Scholarlink

Background <p>Gastrointestinal infections remain a major public health concern, particularly in regions where antibiotic misuse has accelerated antimicrobial resistance. Identifying safe alternatives including probiotics is therefore critical. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the gut microbiota of infants under six months of age in Maroua, Cameroon.</p> Methodology <p>We conducted a retrospective study of stool culture records from the Maroua Regional Hospital (from January 2020 to december 2024), followed by a cross-sectional laboratory study. Ten healthy infants provided stool samples, from which LAB were isolated on De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar. Isolates were assessed for acid and bile salt tolerance, autoaggregation, and antimicrobial activity were tested using the agar well diffusion method.</p> Results <p>Among 563 records, confirmed gastrointestinal infections accounted for 5.68% [3.78–7.58%]. Bacterial pathogens represented 28.14% (<i>Salmonella enterica</i>, <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp., <i>Yersinia enterocolitica</i>), parasites 25.01% (<i>Trichomonas intestinalis</i>, amoeba cysts), and fungi 46.87%. Enteropathogens showed multidrug resistance to fluoroquinolones (54.65%), and cephalosporins (42.86%), with complete sensitivity to carbapenems. LAB isolates demonstrated strong probiotic potential: survival at pH 2–5, tolerance to bile salts (0.3–1%), autoaggregation (61–81% at 24&#xa0;h), and coaggregation with pathogens (62–81%). They inhibited <i>E. coli</i>, <i>Proteus mirabilis</i>, <i>Salmonella</i> spp., and <i>Enterobacter cloacae</i>, particularly in acidic supernatants. Biochemical identification revealed <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i>, <i>L. pentosus</i>, <i>Lacticaseibacillus casei</i>, and <i>L. paracasei</i>.</p> Conclusion <p>Infant-derived LAB strains exhibit promising probiotic properties and may serve as complementary strategies for preventing gastrointestinal infections. Further studies are needed to confirm their safety and clinical relevance.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Antimicrobial resistance patterns of enteropathogens and probiotic potential of infant gut-derived lactic acid bacteria in Maroua (Far North Cameroon)

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月11日

查看全文
  • Francky Steve Nodem Sohanang,
  • Fabrice Katoua Ndeguena,
  • Didiane Yemele Mefokou,
  • Marie Jeanne Corina Mengue,
  • Arno Palou Zoua,
  • Simeon Pierre Fodouop Chegaing

摘要

Background

Gastrointestinal infections remain a major public health concern, particularly in regions where antibiotic misuse has accelerated antimicrobial resistance. Identifying safe alternatives including probiotics is therefore critical. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the gut microbiota of infants under six months of age in Maroua, Cameroon.

Methodology

We conducted a retrospective study of stool culture records from the Maroua Regional Hospital (from January 2020 to december 2024), followed by a cross-sectional laboratory study. Ten healthy infants provided stool samples, from which LAB were isolated on De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar. Isolates were assessed for acid and bile salt tolerance, autoaggregation, and antimicrobial activity were tested using the agar well diffusion method.

Results

Among 563 records, confirmed gastrointestinal infections accounted for 5.68% [3.78–7.58%]. Bacterial pathogens represented 28.14% (Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., Yersinia enterocolitica), parasites 25.01% (Trichomonas intestinalis, amoeba cysts), and fungi 46.87%. Enteropathogens showed multidrug resistance to fluoroquinolones (54.65%), and cephalosporins (42.86%), with complete sensitivity to carbapenems. LAB isolates demonstrated strong probiotic potential: survival at pH 2–5, tolerance to bile salts (0.3–1%), autoaggregation (61–81% at 24 h), and coaggregation with pathogens (62–81%). They inhibited E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella spp., and Enterobacter cloacae, particularly in acidic supernatants. Biochemical identification revealed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, L. pentosus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and L. paracasei.

Conclusion

Infant-derived LAB strains exhibit promising probiotic properties and may serve as complementary strategies for preventing gastrointestinal infections. Further studies are needed to confirm their safety and clinical relevance.