Direct-Fed Microbials for E. coli Infection Control in Livestock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for addressing E. coli-based infections in animals, particularly in livestock, are inadequate due to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, necessitating alternative approaches for prevention and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising direct-fed microbials such as Bacillus subtilis strain 3BP5, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 918, and 15AP4, which can be administered as a feed additive or premix, providing performance benefits like increased bodyweight gain, improved gut barrier integrity, and reduced E. coli shedding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antibiotics are used to treat E. coli-based infections, then infection treatment effectiveness is improved, but antimicrobial resistance develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Bacillus-based direct-fed microbials as an intermediary substance to treat E. coli infections. These microbials produce antimicrobial substances that indirectly combat E. coli without using traditional antibiotics, thereby treating infections while avoiding the development of antimicrobial resistance. The Bacillus microbials act as a mediator that provides therapeutic effect through natural antimicrobial production rather than direct antibiotic application.
2Reliability
If traditional E. coli infection treatment methods are used, then infection control is achieved, but alternative approaches are needed due to resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of treatment approach by switching from antibiotic-based therapy to Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial therapy. This parameter change provides a versatile alternative treatment method that maintains infection control effectiveness while addressing the limitations of traditional antibiotics through a different mechanism of action involving microbial competition and natural antimicrobial production.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If E. coli is shed into the environment, then transmission to other animals occurs, but shedding can be reduced through treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of E. coli shedding into a benefit by using Bacillus microbials that produce antimicrobial substances. These substances reduce E. coli shedding by competing with and inhibiting E. coli in the gut environment, thereby transforming the situation where E. coli is naturally shed into one where the shedding is controlled and reduced, protecting other animals from transmission.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A composition and method for preventing and/or treating an E. coli-based infection in an animal is described.