Genetic and phenotypic assessments for the safety of probiotic Bacillus clausii 088AE

In this study, we report on whole genome sequence analysis of clinically documented, commercial probiotic Bacillus clausii 088AE and genome features contributing to probiotic properties. The whole genome sequence of B. clausii 088AE generated a single scaffold of 4,598,457 bp with 44.74 mol% G + C. This assembled genome sequence annotated by the RAST resulted in 4371 coding genes, 75 tRNAs, and 22 rRNAs. Gene ontology classification indicated 39.5% proteins with molecular function, 44.24% cellular component, and 16.25% proteins involved in biological processes. In taxonomic analysis, B. clausii 088AE shared 99% identity with B. clausii DSM 8716. The gene sequences related to safety and genome stability such as antibiotic resistance (840), virulence factors (706), biogenic amines (1), enterotoxin (0), emetic toxin (0), lanthipeptides (4), prophage (4) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) sequences (11), were identified and evaluated for safety and functions. The absence of functional prophage sequences and the presence of CRISPR indicated an advantage in genome stability. Moreover, the presence of genome features contributing to probiotic characteristics such as acid, and bile salt tolerance, adhesion to the gut mucosa, and environmental resistance ensure the strains survivability when consumed as a probiotic. In conclusion, the absence of risks associated with sequences/genes in the B. clausii 088AE genome and the presence of essential probiotic traits confirm the strain to be safe for use as a probiotic.