Abstract
Probiotics with antimicrobial activity are gaining interest as a topic in the research field. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), acquired in the hospital or the community, are among the most prevalent infections. The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) uro-pathogens has made the current situation more critical in terms of global public health. To face this situation, in this study, Lactobacillus fermentum TIU19 (L. fermentum TIU19) was isolated and characterized as a new probiotic strain of the rice-based fermented beverage Haria. Subsequently, we also investigated its application as a biological agent that inhibits the growth of multidrug-resistant uro-pathogens, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis. The results showed that, the isolated strain L. fermentum TIU19 was sensitive to all antibiotics tested except vancomycin and was devoid of virulence factors, such as haemolytic and gelatinase activities. Therefore, it may be considered safe for public health. It has many probiotic properties, such as survival in simulated gastrointestinal fluid, antioxidant activity, β-galactosidase producing ability, high cell surface hydrophobicity, adhesion ability to epithelial cells, and strong biofilm producer. The growth inhibitory and antibiofilm activities were shown against two uro-pathogens. All these results suggest that L. fermentum TIU19 can be explored as a potential probiotic with antagonistic activity against MDR uro-pathogenic E. coli and E. faecalis.