Assessment on In Vitro Probiotic Attributes of Lactobacillus plantarum Isolated From Horse Feces.

The research article assessed the probiotic characteristics of bacteria isolated from horse feces, particularly focusing on Lactobacillus plantarum, and found promising features that suggest its potential use in equine industries.

Study Design and Initial Findings

• The research involved studying eight types of bacteria that were identified in horse feces. The researchers conducted an agar well diffusion assay which is a test to evaluate the antibacterial capabilities of these bacteria against commonly known bacterial pathogens.
• Among the various types of bacteria tested, Lactobacillus plantarum strain LF4 expressed a significant antibacterial attribute against the pathogens tested, most notably against Staphylococcus aureus with a growth inhibitory activity of 320.16 ± 3.4 AU/mL.

Assessing Probiotic Properties

• Around the evaluation of probiotic properties of strain LF4, the researchers performed several tests following a standard methodology. The tests were designed to assess the bacterial strain’s capability to survive and thrive despite harsh conditions.
• The strain maintained its viability under conditions with a low pH level, effectively replicating an acidic environment, as well as under the influence of simulated gastric juice. It continued to grow with total cell counts of 1.6 ± 0.18 and 1.7 ± 0.18 log cfu/mL respectively.
• Further, it proved resistant to the presence of oxgall for up to 36 hours. Oxgall is a substance that is often used to create conditions replicating bile salts in some sensitivity tests, and the resistance suggests the strain’s durability and potential survival in the animal GI tract.

Hydrophobicity, Aggregation and Proteolytic Activities

• The strain displayed notable hydrophobicity, possessing a property of 60.3 ± 1.6%. Hydrophobicity influences bacterial adhesion to surfaces, which is a critical attribute in the context of probiotics as this can lead to an improved ability to colonize the gut environment.
• It also showed commendable self-aggregation trait measured at 41.31 ± 1.5%. This auto-aggregation ability can enhance its persistence in the gut, boosting its probiotic potential.
• The bacterium demonstrated a moderate level of proteolytic activity. Proteolytic enzymes are crucial for many organismal processes such as digestion, and can contribute to the bacterium’s survival and proliferation in the gut environment.

Antioxidant Activities

• Strain LF4 also manifested significant DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities. These are indicative of antioxidant activities whereby they neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, indicating yet another potential health benefit.

Susceptibility to Conventional Antibiotics

• Notably, the strain was found to be susceptible to all standard antibiotics experimented with. This susceptibility is important, as it implies that, if required, the bacterial strain can be eliminated using currently available antibiotics, adding a layer of safety for its potential use.

Conclusion

• This study highlighted the promising probiotic capabilities of Lactobacillus plantarum strain LF4 derived from horse feces. The properties exhibited by this strain suggest its potential application within equine industries.