Patent Publication Number: US-2023144328-A1

Title: Clostridiodes Difficile Growth Inhibitor

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a growth inhibitor for  Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile . 
     BACKGROUND ART 
       Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile  infections (CDIs) often occur when the gastrointestinal flora is disrupted by use of antibiotics or some other reason. In most cases, development of CDIs is associated with use of antibiotics. Further susceptibility factors for developing CDIs include aging and presence of underlying diseases. 
     Most of CDIs are gastrointestinal infections, main symptoms of which are diarrhea and abdominal pain. CDIs are sometimes accompanied by fever and leukocytosis, occasionally leading to death due to toxic megacolon, ileus or gastrointestinal perforation if their symptoms become severer. 
     There are “carriers” of  Clostridioides difficile  who carry C.  difficile  in the gastrointestinal tract but are asymptomatic. A large number of such “carriers” are found among hospitalized patients to whom antibiotics are frequently administered. C.  difficile  is discharged with the stool of CDI patients and asymptomatic carriers, contaminates the environment including the fingers of health care workers and medical staff, and causes a problem of health-care-associated infection. Therefore, CDI is a common infection in health care sites where a number of elderly persons who need excretion care (such as exchange of diapers) are hospitalized and yet infection control (including appropriate use of antibiotics) is not adequately performed. However, in those medical institutions where antibiotics are abused or infection control is inadequate, the levels of concern and knowledge about CDI are so low that it often occurs that the disease is not diagnosed appropriately and its incidence seems apparently low; this is indeed a problematic situation. 
     Thus, medical institutions and elderly care facilities are in an environment where CDI easily becomes chronic and this had led to a discussion about the necessity for taking infection control measures. 
     PRIOR ART LITERATURE 
     Non-Patent Documents 
     Non-Patent Document No. 1: Basic science and clinical aspect of C.  difficile  infection, Modern Media Vol. 56, No. 10, 2010 www.eiken.co.jp/modern _media/backnumber/pdf/MM1010_01. pdf 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Problem for Solution by the Invention 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a growth inhibitor for  Clostridioides difficile . 
     Means to Solve the Problem 
     As a result of intensive efforts, the present inventors have found that killed  Enterococcus faecalis  can inhibit the growth of  Clostridioides difficile ; the present invention has been achieved based on this finding. 
     The gist of the present invention is as follows.
     (1) A growth inhibitor for  Clostridioides difficile , comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis .   (2) A parenteral pharmaceutical preparation for inhibiting the growth of  Clostridioides difficile , comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis .   (3) A bactericide, disinfectant, antibacterial agent, sanitizer or detergent for inhibiting the growth of  Clostridioides difficile , comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis .   (4) A medicine for external use, comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis .   (5) A hygiene product comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis .   

     Effect of the Invention 
     The present invention enables inhibition of the growth of Clostridioides difficile . 
     The present specification encompasses the contents of the specification and/or drawings disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-43740 based on which the present application claims priority. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [ FIG.  1   ]  FIG.  1    shows test results (viable cell count (x 10 3  CFU/ml)) in Example 1. ○: Control group; □: Low concentration group (test substance concentration: 0.64 mg/ml); Δ: high concentration group (test substance concentration: 64 mg/ml). Significant difference compared with the control group (**: p&lt;0.01). 
     
    
    
     BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail. 
     The present invention provides a growth inhibitor for  Clostridioides difficile , comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis . The present invention also provides a method of inhibiting the growth of  Clostridioides difficile , comprising using killed  Enterococcus faecalis . Further, the present invention provides drugs comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis , for use in a method of inhibiting the growth of  Clostridioides difficile . 
       Enterococcus faecalis  is known as a lactic acid coccal bacterium having biological response modifier (BRM) activity (YAKUGAKU ZASSHI, 112: 919-925, 1992; YAKUGAKU ZASSHI, 113: 396-399, 1992; Journal of Animal Clinical Research, 3: 11-20, 1994).  Enterococcus faecalis  EF-2001 strain is available from Nihon Berumu Co., Ltd. (2-14-3 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). 
       Enterococcus Faecalis -2001 strain can be obtained from the stool of a normal person and has the following properties. 
      A Gram-positive coccus. Shape of colony (Trypto-Soya agar medium, 24-hour culture): 1.0-mm diameter, smooth, precise circle, white colony. Bacterial morphology: circular to oval (1.0 x 1.5 µm). Likely to form chains in liquid media. Non-spore-forming. Facultative anaerobic. Ferments glucose to produce lactic acid (final pH: 4.3). Non-gas-producing. Catalase-negative. Proliferates at 10 to45° C. (the optimal temperature is 37° C.). Proliferates to pH 9.6, 6.5% NaCl, and 40% bile. Positive for 0.04% potassium tellurite. Positive for 0.01% tetrazolium. Positive for 0.1% methylene blue milk. Hydrolyzes arginine. Ferments amygdalin, cellobiose, fructose, galactose, glucose, glycerol, lactose, maltose, mannose, mannitol, ribose, salicin, sucrose, melicitose, and sorbitol to produce acids. Resistant at 60° C. for 30 minutes. Digests casein and gelatin. Decarboxylates tyrosine into tyramine. Lancefield antigen group: D. GC%: 35.0 ± 1.0%. 
       Enterococcus faecalis  may suitably be a killed bacterium, and the bacterium may be subjected to a destruction treatment (e.g., homogenization, enzyme treatment, or ultrasonication) or any other treatment such as heating or drying (e.g., freeze-drying or spray-drying). Viable  Enterococcus faecalis  may be killed by heating. Killed  Enterococcus faecalis  is expected to exhibit an intestinal immunity-activating effect. The particle size of the bacterial cell is typically 0.05 um - 50 µm, preferably 0.08 - 20 µm, more preferably 0.1 -10 µm. The bacterium may be mixed with a diluent, and then a thickener may be added to form granules. It is recommended to select the diluent and thickener from materials approved for addition to foods and medicines. 
     Killed  Enterococcus faecalis  acts on the growth of  Clostridioides difficile  in a suppressive manner. By inhibiting the growth of  Clostridioides difficile , it is possible to prevent and/or treat  Clostridioides difficile  infection. Killed  Enterococcus faecalis  can be used in a medicine as an active ingredient of a parenteral preparation. Further, killed  Enterococcus faecalis  can be used in a pharmaceutical preparation or quasi drug as an active ingredient of a bactericide. As an active ingredient of a disinfectant, killed  Enterococcus faecalis  can be used for sterilizing medical devices or for external application to human or animal skin. As an active ingredient of an antibacterial agent or sanitizer, killed  Enterococcus faecalis  can be used in hygiene products. Further, by using killed  Enterococcus faecalis  for washing human bodies, instruments, equipment, facilities, etc., it is possible to inhibit the growth of  Clostridioides difficile . Therefore, the present invention provides a bactericide, disinfectant, antibacterial agent, sanitizer or detergent comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis , for inhibiting the growth of  Clostridioides difficile . The present invention further provides a medicine for external use, comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis . Still further, the present invention provides a hygiene product comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis . 
     In the present invention, when sterilization, disinfection, bacterial eradication or washing is carried out using killed Enterococcus faecalis , the killed bacterium may be applied to the surface (skin, mucosa, etc.) of the body of human or non-human animal. Alternatively, killed  Enterococcus faecalis  may be either applied to the surface of instruments, equipment, facilities, etc. which may come into contact with the body of human or non-human animal, or sprayed or dispersed in the space where humans or non-human animals are breathing. 
     A bactericide, disinfectant, antibacterial agent, sanitizer or detergent comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis  may be formulated into various dosage forms such as sprays (aerosols, pump sprays, etc.), transdermal patches (aqueous-type cataplasms, oily-type plasters, etc.), ointments, creams, gels, solid agents for external use, or liquids for external use (liniments, lotions, etc.), and conveniently used as a medicine for external use (pharmaceutical composition for external use), a quasi drug or a hygiene product. 
     Examples of bases which may be used for such formulations include, but are not limited to, the following materials: oily components such as hydrocarbons (petrolatum, liquid paraffin, etc.), higher fatty acids and esters thereof (adipic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and esters thereof, etc.), waxes (beeswax, lanolin, etc.), higher alcohols (cetanol, stearyl alcohol, etc.); aqueous components such as water, polyhydric alcohols (glycerin, 1,3-propanediol, propylene glycol, etc.), lower alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol, etc.); surfactants (glycerin stearate, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alcohol ethers, carboxylates, sulfuric ester salts, etc.), preservatives (p-hydroxybenzoates, etc.), antioxidants (sodium hydrogen sulfite, ascorbic acid, etc.), and pH adjusters (citric acid hydrate, lactic acid, acetic acid, etc.). 
     The content of killed  Enterococcus faecalis  in the formulation varies depending on the type of the formulation, and is typically 0.001 to 100% by mass and preferably 0.01 to 100% by mass. 
      The dose of killed  Enterococcus faecalis  may be any amount sufficient to confirm inhibitory effect on the growth of  Clostridioides difficile , and it varies depending on the form of the formulation, the site of application, the age and body weight of the patient, the presence or absence of underlying disease in the patient, the type of the underlying disease, and so forth. In the case of an adult patient, for example, it is recommended to apply to the skin or the nasal or oral mucosa at a concentration of about 0.01 to 500 mg/ml, preferably about 0.05 to 300 mg/ml, more preferably about 0.1 to 100 mg/ml, in terms of the amount of killed  Enterococcus faecalis , at a frequency of one to several (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5) times per day. When killed  Enterococcus faecalis  is applied to other than human or non-human animals, (for example, to the surface or space of instruments, equipment, facilities, etc.), the above described dose may also be used. 
     Killed  Enterococcus faecalis  may be added to gauze, absorbent cotton, alcohol swab, cotton swab, bandage, mask, gloves, adhesive plaster, surgical tape, bed &amp; bath supplies (towels, sheets, etc.), wet wipes, wet towel, soap, coagulant for excrement, and the like. 
     A parenteral pharmaceutical preparation comprising killed  Enterococcus faecalis  may be formulated into various dosage forms such as agents for external application [sprays (e.g. aerosolss, pump sprays), transdermal patches (e.g. aqueous-type cataplasms, oily-type plasters, etc.), ointments, creams, gels, solid agents for external use, or liquids for external use (e.g. liniments, lotions)], injections, infusions, agents for ophthalmic use (e.g. eye drops, eye washes, ophthalmic ointments), suppositories, or the like and conveniently used as a medicine. 
     Examples of bases which may be used for agents for external application (such as sprays) include, but are not limited to, the following materials: oily components such as hydrocarbons (petrolatum, liquid paraffin, etc.), higher fatty acids and esters thereof (adipic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and esters thereof, etc.), waxes (beeswax, lanolin, etc.), higher alcohols (cetanol, stearyl alcohol, etc.); aqueous components such as water, polyhydric alcohols (glycerin, 1,3-propanediol, propylene glycol, etc.), lower alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol, etc.); surfactants (glycerin stearate, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alcohol ethers, carboxylates, sulfuric ester salts, etc.), preservatives (p-hydroxybenzoates, etc.), antioxidants (sodium hydrogen sulfite, ascorbic acid, etc.), and pH adjusters (citric acid hydrate, lactic acid, acetic acid, etc.). Topical agents may be suitably applied to the skin or the nasal or oral mucosa. 
     Injections and infusions may be formulated using solvents [aqueous solvents (e.g. distilled water, physiological saline, Ringer’s solution), non-aqueous solvents (e.g. ethanol, propylene glycol, vegetable oil)], dissolution aids (e.g. glutamic acid, aspartic acid, Polysorbate 80), preservatives (e.g. benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride), stabilizers (e.g. sulfites, sodium pyrosulfite), emulsifiers/suspending agents (e.g. lecithin, aluminum monostearate), buffers (e.g. acids, alkalis, citrates), coloring agents and the like. Formulations may be sterilized at the final step of their preparation or may be prepared by aseptic techniques. Alternatively, aseptic freeze-dried products may be prepared and dissolved in aseptic distilled water for injection or other solvents before use. Injections and infusions are applied to the body either intradermally or via skin or mucosa. They may also be applied via nasal cavity. Routes of administration include intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous and intranasal. 
     Eye drops may be formulated using solvents [aqueous solvents (e.g. sterilized purified water, physiological saline), non-aqueous solvents (e.g. ethanol, propylene glycol, vegetable oil)], buffers, isotonic agents, preservatives (e.g. methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride), viscous agents (e.g. methyl cellulose, chondroitin sulfate), suspending agents (e.g. non-ionic surfactants), coloring agents and the like. 
     Eye washes may be prepared using physiological saline, boric acid solution, benzethonium chloride, buffers and the like. 
     Eye ointments may be formulated using paraffin, liquid paraffin or the like as a base and, if necessary, by further adding preservatives, stabilizers, etc. 
     Suppositories may be formulated using bases [oleaginous bases (e.g. cocoa butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil), water-soluble bases (e.g. glycerinated gelatin, macrogol)], surfactants (e.g. lecithin, cholesterol) and the like. 
     The content of killed  Enterococcus faecalis  in the pharmaceutical formulation varies depending on the type of the formulation, and is typically 0.001 to 100% by mass and preferably 0.01 to 100% by mass. 
     The dose of killed  Enterococcus faecalis  may be any amount sufficient to confirm inhibitory effect on the growth of  Clostridioides difficile , and it varies depending on the form of the formulation, the site of application, the age and body weight of the patient, the presence or absence of underlying disease in the patient, the type of the underlying disease, and so forth. In the case of an adult patient, for example, it is recommended to administer at a concentration of about 0.01 to 500 mg/ml, preferably about 0.05 to 300 mg/ml, more preferably about 0.1 to 100 mg/ml, in terms of the amount of killed  Enterococcus faecalis , at a frequency of one to several (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5) times per day. 
     It is also possible to prepare antibacterial products (such as antibacterial towels, antibacterial plastic tableware, antibacterial toys, antibacterial PC-related products, antibacterial stationery, etc.) by coating or rubbing with the antibacterial agent of the present invention. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on Examples. The present invention is not limited to these Examples. 
     [Example 1] Test to Confirm the Action of Lactic Acid Bacterium EF-2001 Strain on  C. Difficile   
     Summary 
     The action of the lactic acid bacterium on C.  difficile  was examined. 
     To 1 ml of inoculum, 0.65 ml of low concentration (1.63 mg/ml) or high concentration (163 mg/ml) lactic acid bacterium suspension was added. C.  difficile  was cultured anaerobically with the concentration of the lactic acid bacterium being at 0.64 mg/ml or 64 mg/ml. Viable cell count was taken at 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours of culture. 
     Whether the concentration condition of the lactic acid bacterium was low (0.64 mg/ml) or high (64 mg/ml), viable cell count of C.  difficile  decreased significantly at 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours of culture, as compared to the control group. From these results, it was presumed that the lactic acid bacterium would act on the growth of C.  difficile  in an inhibitory manner. 
     Materials and Methods 
     1. Test Substance 
     1.1. Test Substance 
     Name: LACTIC ACID BACTERIA POWDER EF-2001 (Nihon Berumu Co., Ltd.) (heat-killed E.  faecalis , 500 nm=0.5 µm in diameter) 
     Properties: Yellow-brown powder 
     Storage conditions: Room temperature (18.0 - 28.0° C.), light-shielded, moisture-proof 
     Storage site: Storage cabinet in the test substance storage room of the testing facility 
     2. Administration Sample 
     2.1. Preparation Method for Test Substance 
     The necessary amount of lactic acid bacteria powder EF-2001 was weighed (electronic balance: XP205DR, Mettler-Toledo Co., Ltd.) and suspended in GAM broth (see 15.3.4.) to prepare a suspension of 500 mg/ml. This 500 mg/ml suspension was diluted with GAM broth to give concentrations of 163 mg/ml and 1.63 mg/ml. Since the lactic acid bacteria powder precipitates, it was stirred well enough to be kept suspended. Preparation was made just before use. 
     3. Pathogenic Microorganism 
     3.1. Strain Used 
       Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile  (ATCC43255, hereinafter referred to as “ C.  difficile ”) 
     3.2. Storage Conditions 
     Cryopreserved in an Ultra-cold freezer (controlled temperature: -80° C., MDF-394AT, Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.) until use. 
     3.3. Reagents 
     
         
         (1) GAM agar medium (Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) 
         (2) GAM broth medium (Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) 
         (3) Physiological saline (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Plant, Inc.) 
       
    
     3.4. Preparation of GAM Broth 
     GAM broth powder was weighed in 29.5 g and suspended in 500 ml of water for injection (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Plant, Inc.). The resultant suspension was autoclaved with LSX-500 (TOMY SEIKO Co., Ltd.) at 115° C. for 15 minutes and then stored under refrigerating conditions. 
     3.5. Preculture 
     The preserved strain of C.  difficile  was thawed and inoculated into GAM agar medium. The resultant medium was transferred into a deoxidant-filled anaerobic jar, and then cultured for 5 days in an incubator (ILE800, Yamato Scientific Co., Ltd.) set at 37° C. After culture, colonies were collected and added to GAM broth medium, which was transferred into a deoxidant-filled anaerobic jar and cultured for 2 days in an incubator set at 37° C. The resultant culture broth served as an inoculation stock solution. 
     3.6. Preparation of a Liquid Bacterial Inoculum and Taking of Viable Cell Count 
     The stock solution diluted 10-folds with physiological saline was used as a liquid bacterial inoculum. 
     Confirmation of viable cell count was performed as follows. Briefly, an aliquot of liquid bacterial inoculum was taken, diluted appropriately with physiological saline, and smeared on GAM agar medium. Then, the medium was transferred into a deoxidant-filled anaerobic jar and cultured for 5 days in an incubator set at 37° C. The number of colonies after culture was counted with a handy colony counter (CC-1, Azwan Co., Ltd.), and the number of viable bacterial cells contained in 1 ml of the liquid bacterial inoculum was calculated. As a result, the concentration of the liquid bacterial inoculum was 2.8 x 10 5  CFU/mL. 
     The remaining liquid bacterial inoculum after use was autoclaved (LSX-500, TOMY SEOKO Co., Ltd.) at 121° C. for 15 minutes and discarded. 
     4. Testing Method 
     4.1. Growth Inhibition Test 
     4.1.1. Description of Test Groups 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 Group No. 
                 Test Group 
                 Concentration of Test Substance (mg/ml) 
                 Concentration of C. difficile Inoculum (CFU/ml) 
               
             
            
               
                 1 
                 Control 
                 0* 
                 1.7 × 10 5 
 
               
               
                 2 
                 Low concentration 
                 0.64 
                 1.7 × 10 5 
 
               
               
                 3 
                 High concentration 
                 64 
                 1.7 × 10 5 
 
               
               
                 Indicated are the final concentrations after mixing. 
               
               
                 * GAM broth was added. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     4.1.2. Testing Method 
     To 1 ml of the liquid bacterial inoculum in a test tube, the prepared sample suspensions (1.63 mg/ml and 163 mg/ml) were each added in 0.65 ml. Test tubes were placed in a deoxidant-filled anaerobic jar, and C.  difficile  was cultured in an incubator set at 37° C. At the beginning of culture and at 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours of culture, the test tubes were taken out. An aliquot of culture broth was taken, and this culture broth itself or an appropriately diluted culture broth was smeared on CCFA medium (Nippon Becton Dickinson Company, Ltd.), followed by 5-day anaerobic culture in an incubator set at 37° C. The number of colonies after culture was counted with a handy colony counter, and the number of viable bacterial cells was calculated. As a control, GAM broth was used instead of the sample suspension. The number of samples was 5. 
     5. Summary of Results 
     As regards viable cell count, mean and standard error were calculated. 
     For significance test, Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for control group vs test groups on viable cell count. 
     A hazard rate of 5% was considered significant, and separate indications were given for a hazard rate less than 5% and a hazard rate less than 1%. 
     A commercially available statistical program (SAS system; SAS Institute Japan) was used for the statistical analyses. 
     Test Results 
     Test results are shown in Table 1, Appendix 1-1 to 1-3 and  FIG.  1   . 
     The viable cell count of C.  difficile  in the control group was 360.0 ± 75.9 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at the beginning of culture, 3680.0 ± 239.6 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at 12 hours of culture, 3880.0 ± 475.8 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at 24 hours of culture, and 33020.0 ± 2267.5 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at 48 hours of culture. 
     The viable cell count of C.  difficile  in the low concentration group was 306.0 ± 22.7 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at the beginning of culture, 33.2 ± 4.9 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at 12 hours of culture, 27.1 ± 6.7 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at 24 hours of culture, and 15.7 ± 4.9 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at 48 hours of culture. Compared to the control group, a significant decrease in the number of viable bacterial cells was observed at 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours of culture. 
     The viable cell count of C.  difficile  in the high concentration group was 300.0 ± 22.1 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at the beginning of culture, 12.0 ± 1.1 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at 12 hour of culture, 8.4 ± 3.4 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at 24 hours of culture, and 5.7 ± 3.2 (×10 3  CFU/ml) at 48 hours of culture. Compared to the control group, a significant decrease in the number of viable bacterial cells was observed at 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours of culture. 
     Discussion 
     The action of the lactic acid bacterium on C.  difficile  was examined by takring the viable cell count over time. 
     Whether the concentration condition of the lactic acid bacterium was low (0.64 mg/ml) or high (64 mg/ml), viable cell count of C.  difficile  decreased significantly at 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours of culture, as compared to the control group. From these results, it was presumed that the lactic acid bacterium acts on the growth of C.  difficile  in an inhibitory manner. (Table 1)  
     
       
         
          TABLE 1
           
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 Viable count 
               
               
                 Group 
                 Control 
                 Low concentration 
                 High concentration 
               
               
                 Number of samples 
                 5 
                 5 
                 5 
               
             
            
               
                 Hours after incubation 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 0 
                 360.0 ± 75.9 
                 306.0 ± 22.7 
                 300.0 ± 22.1 
               
               
                 12 
                 3680.0 ± 239.6 
                 33.2 ± 4.9 ** 
                 12.0 ± 1.1 ** 
               
               
                 24 
                 3880.0 ± 475.8 
                 27.1 ± 6.7 ** 
                 8.4 ± 3.4 ** 
               
               
                 48 
                 33020.0 ± 2267.5 
                 15.7 ± 4.9 ** 
                 5.7 ± 3.2 ** 
               
               
                 Each value shows mean (×10 3  CFU/mL) ± S.E. 
               
               
                 Significantly different from the control group (**: p&lt;0.01). 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     (Appendix 1-1 to 1-3) 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 Appendix 1-1 Individual viable count 
               
               
                 Control group 
               
               
                 Sample No. 
                 Hours after incubation 
               
               
                 0 
                 12 
                 24 
                 48 
               
             
            
               
                 1 
                 660.0 
                 4500.0 
                 5200.0 
                 24200.0 
               
               
                 2 
                 310.0 
                 3200.0 
                 2600.0 
                 36900.0 
               
               
                 3 
                 250.0 
                 3200.0 
                 3000.0 
                 35700.0 
               
               
                 4 
                 310.0 
                 3700.0 
                 4200.0 
                 34500.0 
               
               
                 5 
                 270.0 
                 3800.0 
                 4400.0 
                 33800.0 
               
               
                 Number of samples 
                 5 
                 5 
                 5 
                 5 
               
               
                 Mean 
                 360.0 
                 3680.0 
                 3880.0 
                 33020.0 
               
               
                 S.E. 
                 75.0 
                 239.6 
                 475.8 
                 2267.5 
               
               
                 Unit: ×10 3 CFU/mL. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 Appendix 1-2. Individual viable count 
               
               
                 Low concentration group 
               
               
                 Sample No. 
                 Hours after incubation 
               
               
                 0 
                 12 
                 24 
                 48 
               
             
            
               
                 1 
                 340.0 
                 33.0 
                 41.0 
                 13.0 
               
               
                 2 
                 370.0 
                 33.0 
                 1.7 
                 31.0 
               
               
                 3 
                 240.0 
                 17.0 
                 33.0 
                 0.5 
               
               
                 4 
                 280.0 
                 35.0 
                 31.0 
                 15.0 
               
               
                 5 
                 300.0 
                 48.0 
                 29.0 
                 19.0 
               
               
                 Number of samples 
                 5 
                 5 
                 5 
                 5 
               
               
                 Mean 
                 306.0 
                 33.2 
                 27.1 
                 15.7 
               
               
                 S.E. 
                 22.7 
                 4.9 
                 6.7 
                 4.9 
               
               
                 Significance 
                 NS 
                 ** 
                 ** 
                 ** 
               
               
                 Statistical method 
                 WL 
                 WL 
                 WL 
                 WL 
               
               
                 Unit ×10 3  CFU/mL. 
               
               
                 Significantly different from the control group (**: p&lt;0.01). 
               
               
                 NS: Not significantly different from the control group. 
               
               
                 WL: Analysis by Wilcoxon’s test. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 Appendix 1-3. Individual viable count 
               
               
                 High concentration group 
               
               
                 Sample No. 
                 Hours after incubation 
               
               
                 0 
                 12 
                 24 
                 48 
               
             
            
               
                 1 
                 340.0 
                 13.0 
                 0.4 
                 0.5 
               
               
                 2 
                 290.0 
                 9.0 
                 0.4 
                 0.4 
               
               
                 3 
                 240.0 
                 13.0 
                 15.0 
                 0.5 
               
               
                 4 
                 360.0 
                 10.0 
                 10.0 
                 15.0 
               
               
                 5 
                 270.0 
                 15.0 
                 16.0 
                 12.0 
               
               
                 Number of samples 
                 5 
                 5 
                 5 
                 5 
               
               
                 Mean 
                 300.0 
                 12.0 
                 8.4 
                 5.7 
               
               
                 S.E. 
                 22.1 
                 1.1 
                 3.4 
                 3.2 
               
               
                 Significance 
                 NS 
                 ** 
                 ** 
                 ** 
               
               
                 Statistics method 
                 WL 
                 WL 
                 WL 
                 WL 
               
               
                 Unit: ×10 3  CFU/mL. 
               
               
                 Significantly different from the control group (**: p&lt;0.01). 
               
               
                 NS: Not significantly different from the control group. 
               
               
                 WL: Analysis by Wilcoxon’s test. 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     [Product Example 1] Sanitizer Liquid, Antibacterial Spray and Sanitizing Wipes 
     A Sanitizer Liquid Was Prepared According to the Following Formula 
     Formula 
     Lactic acid bacteria powder EF-2001 (Nihon Berumu Co., Ltd.) (heat-killed E.  faecalis , 500 nm=0.5 µm in diameter): 0.6% by mass 
     Glycerin: 0.05% by mass 
     Caprylic acid monoglyceride: 0.50% by mass 
     Ethanol: 50% by mass 
     Purified water: q. s. 
     Total 100% by mass 
     The above-indicated solution was filled in a commercially available, pump-type spray container to prepare an antibacterial spray. The same solution was soaked in gauze or tissue paper to prepare sanitizing wipes. 
     All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present invention is applicable to prevention and/or treatment of  Clostridioides difficile  infection, as well as to other uses including sterilization, disinfection, sanitizing and washing of the bacterium.