Antimicrobial effect of lactobacillus casci strain Shirota co-cultivated with Escherichia coli UAM0403

In order to assess the antimicrobial effect of L. casei Shirota and prebiotic effect of a galactoside (Oligomate 55), co-cultures of this probiotic bacterium and Escherichia coli were made in an in vitro fermentation with temporary and physicochemical characteristics of key regions of large bowel. Simulations of ascending colon, transverse colon and descending colon were used. With Oligomate 55 an enhancement of up to three-fold of the growth of L. casei Shirota was observed compared to glucose; then, our results confirmed that Oligomate 55 had a prebiotic effect on L. casei Shirota, stimulating its growth. In all studied regions L. casei Shirota had a bacteriostatic effect on E. coli UAM0403. Our results showed the prebiotic effect of Oligomate 55 on L. casei Shirota. Despite Oligomate 55 significantly stimulated the growth of L. casei Shirota, E. coli UAM0403 was able to grow with Oligomate 55 in the same amount as with glucose. These kinds of studies are important to be considered for an adequate selection of prebiotics as a critical step during synbiotic development.