Isolation and selection of indigenous chicken-derived strains as potential probiotic alternatives to antibiotics against Gram-negative enteropathogens.

OBJECTIVE

The increasing antibiotic resistance in poultry pathogens presents a significant public health risk, leading to the exploration of effective alternatives in broiler feed, particularly probiotics such as . This study aimed to isolate strains from indigenous chicken feces that can inhibit and strains, common causes of diarrhea in poultry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

strains were isolated from chicken feces and screened for antibacterial activity using an agar well diffusion assay. strains were identified via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Their probiotic potential was assessed through assays measuring extracellular enzyme production, adhesion properties, and resilience to acidic and bile salt conditions. Freeze-drying techniques were applied to evaluate strain viability and stability. studies determined the colonization ability of selected strains in the chicken intestine.

RESULTS

From 121 isolates, six strains demonstrated notable antibacterial activity against both and . Five strains were confirmed as through sequencing. Based on their probiotic attributes, H1 and BSn5 were identified as the most promising candidates. Notably, BSn5 exhibited stable viability when freeze-dried, surviving for up to two months, and successfully colonized the chicken intestinal tract .

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that BSn5 may serve as a viable probiotic alternative to antibiotics in poultry, with regular supplementation necessary to sustain its benefits.