Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
2
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
3
Department of Microbiology, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
4
Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
Abstract
The human microbiome, comprises of diverse microbial communities, is crucial for maintaining human health, especially within the gut. Escherichia coli O157:H7, known for its Shiga toxin production, is a major cause of diarrhea. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are recognized for their potential in preventing E. coli O157:H7 infection. This study aimed to assess the impact of LAB treatment on the intestinal microbiota of Albino rats infected with E. coli O157:H7. Experimental Albino rats were induced with Escherichia coli and diarrhea set in after three days and treated with Lactococcus lactis as probiotics, compared to a control group. Stool samples underwent 16S metagenomic profiling using the Pacbio platform. Results showed a bacterial dominance in the Kingdom domain, with increased read counts post-treatment. Phylum-level analysis revealed dominance by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Approximately half of the identified taxa were novel "Phylotypes." Predominant species/phylotypes included Pediococcus acidilacticci, Pediococcus, Collinsella aerofaciens, and Lactobacillus. While some organisms decreased post-treatment, new commensals and symbionts were acquired. This study highlights significant differences in the intestinal microbiota of Albino rats pre- and post-LAB treatment, indicating L. lactis' efficacy in alleviating E. coli O157:H7-induced diarrhea and enriching gut microbiota.
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