Gut Microbiome Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria (GM-d-LAB) from Dwarf Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) Inhibit the Residence of Multiple Antibiotics Resistance Bacterial pathogens

Background: The global health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has created an urgent need for developing alternative treatment methods. Probiotics, especially Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), are gaining interest in this context, as they demonstrate health-enhancing effects and potent antimicrobial activities. The intestines of goats could be a potential origin for developing new probiotics applications in animal feed and human health. Hence this study was carried out to determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of LAB and pathogens within the intestines of Nigerian dwarf goats (Capra aegagrus hircus), the antimicrobial activity of LAB against resident MDR pathogens, and subsequent identification of bioactive LAB isolated from goat faeces in Nigeria as potential probiotics in animal feed and human health.

Method: Selective isolation of the LAB was carried out using de Mann Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar while enteric pathogens were isolated on MacConkey agar. Preliminary identification was carried out based on Gram reaction, and morphological, colonial, and biochemical characteristics of each isolate. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of all isolates were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The agar overlay method was used to test the most resistant LAB isolates for antimicrobial activity against enteric pathogens. Selected LAB isolates were identified by 16SrRNA sequencing.

Results: The antibiotics susceptibility profile showed that a majority (77%) of LAB isolates and minimal (҇≤10%) of enteric pathogens demonstrated resistance to at least three classes of antibiotics, indicating a pattern of multi-drug resistance. Over half (62%) of these LAB isolates displayed significant antimicrobial activity against at least five of the resident-resistant pathogens, illustrating their potential role in controlling these pathogens. The sequencing results identified the most active LAB isolates, revealing a mix of strains including Pediococcus lolli (46%), Pediococcus pentosaceus (23%), Weissella confusa (8%), Enterococcus faecium (8%), Enterococcus hirae (8%), and Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis (8%).

Conclusion: The discovery of a diverse range of LAB strains in goat intestines with significant antimicrobial activity against resident enteric pathogens is valuable. This finding suggests the potential use of these bacteria as natural alternatives to traditional antibiotics, especially in the context of growing AMR in animal husbandry.