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Lactobacilli and enterococci--potential probiotics for dogs
V Strompfová1, A Lauková, A C Ouwehand
1Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia. strompfv@saske.sk
Folia Microbiologica
|July 2, 2004
Summary
Fecal enterococci and lactobacilli from dogs show antimicrobial and bile tolerance. One lactobacillus strain (AD1) improved cholesterol and liver enzyme levels in sick dogs, indicating probiotic potential.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Gut Microbiome Research
- Probiotics
Background:
- Fecal samples from 10 healthy dogs were analyzed for enterococci and lactobacilli.
- High counts of fecal lactobacilli (7.6 log CFU/g) and enterococci (5.5 log CFU/g) were observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate antimicrobial activity, bile tolerance, and adhesion properties of canine fecal enterococci and lactobacilli.
- To identify potential probiotic strains for canine health.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial activity screening against indicator bacteria.
- Bile tolerance assays at 1% bile concentration.
- Adhesion tests using human and canine intestinal mucus.
- In vivo study of a selected Lactobacillus isolate (AD1) in dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
Main Results:
- Some enterococci and lactobacilli exhibited partial inhibition of Enterobacter sp. growth.
- Selected enterococci showed higher bile tolerance (71.7-97.5%) than lactobacilli (66.7-75.4%).
- Adhesion to human and canine intestinal mucus was comparable for both bacterial groups.
- Canine Lactobacillus isolate AD1 reduced serum cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase in diseased dogs.
Conclusions:
- Canine fecal enterococci and lactobacilli possess probiotic characteristics, including antimicrobial activity and bile tolerance.
- Lactobacillus strain AD1 demonstrates therapeutic potential for managing cholesterol and liver enzymes in dogs with gastrointestinal diseases.