In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Probiotic Potential of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus against Species of Clostridium

Abstract

Many <i>Clostridium</i> species are found as commensal members of the intestinal microbiota. However, imbalances of the microbiota may lead to certain infections caused by these microorganisms, mainly <i>Clostridium butyricum</i>, <i>Clostridium difficile</i>, and <i>Clostridium perfringens</i>. In many cases, infection recurrence can occur after antibiotics, indicating the need for novel therapeutic options that act on the pathogens and also restore the microbiota. Herein, the in vitro antimicrobial activity and probiotic potential of clinical and reference strains of <i>Bifidobacterium</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i> were investigated against <i>Clostridium</i> species. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the agar spot test and inhibition of gas production. Then, the probiotic potential of selected strains was assessed by analyzing their coaggregation ability, adhesive properties to host cells and mucin, tolerance to acidic pH and bile salts, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> ATCC 8014 was the most promising strain based on its inhibitory activity against <i>Clostridium</i> spp. Also, this strain met criteria to be considered a probiotic based on its coaggregation ability, adhesive properties, and tolerance to harsh pH and bile acid salt conditions. The results indicate that among the studied strains, <i>L. plantarum</i> ATCC 8014 presents probiotic potential for controlling infections induced by the studied <i>Clostridium</i> species and should be further evaluated in in vivo animal models.