Inhibitory effect of biofilm-forming Lactobacillus kunkeei

What is it about?

Biofilms correspond to complex communities of microorganisms embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix. Biofilm lifestyle predominates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic Gram negative pathogen responsible for a wide spectrum of infections in humans, plants and animals. In this context, anti-biofilm can be considered a key strategy to control P. aeruginosa infections, thereby more research in the field is required. On the other hand, Lactobacillus species have been described as beneficial due to their anti-biofilm properties and their consequent effect against a wide spectrum of pathogens. In fact, biofilm-forming Lactobacilli seem to be more efficient than their planktonic counterpart to antagonise pathogenic bacteria. In this work, we demonstrated that Lactobacillus kunkeei, a novel Lactobacillus species isolated from honeybee guts, can form biofilms in vitro. In addition, the L. kunkeei biofilm can, in turn, inhibit the formation of P. aeruginosa. biofilms. Finally, we found that L. kunkeei strains attenuate infection of P. aeruginosa in the Galleria mellonella model, presumably by affecting P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and/or their stability. Since L. kunkeei presents characteristics of a probiotic, this work provides evidence arguing that the use of this Lactobacillus species in both animals (including insects) and humans could contribute to impair P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.

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Why is it important?

In this study, we demonstrate that L. kunkeei can form biofilms in vitro. In addition, the L. kunkeei biofilm can, in turn, inhibit the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms. Finally, we show that L. kunkeei strains attenuate infection of P. aeruginosa in the Galleria mellonella model, presumably by affecting P. aeruginosa biofilm formation or its stability. Since L. kunkeei presents characteristic of a probiotic, this work provides evidence arguing that the use of this Lactobacillus in both animals (including insects) and humans could contribute to impair P. aeruginosa colonisation.

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