AUTHOR=Fernández Leónides , Martínez Raquel , Pérez Manuela , Arroyo Rebeca , Rodríguez Juan M. 

TITLE=Characterization of Lactobacillus rhamnosus MP01 and Lactobacillus plantarum MP02 and Assessment of Their Potential for the Prevention of Gastrointestinal Infections in an Experimental Canine Model

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.01117

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2019.01117

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>The aim of the present study was to evaluate the probiotic potential of <italic>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</italic> MP01 and <italic>Lactobacillus plantarum</italic> MP02, two strains isolated from canine milk. These two isolates were characterized <italic>in vitro</italic> for their survival to conditions similar to those found in the canine gastrointestinal tract, production of antimicrobial compounds, adherence to intestinal mucin, degradation of mucin, and antibiotic sensitivity. Globally, both strains exhibited a high <italic>in vitro</italic> probiotic potential. Finally, their potential for the prevention of gastrointestinal infections was evaluated in an experimental canine model using 1-month-old puppies. A group of 12 German shepherd puppies, 6 males and 6 females, received <italic>L. rhamnosus</italic> MP01 daily for 2 months and a second group of 12 puppies, 6 males and 6 females, of the same breed received <italic>L. plantarum</italic> MP02 during the same period of time. The same experimental approach was carried with Yorkshire puppies. Additionally, the trial included 12 dogs of each breed in the placebo groups. The results demonstrated that administration of the strains resulted in a significant preventive effect of gastrointestinal infections in such populations.</p>