Walailak University researchers screened P. acidilactici from fermented cacao. Isolate CR05 tolerated acid, digestive enzymes and bile, adhered to HT-29 cells and inhibited ESKAPE pathogens in vitro. No acquired AMR genes or haemolysis were detected, but resistance to several tested antibiotics remains a safety concern. It is a candidate, not an approved probiotic.
Key findings
- Inhibition zones were 10.00-23.00 mm. CR05 survived pH 2 at 69.65%, pancreatin 99.95%, pepsin 89.11% and bile 98.65%. MICs were 12.5-25 mg/mL and MBCs 25 to >50 mg/mL, strongest against A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa and E. aerogenes. Enterolysin A was predicted, no acquired AMR genes or haemolysis were detected, but several antibiotic resistances occurred.
Why this matters globally
Local fermentation microbes may supply probiotic, postbiotic or antimicrobial leads against resistant pathogens, but the active cell or metabolite and potential gene-transfer risks must be resolved.
Thai researcher contribution
Walailak University graduate, medical-technology, microbiome-systems-biology and tropical-pathobiology teams conducted isolation, genomics and functional assays.
Limitations to consider
In-vitro tolerance and cell adhesion do not predict colonisation or human benefit. MICs in mg/mL are high and may involve mixtures. Absence of detected acquired genes depends on databases, while phenotypic resistance requires mechanism and mobility assessment. Animal, microbiome and toxic-metabolite evidence is absent.
Verify the original sources
International Journal of Molecular SciencesRead the original article↗DOI: 10.3390/ijms27135996