Probiotic lactic acid bacteria from Kung-Som: Isolation, screening, inhibition of pathogenic bacteria

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from Kung-Som at various fermentation periods. Only ten strains, named D2SM22, D6SM3, D6SM24, D6SM26, D8SM21, D10SM5, D10SM11, D10SM16, D10SM20 and D16SM26 showed a survival rate of more than 50% under the simulated gastric juice. After being subjected to simulated gastric juice, four strains (D6SM3, D8SM21, D10SM16 and D10SM20) showed a survival rate of more than 50% in simulated small intestinal juices. Growth of strain D6SM3, D8SM21 and D10SM16 under micro-aerobic and anaerobic conditions was not different. Tested pathogenic strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Salmonella sp.) were inhibited by probiotic LAB. However, none of strains could produce bacteriocins. All strains were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum. No differences in pH, acidity, LAB count and liking scores between Kung-Som produced with starter culture and conventional method were observed (P > 0.01).