Characterization of bacteriocinogenic strains of lactic acid bacteria in fowl and fish intestines and mushroom

Lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) isolated from fowl, fish intestines and mushroom were identified and characterized with reference to the production of bacteriocins and its genetic markers. Among the isolated cultures, two isolate each of Lactobacillus casei ssp casei C-40 and M-50, Pediococcus pentosaceus C-6 and M-10, and Pediococcus acidilactici C-20 and F-58 and one isolate of Pediococcus sp. F-7 were potent producers of bacteriocin active against related strains of LAB. With reference to the genetic characterization of bacteriocin production, the potent cultures appeared to posses either one or two plasmids of 4-8 Kb site and a megaplasmid. Plasmid curing of bacteriocinogenic strain of Lact. casei sap. casei C-40 resulted in the loss of bacteriocin production and an altered pattern of sugar utilization. Antibiogram of bacteriocinogenic cultures of LAB and bacteriocin indicators was carried out to evaluate as a markers in genetic characterization. The bacteriocinogenic cultures were resistant to most of the antibiotics, particularly those belonging to the beta-lactam and cephalosporin groups. Besides, most of these cultures were sensitive to 30 mu g of chloramphenicol and 15 mu g of erythromycin. The potential role of bacteriocinogenic LAB is significance in maintaining the intestinal environment, however; sensitive/resistance to antibiotics is to be viewed with concern as feeds do contain antibiotics.