Characterization of Lactobacillus Species Recovered from Raw Dromedary Milk in Relation to its Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Dromedary milk (camel’s milk) is high in nutritious than cow milk due to its high content of antibacterial agents and vitamin C. The current research goal is to characterize and estimate the antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus species (spp.) recovered from Dromedary milk samples. Fifty raw dromedary milk samples were obtained from camels raised in five Egyptian Governorates. The isolates were further identified using morphological, biochemical, and PCR. Twenty-two isolates (44%) were identified as Lactobacillus spp., Lactobacillus plantarum (18%), L. acidophilus (14%), L. fermentum (4%), L. casei sub spp. Pseudoplantarum (4%), L. paracasei (2%) and L. brevis (2%). The antibacterial properties of Lactobacillus spp, were conducted against several foodborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and listeria monocytogenes, as well as Aspergillus flavus. L. plantarum isolates were found to possesses the highest inhibitory activity versus S. aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium. High antibacterial activity was observed by L. acidophilus on S. aureus and S. Typhimurium although, Lactobacillus plantarum showed the highest inhibition of fungal growth followed by L. acidophilus, while L. fermentum and L. casei sub spp.. Lactobacillus plantarum showed antibacterial and antifungal activities, and further investigations are needed to be used as a potential probiotic-like organism.