An investigation of the probiotic properties of Lactobacillus fermentum

The study assessed some of the probiotic characteristics of an isolate (AB4 26) of Lactobacillus fermentum. AB4 26 was isolated from a faecal sample of an infant, fed with breast milk. The results indicated that the isolate had acceptable survival rates in gastric juice both in the presence and absence of pepsin. It also displayed acceptable sensitivity rates to eleven different antibiotics. Hydrophobicity test showed that the isolate had a good capacity to adhere to xylene. It could also destroy sodium salts. AB4 26 displayed the least survival rates in bile salt. These initial findings could suggest that infant faeces and breast milk could serve as good sources of probiotic organisms.

[No abstract available]