Bacterial Bioluminescence in the GIT.

<p>The GIT of mice was colonised with either <i>B. breve</i> or <i>E. coli</i> by oral administration of 10⁹ cfu of the relevant strain for three consecutive days. (<b>a</b>) 2D image of athymic mouse 9 days post final feed with <i>B. breve</i> UCC2003/lux. (<b>b</b>) IVIS XR 2D bioluminescence overlayed with X-ray image of mouse 27 days-post feeding with <i>E. coli</i> MG1655/lux. (<b>c</b>) Bacterial counts in specific regions of the GIT 14 days post feeding. Abdominal bioluminescence corresponding to average cfu is also shown (black dots). Data graphed represent the mean ± S.E. (<b>d</b>) Sample isolated images from 3D tomography of mouse from (b). 3D images show a digital mouse atlas of the skeleton to provide anatomical registration. (Movie available in Movie S1). <i>E. coli</i> MG1655 bioluminescence is visible in blue at lower, and white or green at higher levels.