HOPE report

Number:19-016

Studies on intestinal Lactic acid bacteria in Great apes

Report:Kazunari Ushida

Date:2007/11/04 - 2007/11/28

Fresh feces were collected from 10 chimpanzees in Bossou and rapidly transported (less than 15 min after defecation )to the laboratory at IREB. One loop full of feces was inoculated to the TOS-propionate agar plates and LBS agar plates. After inoculation, the plates were placed in a plastic container together with one pack of Anaeropouch®(Mitsubishi Gas Chemical)to maintain anaerobiosis. Plastic containers were placed in a styrene foam box together with two or three commercially available hand warmers. Temperature was regularly checked by thermometer to keep 37^oC (from 35^oC to 40^oC). After 48 h incubation, colonies developed on TOS-propionate agar plates. However, none of the colony developed on LBS agar plates. Number of colonies developed on TOS-propionate agar plates was individually different. At least 5 colonies were isolated into TOS-propionate agar stabs and incubated by the same manner. In total 50 colonies of Bifidobacteria were isolated. However, relatively long transportation from Bossou to Japan, at least 10 days required after isolation, about half of bifidobaterial isolates were lost the activities. Actually, we are identifying these isolates. This study provides a method to isolate anaerobic intestinal bacteria under field condition.

Collection of fresh feces done by a local staff.
 I have trained them an aseptic sampling. 
Staff wears a mask and groves for their own protection.



Incubator (styrene foam box heated with commercially hand warmers). 
Temperature was monitored thermometer.
 Inside of the box, a plastic sealed container was placed. 
This sealed container contained several petri dishes together with an Anaeropouch® (Mitsubishi Gas chemical).



Colonies of Bifidobacteria after 48h of anaerobic incubation.



Stub cultures of isolated Bifidobacteria

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