Abstract
In the present study, the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus isolates selected from fecal samples of farmyard chickens and ducks was scientifically validated for their use as alternatives to antibiotics in poultry. A total of 129 Lactobacillus isolates were characterized of which four produced inhibitory substances with antimicrobial activities. They were further identified on the basis of their carbohydrate fermentation profile and High-Resolution Melting analysis as Lactobacillus paracasei MW-37CGZ, Lactobacillus paracasei MW-38CGZ, Lactobacillus plantarum MW-48CGZ and Lactobacillus plantarum MW-18CGZ. The obtained results revealed that L. plantarum MW-18CGZ and L. paracasei MW-37CGZ showed strong antagonistic activities against human (nine) and zoonotic pathogens (eleven). The antimicrobial substance produced by L. plantarum MW-18CGZ was found to be proteinaceous, thus indicating that this substance may belong to a group of potent antimicrobial peptides produced by some microorganisms including lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Both viable and non-viable cells of the four isolates demonstrated good hydrophobicity in xylene with L. plantarum MW-48CGZ exhibiting higher hydrophobicity than other isolates (77.64±5.18%). They were susceptible to chloramphenicol, clindamycin, ampicilin and erythromycin with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) below cut-off values established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Among the four Lactobacillus, L. plantarum MW-18CGZ and L. paracasei MW-37CGZ displayed high autoaggregation and coaggregation towards pathogens and all isolates survived in low-pH, high bile salt concentrations and none exhibited virulent factors. According to the obtained results, L. plantarum MW-18CGZ and L. paracasei MW-37CGZ could be considered as future biotherapeutic substitutes for antibiotics to reduce antibiotic residues in food derived from poultry as well as the generation and spread of antibiotic resistance.
Highlights
One of the major breakthroughs in the history of medicine is undoubtedly the discovery of antimicrobials
Similar values were reported by authors [61,62]. The results of this in vitro study showed that L. paracasei molecular weight (MW)-37CGZ, L. paracasei MW-38CGZ, L. plantarum MW-18CGZ and L. plantarum MW-48CGZ isolated from the intestinal microbiota of farmyard chickens and ducks presented some important probiotic properties with varying levels
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the antagonistic activity of lactobacilli, isolated from unexplored native microbiota of farmyard chickens and ducks
Summary
One of the major breakthroughs in the history of medicine is undoubtedly the discovery of antimicrobials. Probiotics comprise beneficial microorganisms, of which bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the most common types studied These microorganisms are well known for their production of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties. Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” [4] They are beneficial bacteria in that they favorably alter the intestinal microbiota balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost the immune function and increase resistance to infection. The aim of this study was to characterize Lactobacillus isolates from the fecal microbiota of farmyard chickens and ducks in the Western Highlands of Cameroon for potential use as antimicrobial probiotic feed supplement in aviculture. A phenotypic and molecular identification of selected isolates was performed by evaluating their sugar fermentation profile and High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis, respectively
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
