Publication details
Methods for assessing the sensitivity of intestinal lactic acid bacteria to hydrogen sulfide
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| Year of publication | 2018 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Description | Lactic acid bacteria are undoubtedly important part of the intestinal microbiome including especially Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium genera. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), including Desulfovibrio species, are presented in the intestine consuming the sulfate or sulfite ions as a terminal electron acceptor while sulfide is produced. According to acidic intestinal environment, sulfide is hydrolyzed to hydrogen sulfide. There is an overproduction of hydrogen sulfide in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. Many research papers show evidence that higher occurrence of SRB and their hydrogen sulfide overproduction is one of the factors in ulcerative colitis. The number of lactic acid bacteria during colonic inflammation decrease, while the number of SRB and their metabolites (hydrogen sulfide and acetate) increase. The effect of these metabolites on lactic acid bacteria has never been explored. Lactic acid bacteria play a fundamental role in the intestinal microbiome, and therefore it is important to investigate this issue more deeply. This study is focused on the effect of hydrogen sulfide on the intestinal lactic acid bacteria as well as to test various methods that could be used for its evaluation. Spectrophotometric, colorimetric, agar plate methods and combination of these methods were tested. Samples of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from colon affected by ulcerative colitis, probiotic pills and from milk products. The obtained results proved that lactic bacteria show high sensitivity to hydrogen sulfide. Thousands of people from all over the world are affected by inflammatory bowel disease every year. The results gained from this research can help to improve the stability of intestinal microbiome, improve the treatment of bowel inflammation, or prevent bowel disease altogether. |