Defining the natural habitat of Bacillus spore-formers

Identification and characterization of Bacillus subtilis from grass carp (Ctenopharynodon idellus) for use as probiotic additives in aquatic feed

“…Secondly, the spores are capable of surviving at high percentage of bile and low pH of the gastric barrier [4,7], which is not the case for all species of Lactobacillus [8]. Furthermore, the spores have the abilities to survive and germinate in the gut, to form biofilm, and to secrete antimicrobials [4,9,10]. Finally, extensive investigations confirmed that B. subtilis is an attractive vehicle for delivery of heterologous antigens to gastrointestinal tract, suggesting that B. subtilis can be used as oral vaccine delivery system to enhance immune responses and prevent diseases [11].…”

Bacillus species are Superior Probiotic Feed-Additives for Poultry

“…The numbers of spores found in human feces, is too high to be accounted for principally by ingestion of food contaminated with spores from soil. 25 This provides further evidence that Bacillus spore formers may have adapted to survival within the intestinal tract of insects and other animals that ingest them, multiply in the GI-track and sporulate at the colon being excreted in the feces, this has been demonstrated in pigs and other animals utilizing molecular biology tools. These results suggested that Bacillus ssp.…”

“…24 The genetics and physiology of the large bacterial genus Bacillus is remarkable. 25 On the other hand, though, where these Gram-positive bacteria live and grow is far from clear. The soil, once considered their habitat, may simply serve as a reservoir.…”

“…25 Several studies have showed that Bacillus spores can be found in the intestinal tracts of animals where they live and multiply actively, raising the question of whether this could be where they live and grow. [25][26][27][28][29][30] For instance, has been reported that soil carries approximately 10 6 spores/g of soil while human feces present an average of up to 10 4 spores/g. The numbers of spores found in human feces, is too high to be accounted for principally by ingestion of food contaminated with spores from soil.…”

Relative Expression of Germination Genes SleB, GerAC, and gpr in Heat Treated Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis

“…Large numbers of Bacillus spores were found in both the soil and in human feces in a study by Hong et al, (2009), which suggest that they are common residents in the gut. The impressive variety in phenotypic characteristics shown by species of the spore-forming genera, make them a formidable force when it comes to the food industry.…”