Efficacy of Copper Metal on Probiotic Bacteria to Combat Dysbiosis

Objective- Probiotics are dietary supplements of micro-organisms which when administered in adequate amount confers health benefits to the host. Beneficial microflora such as probiotic bacteria when administered in excess amount interferes with normal body functioning. An imbalance between the microbiota will lead to the condition known as ‘dysbiosis' which holds possible links to be a cause of various intestinal tract diseases. However, the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has generated a demand for alternative anti-microbial therapies. Hence in the current research study, an attempt was made to evaluate the efficacy of copper metal against probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus spp. to combat dysbiosis. Methods- In the present study, five isolates of Lactobacillus spp. were isolated from five different curd samples. Dilutions of copper sulphate solutions (100%, 50%, 25% and 12.5%) were prepared and their antimicrobial activities were analyzed. Results- The 100% copper sulphate solution inhibited the growth of all five isolates of Lactobacillus spp. while at 12.5% dilution of copper sulphate, all the isolates were found to be resistant. Antibiotic resistance profile showed that all the five isolates of Lactobacillus spp. were found to be resistant to Ampillicin and sensitive to Clindamycin. Conclusion- According to the current study copper metal helps to balance the gut microbiota which might be useful for maintaining proper body functioning.