Probiotic, lactic acid-producing bacteria and uses thereof

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A therapeutic composition for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising a therapeutically-effective concentration of one or more species or strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said lactic acid-producing bacteria possesses the ability to reduce both the colonization rate and the potential physiologically deleterious effects due to the colonization of said pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         2 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 1 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Bacillus species which is selected from a group comprising:  Bacillus coagulans; Bacillus coagulans  Hammer; and  Bacillus brevis  subspecies  coagulans,  and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 1 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Lactobacillus species which is selected from a group comprising:  Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei , Lactobacillus DDS-1, Lactobacillus GG,  Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus gasserii, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus delbruekii, Lactobacillus, bulgaricus, Lactobacillus salivarius  and  Lactobacillus sporogenes  (also designated as  Bacillus coagulans ), and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         4 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 1 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Sporolactobacillus species which is selected from a group comprising: Sporolactobacillus P44, and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 1 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Bifidiobacterium species which is selected from a group comprising:  Bifidiobacterium adolescentis, Bifidiobacterium animalis, Bifidiobacterium bifidum, Bifidiobacterium bifidus, Bifidiobacterium breve, Bifidiobacterium infantis, Bifidiobacterium infantis, Bifidiobacterium longum,  and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         6 . A therapeutic composition for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-microbial agent selected from the group comprising an antibiotic, an anti-fungal agent, and anti-yeast agent, or an anti-viral agent, and of one or more species or strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said lactic acid-producing bacteria possesses the ability to reduce both the colonization rate and the potential physiologically deleterious effects due to the colonization of said pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         7 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 6 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Bacillus species which is selected from a group comprising:  Bacillus coagulans; Bacillus coagulans  Hammer; and  Bacillus brevis  subspecies  coagulans,  and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 6 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Lactobacillus species which is selected from a group comprising:  Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei , Lactobacillus DDS-1, Lactobacillus GG,  Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus gasserii, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus delbruekii, Lactobacillus, bulgaricus, Lactobacillus salivarius  and  Lactobacillus sporogenes  (also designated as  Bacillus coagulans ), and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         9 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 6 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Sporolactobacillus species which is selected from a group comprising: Sporolactobacillus P44, and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         10 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 6 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Bifidiobacterium species which is selected from a group comprising:  Bifidiobacterium adolescentis, Bifidiobacterium animalis, Bifidiobacterium bifidum, Bifidiobacterium bifidus, Bifidiobacterium breve, Bifidiobacterium infantis, Bifidiobacterium infantis, Bifidiobacterium longum,  and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         11 . A therapeutic composition for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-microbial agent, and one or more species or strains of  Bacillus coagulans  within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains possess antibiotic resistance or decreased antibiotic sensitivity to the antibiotic selected for use in said composition and wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  possesses the ability to reduce both the colonization rate and the potential physiologically deleterious effects due to the colonization of said pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         12 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial stain is included in said composition in a form selected from a group consisting of a dried bacterial cell mass within a flowable concentrate, a stabilized gel, or a stabilized paste.  
     
     
         13 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial stain is in form of a dried bacterial spore mass which possess the ability to germinate following administration within a flowable concentrate, a stabilized gel, or a stabilized paste.  
     
     
         14 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein the total administered concentration of said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 10 milligrams to approximately 10 grams of composition per day, and preferably ranges from approximately 0.1 grams to approximately 5 grams of composition per day.  
     
     
         15 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 3  to approximately 1×10 14  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 1×10 5  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 5×10 8  to approximately 1×10 9  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         16 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein the infection to be treated is within an adult and is caused by an antibiotic-resistant pathogen, and wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 2  to approximately 1×10 14  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 1×10 8  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 2.5×10 8  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         17 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein the infection to be treated is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in an infant over six months of age and is caused by an antibiotic-resistant pathogen, and wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1 x  10   6  to approximately 1×10 9  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 5×10 4  to approximately 2.5×10 5  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 1.5×10 5  to approximately 2×10 5  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         18 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein said therapeutic composition additionally contains one or more bifidogenic factors, wherein said bifidogenic oligosaccharide is selected from the group consisting of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), gluco-oligosaccharide (GOS), raffinose, and long-chain oligosaccharides.  
     
     
         19 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein said therapeutic composition additionally contains one or more bifidogenic factors and wherein said bifidogenic factor is a fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), and wherein the total administered concentration of the bifidogenic factor within said therapeutic composition ranges ranging from approximately 10 milligrams to approximately 20 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day, preferably from approximately 50 milligrams to approximately 10 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day, and more preferably from approximately from approximately 150 milligrams to approximately 5 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day.  
     
     
         20 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein said pathogenic bacteria are antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         21 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein the physiological location of the administration of said therapeutic composition is selected from a group comprising: buccal; topical; vaginal; nasal; ocular; and otic administration locations.  
     
     
         22 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein said anti-microbial agent is selected from the group comprising: antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-viral agents, and anti-yeast agents.  
     
     
         23 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein said anti-microbial agent is comprised of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an antibiotic selected from a group consisting of: Gentamicin; Vancomycin; Oxacillin; Tetracyclines; Nitroflurantoin; Chloramphenicol; Clindamycin; Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxasole; a member of the Cephlosporin antibiotic family; a member of the Penicillin antibiotic family; a member of the Fluoroquinolone antibiotic family; and a member of the Macrolide antibiotic family.  
     
     
         24 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 11 , wherein said anti-microbial agent is comprised of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-fungal agent selected from a group consisting of: Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Nystatin, Terbinafine, Terconazole, and Tioconazole.  
     
     
         25 . A therapeutic composition for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising a therapeutically-effective of one or more species or strains of  Bacillus coagulans  within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains possess the ability to reduce both the colonization rate and the potential physiologically deleterious effects due to the colonization of said pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         26 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial stain is included in said composition in a form selected from a group consisting of a dried bacterial cell mass within a flowable concentrate, a stabilized gel, or a stabilized paste.  
     
     
         27 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial stain is in form of a dried bacterial spore mass which possess the ability to germinate following administration within a flowable concentrate, a stabilized gel, or a stabilized paste.  
     
     
         28 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein the total administered concentration of said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 10 milligrams to approximately 10 grams of composition per day, and preferably ranges from approximately 0.1 grams to approximately 5 grams of composition per day.  
     
     
         29 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 3  to approximately 1×10 12  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 1×10 5  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 5×10 8  to approximately 1×10 9  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         30 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein the infection to be treated is within an adult and is caused by an antibiotic-resistant pathogen, and wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 2  to approximately 1×10 14  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 1×10 8  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 2.5×10 8  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         31 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein the infection to be treated is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in an infant over six months of age and is caused by an antibiotic-resistant pathogen, and wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 6  to approximately 1×10 9  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 5×10 4  to approximately 2.5×10 5  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 1.5×10 5  to approximately 2×10 5  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         32 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein said therapeutic composition additionally contains one or more bifidogenic factors, wherein said bifidogenic oligosaccharide is selected from the group consisting of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), gluco-oligosaccharide (GOS), raffinose, and long-chain oligosaccharides.  
     
     
         33 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein said therapeutic composition additionally contains one or more bifidogenic factors and wherein said bifidogenic factor is a fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), and wherein the total administered concentration of the bifidogenic factor within said therapeutic composition ranges ranging from approximately 10 milligrams to approximately 20 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day, preferably from approximately 50 milligrams to approximately 10 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day, and more preferably from approximately from approximately 150 milligrams to approximately 5 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day.  
     
     
         34 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein said pathogenic bacteria are antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         35 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein the physiological location of the administration of said therapeutic composition is selected from a group comprising: buccal; topical; vaginal; nasal; ocular; and otic administration locations.  
     
     
         36 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein said therapeutic composition additionally comprises an anti-microbial agent which is selected from the group comprising: antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-viral agents, and anti-yeast agents.  
     
     
         37 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein said therapeutic composition is additionally comprised of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an antibiotic which is selected from a group consisting of: Gentamicin; Vancomycin; Oxacillin; Tetracyclines; Nitroflurantoin; Chloramphenicol; Clindamycin; Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxasole; a member of the Cephlosporin antibiotic family; a member of the Penicillin antibiotic family; a member of the Fluoroquinolone antibiotic family; and a member of the Macrolide antibiotic family.  
     
     
         38 . The therapeutic composition of  claim 25 , wherein said therapeutic composition is additionally comprised of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-fungal agent which is selected from a group consisting of: Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Nystatin, Terbinafine, Terconazole, and Tioconazole.  
     
     
         39 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising the administration of a therapeutically-effective concentration of one or more species or strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said lactic acid-producing bacteria possesses the ability to reduce both the colonization rate and the potential physiologically deleterious effects due to the colonization of said pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Bacillus species which is selected from a group comprising:  Bacillus coagulans; Bacillus coagulans  Hammer; and  Bacillus brevis  subspecies  coagulans,  and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Lactobacillus species which is selected from a group comprising:  Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei , Lactobacillus DDS-1, Lactobacillus GG,  Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus gasserii, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus delbruekii, Lactobacillus, bulgaricus, Lactobacillus salivarius  and  Lactobacillus sporogenes  (also designated as  Bacillus coagulans ), and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Sporolactobacillus species which is selected from a group comprising: Sporolactobacillus P44, and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Bifidiobacterium species which is selected from a group comprising:  Bifidiobacterium adolescentis, Bifidiobacterium animalis, Bifidiobacterium bifidum, Bifidiobacterium bifidus, Bifidiobacterium breve, Bifidiobacterium infantis, Bifidiobacterium infantis, Bifidiobacterium longum,  and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         44 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising the administration of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-microbial agent selected from the group comprising an antibiotic, an anti-fungal agent, and anti-yeast agent, or an anti-viral agent, and of one or more species or strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said lactic acid-producing bacteria possesses the ability to reduce both the colonization rate and the potential physiologically deleterious effects due to the colonization of said pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Bacillus species which is selected from a group comprising:  Bacillus coagulans; Bacillus coagulans  Hammer; and  Bacillus brevis  subspecies  coagulans,  and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Lactobacillus species which is selected from a group comprising:  Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei , Lactobacillus DDS-1, Lactobacillus GG,  Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus gasserii, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus delbruekii, Lactobacillus, bulgaricus, Lactobacillus salivarius  and  Lactobacillus sporogenes  (also designated as  Bacillus coagulans ), and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Sporolactobacillus species which is selected from a group comprising: Sporolactobacillus P44, and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein one of said lactic acid-producing bacteria is a Bifidiobacterium species which is selected from a group comprising:  Bifidiobacterium adolescentis, Bifidiobacterium animalis, Bifidiobacterium bifidum, Bifidiobacterium bifidus, Bifidiobacterium breve, Bifidiobacterium infantis, Bifidiobacterium infantis, Bifidiobacterium longum,  and any genetic variants thereof.  
     
     
         49 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising the administration of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-microbial agent, and one or more species or strains of  Bacillus coagulans  within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains possess antibiotic resistance or decreased antibiotic sensitivity to the antibiotic selected for use in said composition and wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  possesses the ability to reduce both the colonization rate and the potential physiologically deleterious effects due to the colonization of said pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial stain is included in said composition in a form selected from a group consisting of a dried bacterial cell mass within a flowable concentrate, a stabilized gel, or a stabilized paste.  
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial stain is in form of a dried bacterial spore mass which possess the ability to germinate following administration within a flowable concentrate, a stabilized gel, or a stabilized paste.  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the total administered concentration of said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 10 milligrams to approximately 10 grams of composition per day, and preferably ranges from approximately 0.1 grams to approximately 5 grams of composition per day.  
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 3  to approximately 1×10 14  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 1×10 5  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 5×10 8  to approximately 1×10 9  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the infection to be treated is within an adult and is caused by an antibiotic-resistant pathogen, and wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 2  to approximately 1×10 4  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 1×10 8  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 2.5×10 8  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the infection to be treated is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in an infant over six months of age and is caused by an antibiotic-resistant pathogen, and wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 6  to approximately 1×10 9  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 5×10 4  to approximately 2.5×10 5  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 1.5×10 5  to approximately 2×10 5  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein said therapeutic composition additionally contains one or more bifidogenic factors, wherein said bifidogenic oligosaccharide is selected from the group consisting of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), gluco-oligosaccharide (GOS), raffinose, and long-chain oligosaccharides.  
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein said therapeutic composition additionally contains one or more bifidogenic factors and wherein said bifidogenic factor is a fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), and wherein the total administered concentration of the bifidogenic factor within said therapeutic composition ranges ranging from approximately 10 milligrams to approximately 20 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day, preferably from approximately 50 milligrams to approximately 10 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day, and more preferably from approximately from approximately 150 milligrams to approximately 5 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day.  
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein said pathogenic bacteria are antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the physiological location of the administration of said therapeutic composition is selected from a group comprising: buccal; topical; vaginal; nasal; ocular; and otic administration locations.  
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein said anti-microbial agent is selected from the group comprising: antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-viral agents, and anti-yeast agents.  
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein said anti-microbial agent is comprised of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an antibiotic selected from a group consisting of: Gentamicin; Vancomycin; Oxacillin; Tetracyclines; Nitroflurantoin; Chloramphenicol; Clindamycin; Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxasole; a member of the Cephlosporin antibiotic family; a member of the Penicillin antibiotic family; a member of the Fluoroquinolone antibiotic family; and a member of the Macrolide antibiotic family.  
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein said anti-microbial agent is comprised of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-fungal agent selected from a group consisting of: Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Nystatin, Terbinafine, Terconazole, and Tioconazole.  
     
     
         63 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising the administration of a therapeutically-effective of one or more species or strains of  Bacillus coagulans  within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains possess the ability to reduce both the colonization rate and the potential physiologically deleterious effects due to the colonization of said pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial stain is included in said composition in a form selected from a group consisting of a dried bacterial cell mass within a flowable concentrate, a stabilized gel, or a stabilized paste.  
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial stain is in form of a dried bacterial spore mass which possess the ability to germinate following administration within a flowable concentrate, a stabilized gel, or a stabilized paste.  
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the total administered concentration of said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 10 milligrams to approximately 10 grams of composition per day, and preferably ranges from approximately 0.1 grams to approximately 5 grams of composition per day.  
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 3  to approximately 1×10 14  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 1×10 5  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 5×10 8  to approximately 1×10 9  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the infection to be treated is within an adult and is caused by an antibiotic-resistant pathogen, and wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 2  to approximately 1×10 14  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 1×10 8  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 2.5×10 8  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the infection to be treated is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in an infant over six months of age and is caused by an antibiotic-resistant pathogen, and wherein the total administered concentration of  Bacillus coagulans  within said therapeutic composition ranges from approximately 1×10 6  to approximately 1×10 9  viable bacteria or spores per day, preferably ranges from approximately 5×10 4  to approximately 2.5×10 5  viable bacteria or spores per day, and more preferably ranges from approximately 1.5×10 5  to approximately 2×10 5  viable bacteria or spores per day.  
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein said therapeutic composition additionally contains one or more bifidogenic factors, wherein said bifidogenic oligosaccharide is selected from the group consisting of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), gluco-oligosaccharide (GOS), raffinose, and long-chain oligosaccharides.  
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein said therapeutic composition additionally contains one or more bifidogenic factors and wherein said bifidogenic factor is a fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), and wherein the total administered concentration of the bifidogenic factor within said therapeutic composition ranges ranging from approximately 10 milligrams to approximately 20 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day, preferably from approximately 50 milligrams to approximately 10 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day, and more preferably from approximately from approximately 150 milligrams to approximately 5 grams per gram of therapeutic composition per day.  
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein said pathogenic bacteria are antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria.  
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the physiological location of the administration of said therapeutic composition is selected from a group comprising: buccal; topical; vaginal; nasal; ocular; and otic administration locations.  
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein said therapeutic composition additionally comprises an anti-microbial agent which is selected from the group comprising: antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-viral agents, and anti-yeast agents.  
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein said therapeutic composition is additionally comprised of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an antibiotic which is selected from a group consisting of: Gentamicin; Vancomycin; Oxacillin; Tetracyclines; Nitroflurantoin; Chloramphenicol; Clindamycin; Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxasole; a member of the Cephlosporin antibiotic family; a member of the Penicillin antibiotic family; a member of the Fluoroquinolone antibiotic family; and a member of the Macrolide antibiotic family.  
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein said therapeutic composition is additionally comprised of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-fungal agent which is selected from a group consisting of: Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Nystatin, Terbinafine, Terconazole, and Tioconazole.  
     
     
         77 . A therapeutic composition for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising a therapeutically-effective concentration of an antibiotic and one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains which possess antibiotic resistance or decreased antibiotic sensitivity to the antibiotic selected for use in said composition, within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, and wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain is in the form of spores which possess the ability to germinate following administration.  
     
     
         78 . A therapeutic composition for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-fungal agent and one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains which possess resistance or decreased sensitivity to the anti-fungal agent selected for use in said composition, within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, and wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain is in the form of spores which possess the ability to germinate following administration.  
     
     
         79 . A therapeutic composition for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-yeast agent and one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains which possess resistance or decreased sensitivity to the anti-yeast agent selected for use in said composition, within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, and wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain is in the form of spores which possess the ability to germinate following administration.  
     
     
         80 . A therapeutic composition for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-viral agent and one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains which possess resistance or decreased sensitivity to the anti-viral agent selected for use in said composition, within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, and wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain is in the form of spores which possess the ability to germinate following administration.  
     
     
         81 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising the administration of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an antibiotic and one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains which possess antibiotic resistance or decreased antibiotic sensitivity to the antibiotic selected for use in said composition, within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, and wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain is in the form of spores which possess the ability to germinate following administration.  
     
     
         82 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising the administration of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-fungal agent and one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains which possess resistance or decreased sensitivity to the anti-fungal agent selected for use in said composition, within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, and wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain is in the form of spores which possess the ability to germinate following administration.  
     
     
         83 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising the administration of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-yeast agent and one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains which possess resistance or decreased sensitivity to the anti-yeast agent selected for use in said composition, within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, and wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain is in the form of spores which possess the ability to germinate following administration.  
     
     
         84 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising the administration of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-viral agent and one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains which possess resistance or decreased sensitivity to the anti-viral agent selected for use in said composition, within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, and wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain is in the form of spores which possess the ability to germinate following administration.  
     
     
         85 . A composition for establishing or re-establishing the microbial flora of a vertebrate gastrointestinal tract concomitant with, or following the previous administration of an anti-microbial agent which is selected from the group comprising: antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-yeast agents, and anti-viral agents, said composition comprising of one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains and one or more bifidogenic factors within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for oral administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains possess resistance or decreased sensitivity to said anti-microbial agents.  
     
     
         86 . A method for establishing or re-establishing the microbial flora of a vertebrate gastrointestinal tract concomitant with, or following the previous administration of an antimicrobial agent which is selected from the group comprising: antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-yeast agents, and anti-viral agents, comprising the administration of a composition comprising of one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains and one or more bifidogenic factors within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for oral administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains possess resistance or decreased sensitivity to said anti-microbial agents.  
     
     
         87 . A method for producing resistance or decreased sensitivity to an anti-microbial agent in a  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain comprising: 
 (i) culturing said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain on a Petri dish containing an agar-based medium capable of supporting growth of said bacterial strain and a sub-lethal concentration of a selected anti-microbial agent;    (ii) viable colonies are then individually-selected and re-cultured on a Petri dish containing an agar-based medium capable of supporting growth of said bacterial strain and an increased concentration of the selected anti-microbial agent which is still sub-lethal to said bacterial strain; and    (iii) repeating step (ii) utilizing gradually increasing, sub-lethal concentrations of the selected anti-microbial agent until such time as said isolated Bacillus coagulans bacterial strain acquires the ability to remain viable in concentrations of the selected anti-microbial agent which approximate those therapeutically-effective concentrations of said anti-microbial agent which will be utilized in the concomitantly administered composition.    
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 87 , wherein said anti-microbial agent is an antibiotic which is selected from a group consisting of: Gentamicin; Vancomycin; Oxacillin; Tetracyclines; Nitroflurantoin; Chloramphenicol; Clindamycin; Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole; a member of the Cephlosporin antibiotic family; a member of the Penicillin antibiotic family; a member of the Fluoroquinolone antibiotic family; and a member of the Macrolide antibiotic family.  
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 87 , wherein said anti-microbial agent is an anti-fungal agent which is selected from a group consisting of: Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Nystatin, Terbinafine, Terconazole, and Tioconazole.  
     
     
         90 . A method for producing antibiotic-resistance or decreased antibiotic sensitivity in an isolated  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain comprising the utilization of conjugative transposons, possessing DNA sequences which are capable of conferring resistance to the selected antibiotic, which allow the direct transfer of said antibiotic-resistance genes without a plasmid intermediary.  
     
     
         91 . A method for producing antibiotic-resistance or decreased antibiotic sensitivity in an isolated  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain comprising the utilization of recombinant DNA-based techniques to produce a plasmid which possesses DNA sequences which are capable of conferring resistance to the selected antibiotic and transfecting the  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain with said plasmid.  
     
     
         92 . A probiotic composition comprising one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for oral administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain is capable of growing at a temperature of approximately 30° C. to approximately 65° C., produces L(+) dextrorotatory lactic acid, produces spores resistant to temperatures of up to approximately 90° C., and exhibits probiotic activity which inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, fungi, virus, or any combinations thereof.  
     
     
         93 . The probiotic composition of  claim 92 , wherein said probiotic activity results from the vegetative growth of the isolated Bacillus species bacterial strain.  
     
     
         94 . The probiotic composition of  claim 92 , wherein said probiotic activity results from an extracellular product produced by the isolated Bacillus species bacterial strain.  
     
     
         95 . A probiotic composition comprising an antibiotic and a one or more  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strains which possesses antibiotic resistance or decreased antibiotic sensitivity to the antibiotic selected for use in said composition, within a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier suitable for oral administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate, wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  bacterial strain is capable of growing at a temperature of approximately 30° C. to approximately 65° C., produces L(+) dextrorotatory lactic acid, produces spores resistant to temperatures of up to approximately 90° C., and exhibits probiotic activity which inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, fungi, virus, or any combinations thereof.  
     
     
         96 . The probiotic composition of  claim 95 , wherein said probiotic activity results from both the antibiotic and the vegetative growth of the isolated Bacillus species bacterial strain.  
     
     
         97 . The probiotic composition of  claim 95 , wherein said probiotic activity results from both the antibiotic and an extracellular product produced by the isolated Bacillus species bacterial strain.  
     
     
         98 . A composition for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising a therapeutically-effective concentration of an extracellular product of a  Bacillus coagulans  strain in a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier which is suitable for oral administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate.  
     
     
         99 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising the administration of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an extracellular product of a  Bacillus coagulans  strain in a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier which is suitable for oral administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate.  
     
     
         100 . A composition for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising a therapeutically-effective concentration of an antimicrobial agent selected from the group comprising: an antibiotic, an anti-fungal agent, an anti-yeast agent, or an anti-viral agent, and extracellular product of a  Bacillus coagulans  strain in a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier which is suitable for oral administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate.  
     
     
         101 . A method for the treatment or prevention of a gastrointestinal infection caused by a pathogenic bacteria, comprising the administration of a therapeutically-effective concentration of an anti-microbial agent selected from the group comprising: an antibiotic, an anti-fungal agent, an anti-yeast agent, or an anti-viral agent, of an extracellular product of a  Bacillus coagulans  strain in a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier which is suitable for oral administration to the gastrointestinal tract of a vertebrate.  
     
     
         102 . A composition for inhibiting parasite growth in the gastrointestinal tract and/or feces of animals comprising an effective amount of diatomaceous earth and a one or more viable, non-pathogenic lactic acid bacteria.  
     
     
         103 . The composition of  claim 102 , wherein said diatomaceous earth is at least 80% (w/w) Melosira.  
     
     
         104 . The composition of  claim 102 , wherein said diatomaceous earth is present in an amount of from approximately 0.1 to 95 weight percent.  
     
     
         105 . The composition of  claim 102 , wherein said diatomaceous earth is present in an amount of from about 1 to 10 weight percent.  
     
     
         106 . The composition of  claim 102  wherein said non-pathogenic lactic acid bacteria is selected from the group consisting of  Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus planterum, Lactobacillus deibrukeil, Lactobacillus sporegenes , Sporolactobacillus P44,  Lactobacillus rhainnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus gaseril, Lactobacillus jensenhi, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus rhamnosus  CC,  Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus thermophilus, Lactobacillus fermenturn, Lactobacillus cereale, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidiobacterium bitidum, Bifidiobacterium intantus, Bifidiobacterium bitidus, Bifidiobacterium infantis, Bifidiobacterium ion gum, Bifidiobacterium breve, Bifidiobacterium animalis, Bifidiobacterium adolescentis, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus laevolacticus , and  Bacillus brevis  subsp.  coagulans.    
     
     
         107 . The composition of  claim 102 , wherein said  Bacillus coagulans  is  Bacillus coagulans  subspecies Hammer.  
     
     
         108 . The composition of  claim 102 , wherein the said bacteria is included in the composition in the form of spores.  
     
     
         109 . The composition of  claim 102 , wherein said bacteria is included in the composition in the form of a dried cell mass.  
     
     
         110 . The composition of  claim 102 , wherein said composition is formulated into a liquid, paste, powder, granules, pellets or tablets.  
     
     
         111 . The composition of  claim 102 , wherein said composition contains 1×10 3  to 1×10 14  CFU of viable bacteria or spores per gram of composition.  
     
     
         112  The composition of  claim 102 , wherein said composition further comprises an effective amount of a bifidogenic oligosaccharide.  
     
     
         113 . The composition of  claim 112 , wherein said bifidogenic oligosaccharide is selected from the group consisting of fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), gluco-oligosaccharide (GOS), raffinose, and long-chain oligosaccharides.  
     
     
         114 . The composition of  claim 112 , wherein said oligosaccharide comprises polymers of having a polymer chain length of from about 4 to 100 sugar units.  
     
     
         115 . The composition of  claim 113 , wherein said composition comprises about 10 milligrams to about 1 gram of FOS per gram of composition.  
     
     
         116 . The composition of  claim 113 , wherein said composition comprises from 100 to 500 milligrams of FOS per grain of composition.  
     
     
         117 . The composition of  claim 102  further comprising a nutritional supplement selected from the group consisting of vitamins and minerals.  
     
     
         118 . The composition of  claim 117 , wherein said vitamins are selected from the group consisting of Vitamin A, C, E, C, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-12, K and pantothenic acid.  
     
     
         119 . The composition of  claim 117 , wherein said minerals are selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper and potassium.  
     
     
         120 . The composition of  claim 117 , wherein said minerals are selected from the group consisting of antimony, barium, berylium, bismuth, boron, bromine, chromium, cobalt, germanium, gold, iodine, iron, lithium, nickel, palladium, platinum, selenium, silicon, silver, strontium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium and zirconium.  
     
     
         121 . The composition of  claim 102 , wherein said composition further comprises a food substance or flavoring.  
     
     
         122 . The composition of  claim 102 , wherein the composition further comprises powdered food supplement, a packaged food, a liquid formula or an oral electrolyte maintenance formulation.  
     
     
         123 . The composition of  claim 122 , wherein said oral electrolyte maintenance formulation is a powder comprising sodium chloride, potassium citrate, citric acid or glucose.  
     
     
         124 . A method for inhibiting parasite infections in the gastro-intestinal tract of an animal comprising administering to the digestive tract of an animal a composition according to  claim 102 .  
     
     
         125 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein said administering comprises oral ingestion of said composition.  
     
     
         126 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 0.1 to 50 grams of said composition per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         127 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from approximately 1×10 2  to approximately 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         128 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 1×10 3  to 1×10 6  viable bacteria or spores per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         129 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 1×10 6  to 1×10 9  viable bacteria or spores per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         130 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 50 milligrams to 10 grams diatomaceous earth per kilogram of animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         131 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 200 to 500 milligrams diatomaceous earth per kilogram of animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         132 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein said composition further comprises an effective amount of a bifidogenic oligosaccharide.  
     
     
         133 . The method of  claim 132 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 10 milligrams to 20 grams of bifidogenic oligosaccharide per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         134 . The method of  claim 132 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 150 milligrams to 5 grams of bifidogenic oligosaccharide per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         135 . A method for reducing insect populations in animal manure comprising administering to the digestive tract of an animal a composition according to  claim 102 .  
     
     
         136 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein said administering comprises oral ingestion of said composition.  
     
     
         137 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 0.1 to 50 grams of said composition per 100 kilogram animal body per day.  
     
     
         138 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 1×10 2  to 1×10 10  viable bacteria or spores per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         139 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 1×10 3  to 1×10 6  viable bacteria or spores per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         140 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 1×10 6  to 1×10 9  viable bacteria or spores per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         141 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 50 milligrams to 10 grams diatomaceous earth per kilogram of animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         142 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 200 to 500 milligrams diatomaceous earth per kilogram of animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         143 . The method of  claim 135 , wherein said composition further comprises an effective amount of a bifidogenic oligosaccharide.  
     
     
         144 . The method of  claim 143 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 10 milligrams to 20 grams of bifidogenic oligosaccharide per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         145 . The method of  claim 143 , wherein said administering comprises introducing into the digestive tract from 150 milligrams to 5 grams of bifidogenic oligosaccharide per 100 kilogram animal body weight per day.  
     
     
         146 . A system for inhibiting parasite infections in the gastro-intestinal tract of an animal comprising a container having a label and a composition according to  claim 102 , wherein said label comprises instructions for use of said composition for inhibiting parasite infections in the gastro-intestinal tract of an animal.  
     
     
         147 . A system for reducing insect populations in animal manure comprising a container having a label and a composition according to  claim 102 , wherein said label comprises instructions for use of said composition for reducing insect populations in animal manure.  
     
     
         148 . A composition for inhibiting parasite growth in the gastro-intestinal tract and/or feces of animals comprising an effective amount of diatomaceous earth wherein said diatomaceous earth in said composition consists essentially of at least 50% (w/w) Melosira.  
     
     
         149 . The composition of  claim 148 , wherein said diatomaceous earth consists essentially of at least 80% (w/w.) Melosira.  
     
     
         150 . The composition of  claim 148 , wherein said composition further comprises a culture of viable non-pathogenic lactic acid-producing bacteria.  
     
     
         151 . A method for inhibiting parasite infections in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal comprising administering to the digestive tract of an animal a composition according to  claim 148 .  
     
     
         152 . A method for reducing insect populations in animal manure comprising administering to the digestive tract of an animal mammal a composition according to  claim 148 .  
     
     
         153 . A system for inhibiting parasite infections in the gastro-intestinal tract of an animal comprising a container having a label and a composition according to  claim 148 , wherein said label comprises instructions for use of said composition for inhibiting parasite infections in the gastro-intestinal tract of an animal.  
     
     
         154 . A system for reducing insect populations in animal manure comprising a container having a label and a composition according to  claim 148 , wherein said label comprises instructions for use of said composition for reducing insect populations in animal manure.