154] I DGCC 13019 DSM 33460 I I I

[0155] i Barnesiella intestinihominis i ++ i + i 0

[0156] I DGCC 13805 DSM 34012 I I I

[0157] i Barnesiella intestinihominis i ++ i + i 0

[0158] I DGCC 13809 DSM 34032 I I I

[0159] i Alistipes onderdonkii DGCC i + i + i 0

[0160] I 13810 DSM 34033 I I I

[0161] i Phocaeicola vulgatus DGCC i ++ i ++ i +4

[0162] I 13807 DSM 34030 I I I

[0163] Butyricicoccus faecihominis ++ 0 0

[0164] |

[0165]

[0166] DGCC 14092 DSM 34943 | | | Table 4. Agar spot rankings

[0167] Escherichia Salmonella P. aeruginosa Listeria S. aureus Streptococcus Clostridium Clostridioides Candida Gardnerella coli ATCC enterica E-97041T monocytogenes subsp. aureus agalactiae perfringens difficile ATCC albicans Vaginalis 11775 serovar 10145 ATCC E-97783T, ATCC ATCC 12600 2134 E-98861T 9689 ATCC 14018 Typhimurium 15313 10231 ATCC13311

[0168] Taxonomical name

[0169] Lactobacillus ++++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ +++ 0 ++ delbrueckii subsp.

[0170] Bulgaricus Lb-87

[0171] Lacticaseibacillus ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ +++ + ++ case! Lc-11

[0172] Lactococcus lactis +++ +++ +++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ ++ 0 ++ LI-23

[0173] Ligilactobacillus ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ ++++ + +++ salivarius Ls-33

[0174] Lacticaseibacillus ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ + +++ paracasei subsp.

[0175] paracasei Lpc-37

[0176] Lactiplantibacillus ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ ++++ + +++ plantarum subsp.

[0177] plantarum Lp-115

[0178] Bifidobacterium +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ ++ ++ ++++ + ++ breve Bb-03

[0179] Bifidobacterium ++ ++ +++ ++++ + + + +++ 0 + bifidum Bb-06

[0180] Bifidobacterium ++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ +++ 0 + lactis Bl-04

[0181] Bifidobacterium +++ +++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ ++ +++ ++ ++ longum Bl-05

[0182] Bifidobacterium ++ ++ +++ +++ + 0 + + 0 0 lactis Bi-07

[0183] B. longum subsp. +++ +++ ++++ ++++ +++ ++ ++ ++++ + ++ infantis Bi-26

[0184] Lactobacillus +++ +++ +++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ ++ 0 + gasseri Lg-36

[0185] Lactobacillus ++ +++ +++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ +++ 0 + acidophilus La-14

[0186] Levilactobacillus +++ +++ +++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ ++ 0 ++

[0187]

[0188] brevis Lbr-35 Lacticaseibacillus ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ + ++ rhamnosus Lr-32

[0189] Streptococcus +++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++ + ++ ++ 0 0

[0190] thermophilus St-21

[0191] Bifidobacterium +++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ +++ 0 +

[0192] lactis HN019

[0193] Bifidobacterium ++ ++ ++++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ +++ 0 +

[0194] lactis B420

[0195] Lacticaseibacillus ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ + ++

[0196] rhamnosus HN001

[0197] Lactobacillus +++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ +++ 0 ++

[0198] acidophilus NCFM

[0199] Lacticaseibacillus +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ + +++

[0200] rhamnosus GG

[0201] Lactobacillus +++ +++ ++++ +++ ++ ++ ++ +++ 0 +

[0202] acidophilus DSM

[0203] 13241

[0204] B. animalis subsp. +++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ +++ 0 +

[0205] lactis DSM 15954

[0206] Limosilactobacillus ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ +++ 0 ++

[0207]

[0208] fermentum SBS-1

[0209] Limosilactobacillus ++++ +++ ++++ ++++ +++ ++ ++ +++ 0 +++

[0210] reuteri 1E1

[0211] Lactobacillus +++ +++ ++++ ++++ ++ ++ ++ +++ 0 ++

[0212] crispatus

[0213] LX1220 / DNH-4299

[0214] Lacticaseibacillus +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ + ++

[0215] paracasei subsp.

[0216] paracasei Lc-10

[0217] Lactobacillus +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ + ++

[0218] helveticus TR160

[0219] Levilactobacillus +++ +++ ++++ +++ ++ ++ ++ ++ 0 +

[0220] brevis Lbr 6108

[0221] Lactiplantibacillus ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ + ++

[0222] plantarum subsp.

[0223] plantarum LP12418

[0224] Lactiplantibacillus +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ + ++

[0225] plantarum subsp.

[0226] plantarum LP12151

[0227] Lactiplantibacillus +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ + ++

[0228] plantarum subsp.

[0229] plantarum LP12407

[0230] Lacticaseibacillus +++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++ +++ +++ ++++ + +++

[0231]

[0232] rhamnosus GG Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum

[0233]

[0234] LP202195 References

[0235] Farber, J.M., Peterkin, P.L, 1991. Listeria monocytogenes, a food-borne pathogen. Microbiol. Rev. 55, 476-511.

[0236] Guh, A.Y., Kutty, P.K., 2018. Clostridioides difficile Infection. Ann. Intern. Med. 169, ITC49-ITC64. https: / / doi.org / 10.7326 / AITC201810020

[0237] Kiu, R., Hall, L.J., 2018. An update on the human and animal enteric pathogen Clostridium perfringens. Emerg. Microbes Infect. 7, 141. https: / / doi.org / 10.1038 / s41426-018-0144-8 Love, T.E., Jones, B., 2008. Introduction to Pathogenic Bacteria, in: Zourob, M., Elwary, S., Turner, A. (Eds.), Principles of Bacterial Detection: Biosensors, Recognition Receptors and Microsystems. Springer New York, New York, NY, pp. 3-13. https: / / doi.org / 10.1007 / 978-0-387-75113-9_1

[0238] Makvana, S., Krilov, L.R., 2015. Escherichia coli Infections. Pediatr. Rev. 36, 167-171. https: / / doi.org / 10.1542 / pir.36-4-167

[0239] Mayer, F.L., Wilson, D., Hube, B., 2013. Candida albicans pathogenicity mechanisms. Virulence 4, 119-128. https: / / doi.org / 10.4161 / viru.22913

[0240] Onile, B.A., 1985. Review of group B streptococci and their infections. Afr. J. Med. Med. Sci. 14, 131-143.

[0241] Taylor, T.A., Unakal, C.G., 2020. Staphylococcus Aureus, in: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL).

[0242] Pamer EG. 2016. Resurrecting the intestinal microbiota to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Science 352:535-538.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Use, such as non-therapeutic use of a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium as an antimicrobial for inhibiting growth of a bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella vaginalis.

2. Use, such as non-therapeutic use of a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of a next-generation probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium selected from the genus Blautia, Bacteroides, Intestinimonas, Barnesiella, Alistipes, Phocaeicola, and Butyricicoccus, commensal to a mammal, such as a human, for inhibiting growth of a bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Clostridioides difficile, and Clostridium perfringens.

3. The use according to claim 2, which next-generation probiotic is isolated from a healthy mammal, which bacterium possess the ability to grow within the gastrointestinal tract, at least temporarily, to support gut health and a healthy microbiota / microbiome by displacing or destroying pathogenic organisms, as well as providing other benefits to the host.

4. The use according to any one of claims 1-3, which use, such as a non-therapeutic use increases the bacterial diversity in the microbiome, such as of the gastrointestinal tract, the skin, the mouth, the urinary tract, the bladder, or the vagina of a human individual.

5. The use according to any one of claims 1-4, which use supports the growth of non- pathogenic bacteria, such as Lactobacillaceae in the microbiome, such as of the gastrointestinal tract, the skin, the mouth, the urinary tract, the bladder, or the vagina of a human individual.

6. The use according to any one of claims 1-5, which use is for preventing or reducing the effects of a bacterial infection by any of the bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella Vaginalis.

7. Use according to any one of claims 1-6, which use is in vivo in a mammal, such as a human, to support a healthy digestive and immune system.

8. Use according to any one of claims 1-7, which bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile,Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella vaginalis is a food-borne pathogen, nosocomial pathogen and / or a spoilage microorganism.

9. Use according to any one of claims 1-8, which at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium is a probiotic strain independently selected from a strain of the species Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactococcus lactis, Ligilactobacillus salivarius, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Levilactobacillus brevis, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, B. longum subsp. infantis, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, B. animalis subsp. lactis, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus helveticus.

10. Use according to any one of claims 2-8, which at least one strain of a next-generation probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium commensal to a mammal is a species independently selected from Blautia faecis, Blautia obeum, Bacteroides finegoldii, Intestinimonas massiliensis, Barnesiella intestinihominis, Alistipes onderdonkii, Butyricicoccus faecihominis, and Phocaeicola vulgatus.

11. Use according to any one of claims 2-8, 10, wherein the at least one strain of a nextgeneration probiotic is of the species Intestinimonas massiliensis for inhibiting growth of a bacterium of the species Clostridioides difficile.

12. Use according to any one of claims 2-8, 10-11, wherein the at least one strain of a nextgeneration probiotic is of the species Barnesiella intestinihominis for inhibiting growth of a bacterium of the species Clostridioides difficile and / or of Clostridium perfringens.

13. Use according to any one of claims 2-8, 10-12, wherein the at least one strain of a nextgeneration probiotic is of the species Alistipes onderdonkii for inhibiting growth of a bacterium of the species Clostridioides difficile and / or of Clostridium perfringens.

14. A substance or composition comprising in an effective amount a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium or of a nextgeneration probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium commensal to a mammal, such as a human, for use in a method of treating a bacterial infection or therapeutically inhibiting growth of a human pathogenic bacterium selected from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Gardnerella vaginalis; in a mammal.

15. A method of treating a bacterial infection in mammal, the method comprising the step of administering a substantially pure culture of at least one strain of the family Lactobacillaceae or of the genus Bifidobacterium or of a next-generation probiotic, such as an anaerobe bacterium commensal to a mammal, such as a human, to the infected mammal.

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