Probiotic properties of some Lactobacillus strains

Abstract

Fourteen Lactobacillus strains were examined in vitro for their probiotic potential. In antimicrobial activity assay, the lactobacilli tested showed inhibitory properties toward selected potential harmful microorganisms. Gram-positive indicator bacteria were most inhibited. Only a few strains were able to survive at pH 2, while all were unaffected by pH 3. The strains showed the survivability (57.15%) at high bile salt concentration (1% oxigall). Only, 50% of stains were resistant to 0.3% phenol, while, all strains were sensitive to high concentrations of phenol (0.5%). All strains showed good acidification activity and were susceptible to chloramphenicol, erythromycin and amoxicillin. Only, one strain (L. curvatus NBIMCC3452) produced exopolysaccharides. In conclusion, six strains, L. johnsonii NRRL B-2178, L. casei NRRL B-1922, L. hilgardii NRRL-1843, L. curvatus NBIMCC 3452, L. salivarius NBIMCC-1589 and L. reuteri …