Antifungal Activity of Lactobacillus casei and Lactbacillus pentosus

Abstract

This study investigated the ability of different carbohydrates to support the growth of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus pentosus, two probiotic strains. I isolated the extracellular proteins produced by those strains when grown on tested carbohydrates. Their antifungal activities were tested against four fungal species, including opportunistic pathogens such as Candida krusei and Kodamea ohmeri as well as Candida stigmae and Candida riodocensis as plant-associated yeasts. The results showed that both bacterial strains produced proteinaceous compounds with significant antifungal activity, although effectiveness varied depending on the fungal species and the carbohydrate substrate used. These findings suggest to develop symbiotic pairs of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus pentosus with appropriate carbohydrates that function as prebiotics.