Isolation and characterization of the lactobacillus strain from honey and its probiotic properties

Mohammad Ebrahim  Goli Mehdi Abadi; Ahmad  Hosseini-Safa; Sina Habibi; Mohammadreza Dehghan; Mohamad Javad  Forouzani-moghaddam; Mojgan Oshaghi

doi:10.18502/ijm.v15i3.12905

Mohammad Ebrahim Goli Mehdi Abadi Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ahmad Hosseini-Safa Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Sina Habibi Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammadreza Dehghan Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohamad Javad Forouzani-moghaddam Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mojgan Oshaghi Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v15i3.12905

Keywords: Honey; Probiotics; Lactobacillus; Real-time polymerase chain reaction; Antibiotics

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The lactobacilli are abundant in honey, helping protect against pathogens and providing antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to isolate lactobacillus species from different honey regions and evaluate their potential probiotic properties.

Materials and Methods: Eighty-eight samples were collected from different regions, including the northern, central, and southern areas, and obtained through retail stores. All samples were independently examined for the presence of Lactoba- cillus using both culture and real-time PCR methods. Probiotic tests were performed on the isolated Lactobacillus strains, including hemolytic activity, bile, acid, and pepsin resistance. Additionally, the antibiotic resistance of the obtained strains was investigated using seven different antibiotics.

Results: Thirteen Lactobacillus isolates were obtained from 7 (8.0%) honey samples. Of these, eight isolates were identified as L. plantarum (61.54%), four isolates as L. rhamnosus (30.77%), and one isolate as L. acidophilus (7.69%). All strains were devoid of hemolytic activity, and three isolates (23.07%) were found to be resistant to acid, while 2 (15.38%) showed resistance to bile and pepsin. All isolates were resistant to vancomycin (100%). Additionally, only one strain exhibited resis- tance to all tested antibiotics. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates a significant association (p-value<0.05) between the presence of Lactobacillus in various regions of Iran.

Conclusion: Various factors, such as climatic conditions and geographical location, can influence honey's composition and microbial diversity. Identifying and isolating potential probiotic species in honey could significantly expand their use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, offering numerous health benefits and potential therapeutic applications.