Evidence of host specificity in Lactobacillus johnsonii genomes and its influence on probiotic potential in poultry.

ABSTRACT: To date, the selection of candidate strains for probiotic development in production animals has been largely based upon screens for desired phenotypic traits. However, increasing evidence indicates that the use of host-specific strains may be important, because coevolution with the animal host better prepares a bacterial strain to colonize and succeed in its respective host animal species. This concept was applied to Lactobacillus johnsonii in commercial poultry production because of its previous correlation with enhanced bird performance. Using 204 naturally isolated chicken- and turkey-source L. johnsonii, we demonstrate that there is a strong phylogenetic signal for coevolution with the animal host. These isolates differ phenotypically, even within host source, and these differences can

SUBMITTER: Johnson A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10331464 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature