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Probiotic potential of Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from meconium

Ahmed K Al Atya1, Karima Drider-Hadiouche2, Rozenn Ravallec1

  • 1Institut Charles Viollette, Polytech-Lille, Université Lille 1 - Sciences et Technologies, Villeneuve d'Ascq France.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|April 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Six Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from meconium exhibited antimicrobial activity and beneficial properties, suggesting their potential as probiotics. These findings highlight promising candidates for gut health applications.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Probiotics
  • Gut Microbiome

Background:

  • Lactic acid bacteria are crucial for gut health.
  • Meconium is a potential source of beneficial bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize potential probiotic bacteria from human meconium.
  • To evaluate the antimicrobial and safety properties of selected isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial isolation from meconium samples.
  • Identification using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 16S rDNA sequencing.
  • Antimicrobial activity assays, antibiotic sensitivity testing, and characterization of surface properties.

Main Results:

  • 107 Gram-positive, catalase-negative isolates identified as Enterococcus faecalis.
  • Six isolates demonstrated antagonistic activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
  • These isolates were non-hemolytic, antibiotic-sensitive, and possessed high coaggregation and hydrophobicity.

Conclusions:

  • Selected Enterococcus faecalis strains from meconium possess promising probiotic characteristics.
  • These strains warrant further investigation for their therapeutic potential in modulating the gut microbiota.
Keywords:
Enterococcus faecalisantagonismanti-Staphylococcus activityenterocinsmeconium

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