Exploration and Characterization of Novel Probiotic Bacteria Isolated from Human Mother's Milk: Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance and Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

The field of probiotics research has experienced a notable upsurge in interest in recent years, particularly in the exploration and characterization of novel probiotic bacteria that hold potential health benefits and disease prevention. This study aimed to isolate and identify new probiotic bacteria from human mother's milk and evaluate their probiotic potential. A total of 10 bacterial strains were isolated from mature human milk and subsequently identified through biochemical evaluation. Five of these strains were selected for further assessment, including investigations into survival ability, hemolytic activity, antibacterial effects, and antibiotic resistance. The results revealed that three out of the five selected strains demonstrated promising characteristics. These strains were identified as Bacillus sp. MM28, MM38, MM39, Lactobacillus MM18, and MM103. Notably, these five strains exhibited non-hemolytic activity, displayed effective antibacterial activity against selected bacterial pathogens, and demonstrated resistance to most of the tested antibiotics. The isolated bacterial strains exhibited favorable probiotic attributes, including antibiotic resistance and the ability to inhibit the growth of bacterial pathogens. Consequently, these strains hold potential as probiotics in both the pharmaceutical and food industries.