Commensal bacteriocin-producing Escherichia coli are of interest for possible use as probiotics to selectively control the spread of pathogenic bacteria. Here, we evaluated the biosafety and efficacy of two new bacteriocin-producing E. coli strains, Q5 (VKM B-3706D) and C41 (VKM B-3707D), isolated from healthy farm animals. The genomes of both strains were sequenced, and genes responsible for the antagonistic and colonization abilities of each strain were identified. In vitro studies have shown that both strains were medium-adhesive and demonstrated antagonistic activity against most enteropathogens tested. Oral administration of 5 × 108 to 5 × 1010 colony-forming units of both strains to rats with drinking water did not cause any disease symptoms or side effects. Short-term (5 days) oral administration of both strains protected rats from colonization and pathogenic effects of a toxigenic beta-lactam-resistant strain of E. coli C55 and helped preserve intestinal homeostasis. Taken together, these in silico, in vitro, and in vivo data indicate that both strains (and especially E. coli Q5) can be potentially used for the prevention of colibacillosis in farm animals.
Keywords: Escherichia coli; bacteriocins; experimental infection; farm animals; in silico; in vitro; in vivo; probiotic; whole genome sequencing.