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Potential of enterococci isolated from horses
Andrea Lauková1, Monika Simonová, Viola Strompfová
1Institute of Animal Physiology Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltésovej 4-6, 04001 Kosice, Slovakia. laukova@saske.sk
Anaerobe
|May 30, 2008
Summary
Researchers explored the probiotic potential of horse enterococci for feed additives. Three Enterococcus faecium strains (EF 412, EF 462, EF 491) showed promise for further study.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Animal Science
- Probiotics
Background:
- Enterococci are common gut bacteria with potential probiotic applications.
- Horse-derived microorganisms are increasingly investigated for novel uses in animal feed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize enterococci from horse faeces.
- To evaluate their probiotic properties for potential use as feed additives.
Main Methods:
- Faecal samples from 122 horses were analyzed for enterococci.
- Isolates were identified, and their resistance, enzyme activity, and binding properties were tested.
- Enterocin gene presence was analyzed using molecular methods.
Main Results:
- Enterococci counts ranged from 1.0-5.0 log10 cfu/g.
- Enterococcus faecium was the dominant species (58.1%).
- Many isolates showed resistance to antibiotics like kanamycin and vancomycin.
- Weak urease activity and moderate lactic acid production were observed.
- Strong binding to bovine fibrinogen and adherence to human/canine mucus were noted.
- Enterocin B gene was present in all 16 analyzed isolates.
Conclusions:
- Three Enterococcus faecium strains (EF 412, EF 462, EF 491) demonstrated promising probiotic potential.
- These selected strains warrant further investigation for use as feed additives.
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