Abstract

Amel Alkinany*, Adil M. A. Salman, Iman M. Elnasri and Hind A. Elnasri

ABSTRACT

Lactic acid bacteria (LABs) are important microorganisms that are becoming widely used as probiotics. They have a positive effect on human health and are commonly used in food industry. Camel milk is believed to have the ability to treat many diseases, and is considered an important source for LABs. This study aimed to identify LABs isolated from fermented camel milk and investigate its antagonist effect towards other bacteria. Twenty four samples of camel milk were obtained from different camel farms. Milk samples were allowed to ferment naturally and then isolation of LAB was carried out using MRS medium. The isolates were then subjected to different biochemical tests for identification. The tolerance of the isolates towards different temperature, pH, NaCl and bile salt concentration was also tested. The antagonist effect of the different isolates was tested against Salmonella spp, E. Coli, and Staphylococcus aureus The identified isolates were: Lactobacillus spp. (29.4%), Lactococcus spp (35.3%) and Enterococcus (17.6%) Leuconostoc mesenteroides (5.9%) and Pediococcus spp (11.8). Two isolates namely: Lactobacillus brevis and Enterococcus. faecalis were found to have the best antagonist effect against the tested bacteria. This study revealed that LAB bacteria isolated from camel milk has the potential to be used as probiotics.