The probiotic potential of Lactobacillus plantarum strain RW1 isolated from canine faeces.

AIM: To evaluation the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus plantarum strain RW1 isolated from healthy dogs for its further utilization as a dietary supplement for dogs. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of L. plantarum strain RW1 isolated from canine faeces. After confirming by conventional and then by 16S rRNA sequencing, the identified strain RW1 was in vitro screened for its survivability in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, low pH, bile salts and adhesion to gut epithelial tissues, growth inhibitory effects on common pathogens and anti-inflammatory potential by measuring the mRNA expression level of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß in Salmonella-infected MODE-K cells. Furthermore, the effects on epithelial barrier function and host defensin peptide (beta-defensin 3) was studied by measuring the mRNA expression level of tight junction protein (occludin) and beta-defensin 3 in MODE-K cells. The strain RW1 showed a considerable potential to survive in simulated gastrointestinal environmental conditions, low pH and high bile salt concentrations along with good adhesion to MODE-K cell line. Pathogenic bacterial growth and their adhesion to MODE-K cell line were significantly inhibited by the strain RW1. Real-time PCR analyses demonstrated that the strain RW1 inhibited Salmonella-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1ß) production and reinforced the expression of tight junction protein (occludin). The strain RW1 did not induce mRNA expression of beta-defensin 3. CONCLUSION: Based on in vitro results, the strain RW1 has the potential to be used as a probiotic supplement in dogs. However, further study involving in vivo health effects is needed. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Antibiotics have many side effects and nowadays the probiotics are considered as a potential alternative to antibiotics. This study evaluates the probiotic potential of dog isolated L. plantarum strain RW1 to use it as a dietary supplement in dogs feeding to control infectious diseases.