Probiotic Strains for Mastitis Treatment via Flora Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for mastitis, particularly those involving antibiotics, are ineffective against staphylococcal and streptococcal strains and can disrupt the natural flora of the mammary gland, while existing probiotic approaches lack specificity and invasiveness in treating mastitis in humans and animals.
Innovation Solution
Selection and use of specific probiotic strains from mammalian milk, such as Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus reuteri, which can be orally administered and transferred to the mammary gland to reduce Staphylococcus aureus survival and adhesion, providing therapeutic benefits against mastitis and other diseases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antibiotic-based therapy is used to treat mastitis, then the infection is suppressed, but the commensal flora is eliminated and antibiotic residues appear in milk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of antibiotic therapy (elimination of commensal flora) into a benefit by using probiotics that restore and enhance the beneficial flora. The probiotic strains produce bacteriocins and other antimicrobial substances that selectively target pathogenic bacteria while preserving commensal flora, thus converting the harmful antibiotic approach into a beneficial flora-restoration approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probiotic strains as intermediary substances that mediate between the pathogenic bacteria and the host. These probiotics act as natural antimicrobial agents, producing bacteriocins and modulating the immune response, thereby providing treatment effectiveness without the harmful side effects of conventional antibiotics.
2Reliability
If wide-spectrum or Gram positive-targeted antibiotics are used, then staphylococcal and streptococcal infections are treated, but the natural flora balance is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using probiotic strains that selectively target and inhibit pathogenic bacteria (staphylococci and streptococci) while preserving the overall balance of commensal flora. The probiotics produce bacteriocins with specific activity against pathogens, providing localized antimicrobial action without disrupting the broader flora composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from using antibiotics with broad-spectrum activity to using probiotics that modify the microbial ecosystem parameters. The probiotics alter the pH, produce bacteriocins, and modulate immune responses, creating conditions that favor beneficial flora and inhibit pathogens without the disruptive effects of conventional antibiotics.
3Ease of operation
If probiotic strains are administered orally, then they can be easily transferred to the mammary gland, but the treatment specificity and invasiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using probiotic strains that automatically transfer to the mammary gland through oral administration. The probiotics utilize the natural lactation process to reach the mammary tissue, eliminating the need for invasive intramammary injections while maintaining treatment effectiveness through their ability to colonize and exert antimicrobial action in the mammary gland.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These probiotic strains effectively reduce mastitis incidence and offer broader therapeutic benefits, including protection against other infections, autoimmune disorders, and gastrointestinal issues, with a more invasive and economically viable approach for both human and animal health.
Implementation Method 1
Many of these strains produce bacteriocins and other antimicrobial substances that can inhibit or even kill the pathogens
Implementation Method 2
able to reduce the rates of survival and/or the rates of adhesion to epithelial cells of Staphylococcus aureus
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel approach to prevent or treat mastitis both in humans and animals through the use of mammal milk-derived microorganisms obtained from healthy hosts of the homologous species; to those new probiotic microorganisms obtained from milk able to reduce infectious mastitis and the method of screening used for their obtaining; to the use of these probiotic bacteria for the prophylaxis or treatment against mastitis and other diseases; and finally, to compositions comprising these compounds.