GENOTYPIC AND PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIOCINOGENIC LACTIC ACID BACTERIAL STRAINS FOR POSSIBLE BENEFICIAL, VIRULENCE, AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE TRAITS

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a diverse group of microorganisms that can be found in natural habitats and used wide range industries, especially the food sector. They regarded "Generally Recognized as Safe" commonly starter culture, probiotics, biopreservative. However, some LAB genera excluded from "Qualified Presumption Safety" (QPS) list due to possibility they have virulence antibiotic resistance genetic determinants. The objective this study was investigate beneficial, virulence, resistance-related genes 10 well-characterized bacteriocinogenic strains. auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, bile salt tolerance were also evaluated examine their potential probiotics and/or culture. Results showed all tested strains abilities for auto-aggregation at 4oC 37oC, co-aggregation with S. aureus JCM8704, typhimurium BIOTECH1826, E. coli DH5α, significant cell-surface hydrophobicity. only few able withstand media treated 0.3% salt. Among strains, L. lactis IO-1 C. divergens V41 had maximum values respectively. exhibited highest percentage faecium NKR-5-3 percentages indicator Our findings isolates presented distinct combinations virulence-related genes. Only two ten presence multiple Lactococcus sp. QU12 high frequency beneficial genes, 2 out 7 present encoding factor 11 13 factor. positive tetracycline gene tetM aminoglycoside aphA-2, respectively, transposon Moreover, 8 classes. Although few, substantial danger these being transferred acquired cannot overlooked could potentially cause serious health concerns future. These results suggest despite promising properties LAB, careful safety evaluation should prerequisite before using systems.