Vijay Kumar

1. Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host” (FAO/WHO 2002). The International Scientific Association for Pro...

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) remains a critical global health challenge, characterized by impaired nutrient absorption and chronic gut inflammation. While probiotics offer a potential therapeutic avenue, the efficacy of single-strain interventions is often limited. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a Bacillus -based multi-strain probiotic consortium (MSPC) specifically tailored for PEM. Three strains— Bacillus spizizenii BAB 7915, Bacillus tequilensis , and Bacillus rugosus -were selected based on their non-antagonistic, synergistic growth profiles. The MSPC demonstrated superior functional attributes compared to individual strains, exhibiting significant proteolytic activity (0.52 ± 0.03 U/mL) and robust anti-inflammatory potential (5.33 ± 0.06 U/mL). Additionally, the consortium showed high tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions and strong antioxidant properties. These results suggest that the MSPC can effectively enhance protein hydrolysis and mitigate gut inflammation, providing a scientifically validated, low-cost formulation for the nutritional rehabilitation of PEM patients.

The infant gut microbiota significantly influences health outcomes, impacting digestion, immunity, and metabolic processes. Identifying beneficial microbes from this source offers promising avenues for novel probiotic development. This study aimed to identify and characterize potential probiotic bacterial isolates from infant fecal samples using 16S rRNA–based identification and in vitro experimental evaluations. A total of 47 isolates were initially screened. Two promising candidates, Lb. paracasei IF5YR and Ent. faecium IF5RW2, were selected and evaluated for gastrointestinal resilience (acid and bile tolerance), functional properties (autoaggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, bile salt hydrolase activity, antioxidant activity via FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH assays), and safety (antibiotic susceptibility). Their genetic affiliations were confirmed using 16S rRNA sequencing, followed by bioinformatics and phylogenetic analyses. Both Lb. paracasei IF5YR and Ent. faecium IF5RW2 demonstrated strong acid (pH 1.5) and bile (2%) tolerance, high autoaggregation (>70%), and notable cell surface hydrophobicity (>90% for xylene). Comparative analysis of antibiotic susceptibility confirmed their safety. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequencing supported the taxonomic affiliation of the isolates. Functionally, both strains exhibited bile salt hydrolase activity and strong antioxidant potential, with FRAP values exceeding 75%. These findings suggest Lb. paracasei IF5YR and Ent. faecium IF5RW2 may be considered potential candidates for probiotic applications related to gut health and oxidative stress modulation. They hold potential for development as novel functional food ingredients or health-promoting supplements, although in vivo or clinical studies are needed to confirm any therapeutic effects.

This study aimed to screen novel bacterial strains available in the laboratory, derived from previous research, for potential probiotic attributes and safety. Primary screening included microscopic and biochemical characterization using Gram, negative, and endospore staining, along with oxidase and catalase assays. Safety evaluation involved hemolysis and serum coagulation tests. Most of the tested isolates were Gram-positive, bacilli, non-spore-forming, oxidase- and catalase-negative, and coagulase-negative. The majority displayed gamma hemolysis, indicating nonpathogenic nature, while some showed alpha or beta hemolysis. Five out of nine isolates were non-hemolytic and salt-tolerant up to 2.5%. Among nine tested isolates, five exhibited high salt tolerance and favorable probiotic properties, suggesting their potential use in food preservation and supplementation. The non-hemolytic and coagulase-negative characteristics of these strains indicate safety for human application. Further in-vivo studies are planned to assess their gastrointestinal survivability and health-promoting potential.

Background/objectives This study investigated the efficacy of a novel multi-strain probiotic (MSP), composed of Limosilactobacillus fermentum BAB 7912, Bacillus rugosus PIC5CR, and Bacillus rugosus PIB9CR, in preventing and reverting diet-induced obesity in Balb/c male mice. Subjects/methods This study used 8-week-old Balb/c mice. A total of 40 mice were divided into five groups namely control negative (CN), control with obesity (CO), and three treatment groups: microbial consortium treated (MCT), Healthy control 1 (HC1), and Healthy control 2 (HC2). Obesity was induced using a high-fat diet. MSP formulation developed indigenously as part of previous study, was fed to Balb/c mice at different time intervals to study its preventive and ameliorative potential. Animals were dissected for the collection of blood as well as various organs to study the effect of MSP feeding on obesity status. Results were validated using histopathological and metagenomic data. Results The CN and other treatment groups gained significant weight at the end of 6 weeks, while no significant weight gain was observed among HC1 group animals that were fed with HFD and MSP together. This highlights the preventive effect of continuous MSP feeding in the HC1 animal group. Initial liver histopathology in the HC1 group revealed enlarged hepatocytes and fat droplets. By week 9, the MCT group, which received MSP with a basal diet, showed liver recovery towards normal, accompanied by body weight improvement from 28.02 ± 0.7 g to 26.18 ± 0.96 g. Metagenomic analysis revealed that MSP treatment increased the relative abundance of health-promoting bacteria, notably Lactobacillaceae (specifically Lactobacillus). Conclusions Findings indicated that continuous consumption of MSP contributes significantly in prevention of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Future studies are needed to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and to evaluate the potential of MSP for human health.