At Creative Biolabs, we understand the critical importance of evaluating the safety and potential for antibiotic resistance transfer in probiotic strains, especially within the context of animal health and food safety. With the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), ensuring that probiotic applications do not inadvertently contribute to this challenge is paramount. Our comprehensive Probiotic Antibiotic Resistance Screening Services in Animal Models provide in-depth, physiologically relevant data to support your product development and regulatory submissions. Request a quote

Fig.1 Development of diagnostic tools for fungal infections. (Creative Biolabs Authorized)

Overview: Navigating the Complexities of Probiotic Safety

Probiotic strains, like other bacteria, can naturally possess or acquire antibiotic resistance genes. The concern arises when these resistance genes, particularly those located on mobile genetic elements, could potentially be transferred to pathogenic bacteria within the animal's gut, thereby contributing to the spread of AMR. Our service is designed to address this critical safety aspect by evaluating your probiotic strains in relevant animal models. We assess both intrinsic resistance (naturally occurring) and the potential for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antibiotic resistance determinants. This ensures your probiotic products are not only effective but also safe for animal and, ultimately, human consumption.

Detailed Services: A Comprehensive Approach

Workflow

Fig. 2 Gut-Liver Chip Model for Microbial Metabolite Evaluation Workflow. (Creative Biolabs Original)

Service Details

Animal Models
In Vivo Services
Analysis
Samples
Deliverables
Turnaround Time

Animal Models

Tailoring the animal model (e.g., mice, rats, chickens, aquaculture species) to your specific probiotic application and target animal species. Considerations include genetic background, age, and health status.

In Vivo Probiotic Administration and Monitoring

  • Probiotic Dosing: Accurate and consistent administration of probiotic strains to animal models.
  • Animal Health Monitoring: Regular assessment of animal well-being, body weight, feed intake, and clinical signs.
  • Fecal and Tissue Sample Collection: Strategic collection of samples (e.g., fecal pellets, intestinal contents, various gut segments, liver, spleen) at predetermined time points for downstream analysis.

Microbiome Analysis and Resistance Profiling

  • Culture-Dependent Methods
    • Selective Plating: Culturing bacteria from collected samples on selective media containing specific antibiotics to enumerate resistant bacterial populations.
    • Isolation and Identification of Resistant Isolates: Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of resistant bacteria isolated from animal samples.
  • Culture-Independent Molecular Methods (Next-Generation Sequencing - NGS)
    • 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing: Analyzing changes in the overall microbial community composition (microbiome) in response to probiotic administration and antibiotic exposure. This can reveal shifts in resistant populations.
    • Metagenomic Sequencing (Shotgun Metagenomics): Comprehensive sequencing of all DNA in a sample to identify and quantify antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) within the entire microbial community (the resistome). This provides a detailed picture of the potential for resistance transfer.
    • Quantitative PCR (qPCR): Targeted quantification of specific ARGs and MGEs of interest in environmental and host samples.
    • Horizontal Gene Transfer Assays: Advancedin vivo experiments to directly demonstrate the transfer of ARGs from probiotic strains to recipient bacteria within the animal gut. This often involves using marked strains (e.g., antibiotic resistance markers or fluorescent tags) and selective plating.

Samples

  • Probiotic Strain(s): Purified, characterized probiotic strain(s) in a stable form (e.g., lyophilized powder, frozen culture).
  • Strain Information: Detailed information including species and strain identification, origin, growth conditions, and any prior safety or efficacy data.
  • Antibiotics of Interest: Specification of antibiotics against which resistance should be screened (if not a broad panel).

Deliverables

Upon completion of the study, you will receive a comprehensive package, including:

Deliverable Components Content Specifications
Detailed Study Report
  • A professional, publication-quality report outlining the study design, methodologies, raw data, statistical analysis, and clear interpretation of findings.
Raw Data Files
  • All raw data from sequencing, MIC determinations, and other assays.
Bioinformatics Analysis Reports
  • For sequencing data, including microbial community composition, ARG abundance, and resistome analysis.
Interim Reports
  • Provided at agreed-upon milestones for larger, longer-term studies.

Turnaround Time

Turnaround times are dependent on the complexity and scope of the study, including the animal model chosen, the duration of in vivo administration, and the types of analyses requested. Typically, studies can range from 8-16 weeks from study initiation to final report delivery. We will provide a detailed timeline in your customized proposal.

Contact Us Today for a Quote.

Advantages of Partnering with Creative Biolabs

Expertise & Experience

A dedicated team of microbiologists, veterinarians, molecular biologists, and bioinformaticians with extensive experience in probiotic research and antibiotic resistance.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Modern animal housing, BSL laboratories, and advanced analytical equipment.

Customized Solutions

Flexible study designs tailored to your specific probiotic and regulatory requirements.

Comprehensive Data

Integration of phenotypic, genotypic, and in vivo data for a holistic safety assessment.

Focus on Gene Transfer

Specialized methodologies to rigorously assess horizontal gene transfer, a critical safety endpoint.

Confidentiality

Strict adherence to client confidentiality and data security protocols.

Fig. 10 Microbial culture and colony isolation in laboratory (Creative Biolabs Authorized)

Applications

  • Probiotic Product Development: For feed additives, veterinary therapeutics, and animal supplements.
  • Regulatory Submissions: Providing essential safety data for product registration and approval.
  • Academic Research: Supporting studies on gut microbiome dynamics, antibiotic resistance, and probiotic mechanisms.
  • Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with novel probiotic strains.
  • Strain Selection: Guiding the selection of safe probiotic strains free from concerning antibiotic resistance profiles.

Necessity: Why In Vivo Screening is Crucial?

  • Real-world Relevance: Assessing how probiotics interact with the host's microbiota, diet, and immune system under physiological conditions.
  • Detecting Horizontal Gene Transfer: Direct observation and quantification of ARG transfer events within the complex gut microbial community.
  • Assessing Persistence and Colonization: Understanding the ability of the probiotic to survive, colonize, and potentially transfer genes over time.
  • Comprehensive Safety Profile: Identifying any unforeseen adverse effects or changes in animal health that might not be apparent in vitro.
  • Regulatory Requirements: Increasingly, regulatory bodies require robust in vivo data to support the safety claims of novel probiotic strains, especially those intended for food-producing animals.

Ready to ensure the safety and compliance of your probiotic products? Contact our expert team today to discuss your specific needs and receive a customized study proposal.

FAQs

What animal models do you typically use for probiotic antibiotic resistance screening?

We often use mice, rats, and poultry (such as broiler chickens) as experimental subjects. The choice of model depends on your specific probiotic, target animal species, and research objectives. We also offer germ-free and gnotobiotic models for highly controlled studies.

What is the typical quantity of probiotic material required for a study?

The required quantity varies significantly depending on the animal model, study duration, and dosing regimen. During the initial consultation, we will provide detailed specifications.

Can you customize the antibiotic panel for MIC testing?

Absolutely. We can tailor the panel based on your specific probiotic, its intended use, and any regional regulatory requirements.

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