Effects of Lactic Acid Bacterial Strains on the Growth of Avian Pathogens: the Case of Eimeria tenella, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli APEC

Objectives: To evaluate the antibacterial and anticoccidial properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the digestive tract of quail. Methods: Two strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the digestive quail tract were used to test their antimicrobial potentialities against 3 avian pathogens. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar spot method on strains of Escherichia coli (APEC) and Salmonella inoculated into MRS agar. Anticoccidial activity against Eimeria tenella was assessed in liquid medium using MRS broth. Lactic acid bacteria were cultured for 48 hours in MRS broth, after which coccidia suspensions were added and the culture was incubated for 3, 4, and 5 days. Findings: The results showed that both strains were able to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli (APEC) and Salmonella, with inhibition zone diameters between 13.5±0.5 and 25.5±0.5 mm. The results of the anticoccidial activity show that the strains reduce the proliferation of coccidia up to a rate of 81% in the medium, after 5 days of incubation. Novelty: Lactic acid bacteria produce antibacterial and anticoccidial compounds during their growth.