Integrative genomic characterization of five Pediococcus acidilactici strains reveals differing probiotic safety profiles.

ABSTRACT: The increasing use of probiotics in livestock necessitates rigorous safety assessments to mitigate risks such as their inadvertent contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). This study employs whole-genome sequencing using both long-read (GridION, Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and short-read (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA) platforms to assess the genomic and plasmidome profiles of five Thai strains of Pediococcus acidilactici, that previously have been evaluated for probiotic potential in livestock. Our comprehensive analysis identified genes encoding AMR, virulence factors, and probiotic-related genes. Notably, strains AF2519 and AF2019 harbored plasmid-borne tet(M) and erm(B) genes, with tet(M) embedded in a novel composite genetic arrangement flank

SUBMITTER: Disastra Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12483243 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature