Biochemical identification of lactobacilli from chicken intestine and their potential probiotic activity

Abstract

Probiotic Lactobacilli are associated with normal microbial ecosystem of gastrointestinal tract (GT) of humans and chickens and plays an essential role in in-vivo interactions occurring in GT and hence exert health benefits beyond inherent basic nutrition. In recent study, some potential probiotic Lactobacillus bacteria were screened from chicken intestine. Twenty strains have been selected keeping in notice their growth in Lactobacillus selective media i.e. De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe agar (MRS). They were subjected to gram staining, catalase activity and oxidase test. Out of these, 5 strains have been selected for detailed studies on the basis of best antimicrobial activity and Lactobacillus specific biochemical tests. These five strains were named as (LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4 and LS5) and their probiotic potential has been evaluated. Out of these five strains, LS4 has shown maximum antimicrobial activity (25.10 ± 2.008) by producing antimicrobial bacteriocins like compounds, which have inhibitory property against potential pathogenic strains. All the strains were stable in both acidic and alkaline pH. These strains were also tolerant to different concentrations of bile salts and sodium chloride (NaCl). Their temperature tolerance was also evaluated and observed that is an important selection criteria for probiotics. This study is extremely promising that underscores the important role of Lactobacillus strains, having probiotic effects, which may play an important role in food industry as starter-culture, co-culture and bio-protective cultures to standardize and enhance quality and safety of preserved food and beverages.