Enterocin Structural Gene Screening in Enterococci from Pannon White Breed Rabbits

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacteriocin Research
• Animal Health

Background:

• Enterococci are common gut bacteria, and some produce bacteriocins (enterocins) with antimicrobial properties.
• The presence and activity of enterocin genes in faecal enterococci from Pannon White rabbits have not been previously studied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To screen for enterocin (Ent) genes in faecal enterococci of Pannon White rabbits.
• To characterize the antimicrobial activity and stability of bacteriocins produced by these enterococci.

Main Methods:

• Faecal enterococci were isolated from Pannon White rabbits.
• Enterocin gene presence was screened using molecular methods.
• Antimicrobial activity of partially purified bacteriocin (CE EF9a) was tested against various indicator strains.
• Stability of CE EF9a was assessed after heat treatment and storage under different conditions.

Main Results:

• Most enterococci lacked Ent genes; Enterococcus faecium EF9a possessed four Ent genes.
• CE EF9a exhibited significant inhibition against 15 Gram-positive indicator strains, notably Listeria monocytogenes (12,800 AU/mL).
• CE EF9a demonstrated thermostability and retained activity after 2-month storage at various temperatures, especially at -20°C.

Conclusions:

• Enterococcus faecium EF9a from rabbits produces a potent, thermostable bacteriocin (CE EF9a).
• CE EF9a shows promise as a natural antimicrobial agent, particularly against Listeria monocytogenes.
• Further purification and characterization of CE EF9a are warranted.