The present invention discloses compositions and methodologies for the utilization of
probiotic organisms in therapeutic compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of one or more species or strains of
lactic acid-producing
bacteria, preferably strains of
Bacillus coagulans, for the control of
gastrointestinal tract pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant
gastrointestinal tract pathogens, and their associated diseases by both a reduction in the rate of
colonization and the severity of the deleterious physiological effects of the
colonization of the antibiotic-resistant
pathogen. In addition, the present invention relates to the utilization of therapeutic compounds comprised of
lactic acid—producing
bacteria and anti-microbial agents such as
antibiotics, anti-fungal compounds, anti-
yeast compounds, or anti-viral compounds. The present invention also discloses methodologies for: (i) the
selective breeding and isolation of
probiotic,
lactic acid-producing bacterial strains which possess resistance or markedly
decreased sensitivity to anti-microbial agents (e.g.,
antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-
yeast agents, and anti-viral agents); and (ii) treating or preventing
bacteria-mediated infections of the
gastrointestinal tract by use of the aforementioned
probiotic bacterial strains with or without the concomitant administration of
antibiotics. While the primary focus is on the treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections, the therapeutic compositions of the present invention may also be administered to buccal, vaginal, optic, and like physiological locations.