Isolation And Identification Of Probiotic Lactobacillus Species From Akamu, A Nigeria Fermented Cereal

ABSTRACT

Probiotic is a viable microbial dietary supplement that is beneficial for the host through its effects

in the intestinal tract. Akamu is an important source of Lactobacilli. The “akamu” samples were 

collected aseptically from three different markets in Abia State. Pure culture of specific probiotic isolate from each sample was preformed and identified on the basis of their colonies morphology and some biochemical test such as catalase, oxidase, indole, citrate utilization and sugar fermentation test. Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii species were the bacteria isolate while in the bile salt test, the isolate Lactobacillus spp. was able to survive in 0.2, 0.3and 2.0% bile acid. The isolated Lactobacillus spp. was also able to multiply in above mentioned concentrations of bile acid. Therefore, it was concluded that the isolation of the microorganisms from the “akamu” samples confirmed that it could serve as a vehicle for the transmission of potentially pathogenic microorganism.