CHARACTERIZATION OF ISOLATED PROBIOTIC BACTERIA OF THE LARGE INTESTINE OF PIGS AS ALTERNATIVE TO USING ANTIBIOTICS

Objective. To characterize probiotic lactic acid bacteria isolated from adult pig intestine as an alternative to antibiotics. Materials and methods. For isolation of lactic acid bacteria, samples of large intestine of 20 adult pigs were included. The characterization of biochemical and physiological parameters of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) required an evaluation of the pH of the ferment, determination of organic acids by HPLC and detection of lactic acid isomers. Microbiological processes assessed the capacity of inhibiting the growth of pathogenic and antagonistic activity of probiotic antibiotic vs competitive interaction. We used API CH 50 test to identify the LAB supplemented with gas production, catalase activity and viability at different concentrations of bile salts and temperatures. Results. The analysis plan allowed selection of two isolates that were identified as: Lactobacillus plantarum 1 H1 y L. plantarum 1 H2. Microbiological testing showed that the lactic bacteria selected inhibited the enteropathogens Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Clostridium perfringens. The biochemical tests were consistent with the genus Lactobacillus, showed the following profile: catalase negative, non- gas producing, producing isomers DL; resistant to bile salts and pH optimum for growth of 3.5 to 38º C. Conclusions. The two isolates of L. plantarum 1 were considered eligible for potential use as probiotics. Its use is recommended in addition to antibiotic therapy and the development of inoculum for use in food rations for weaned piglets, however, additional studies are needed to assess the direct effect of probiotics as a substitute for antibiotics in vivo.