Novel antibiotic alternatives

Abstract

The present invention relates to two recombinant colicin expression systems, one utilizing a yeast expression system that produces a protein that is inexpensive to purify, and the other utilizing a plasmid expression system to be used as a probiotic culture. The recombinant colicins provide effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics and may be used to improve the efficiency of pork production, and the safety of its products.

1 . A method of inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria in animals comprising: introducing to an animal a bacterial growth inhibiting effective amount of a colicin. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  whereby the pathogenic bacteria is selected from one or more of the group consisting of  E. coli, Salmonella , and  Listeria.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  whereby the pathogenic bacteria is an enterohemorrhagic strain of  E. coli.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  whereby the  E. coli  is selected from the group consisting of  E. coli  F4 and  E. coli  F18. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  whereby the colicin is selected from the group consisting of colicin A, colicin B, colicin E1, colicin Ia, and colicin N. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  whereby the colicin is the recombinant colicin of claim  17 . 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  whereby the pathogenic bacteria is a  Listeria  strain selected from the group consisting of FSIS 1126, H7769, Scott A, H7768, and H7767. 
   
   
       8 . A method of reducing pathogenic bacteria on animal carcasses comprising: applying a colicin to an animal carcass. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  whereby the pathogenic bacteria is selected from one or more of the group consisting of  E. coli  and  Salmonella.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  whereby the colicin is selected from the group consisting of A, B, E1, 1a, and N. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8  whereby the colicin is recombinant. 
   
   
       12 . A method of reducing pathogenic bacteria in animals comprising: feeding the animal a colicin. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  whereby the colicin is selected from the group consisting of A, B, E1, 1a, and N. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12  whereby the colicin is recombinant. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12  whereby the pathogenic bacteria is selected from one or more of the group consisting of  E. coli  and  Salmonella.