Detection Probiotic's DNA of Lactobacillus paracasei in Healthy Human Faeces

Aims: To examine the DNA abundance of the probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus paracasei) in the faeces of healthy adults after one month of its consumption and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of this bacteria.

Study Design: Thirty apparently healthy adults were examined for the presence of probiotic bacteria DNA in their faecal samples over a period of one month after one week of probiotic consumption.

Place and Duration: Department of Pathology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, Between July 2017 and January 2018

Results: L. paracasei DNA detected in 90% of these adults within a week of probiotic consumption, whereas after stopping the probiotic consumption, L. paracasei DNA was detected only in 10% and 6% of the faecal samples after one and two weeks, respectively. Minimal side effects were recorded among these volunteers’ adults. L. paracasei was susceptible to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, erythromycin, imipenem and piperacillin–tazobactam, intermediate susceptible to levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin and resistant to amikacin, aztreonam, ceftazidime, gentamicin, oxacillin, meropenem and vancomycin.

Conclusion: The consumption of probiotic L. paracasei for one week, resulted in a limited colonisation capacity in the human intestine, therefore, we recommend longer administration period. The susceptibility patterns of the probiotic bacteria L. paracasei should be considered when it will be administrated during antibiotic treatment.