Mining indigenous honeybee gut microbiota for Lactobacillus with probiotic potential

Abstract

The present study was done to explore the diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) associated with the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of honeybee species endemic to northeastern Pakistan. Healthy worker bees belonging to Apis mellifera, A. dorsata, A. cerana and A. florea were collected from hives and the surroundings of a major apiary in the region. The 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed a microbial community in A. florea that was distinct from the others in having an abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. However, this was not reflected in the culturable bacteria obtained from these species. The isolates were characterized for safety parameters, and 20 LAB strains deemed safe were evaluated for resistance to human GIT stresses like acid and bile, adhesion and adhesiveness, and anti-pathogenicity. The five most robust strains, Enterococcus saigonensis NPL780a, Lactobacillus rapi NPL782a, Lactobacillus kunkeei NPL783a, and NPL784, and Lactobacillus paracasei NPL783b, were identified through normalized Pearson (n) principal components analysis (PCA). These strains were checked for inhibition of human pathogens, antibiotic resistance, osmotic tolerance, metabolic and enzymatic functions, and carbohydrate utilization, along with antioxidative and cholesterol-removing potential. The findings suggest at least three strains (NPL 783a, 784 and 782a) as candidates for further in vitro and in vivo investigations of their potential health benefits and application as novel probiotic adjuncts.

Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains Isolated from Algerian Honeybee and Honey and Exploration of Their Potential Probiotic and Functional Features for Human Use

“…Several members of these two phylotypes have been described as novel species [ 63 ]. The same findings were reported for different or identical phylotypes of the genus Lactobacillus originating from honeybees guts and their food [ 58 , 64 , 65 ]. Recently, three and two species belonging to Apilacobacillus and Lactobacillus , respectively, were described as novel and hosting the Apis mellifera gut [ 10 , 66 , 67 ].…”

Metagenomic and Meta-Transcriptomic Analysis Reveal the Colonization and Expression Profile of Probiotic Strains in Humans and Animals

“…In the context of probiotics, indigenous strains are of particular interest due to their enhanced ability to adapt, colonize, and exert beneficial effects within the host's gut. Furthermore, indigenous bacteria serve as a vital source for the efficient development of probiotics [36,37]. By studying and harnessing these native strains, researchers can potentially develop more effective probiotic formulations tailored to individual hosts, thereby maximizing the health benefits of probiotic supplementation.…”