Molecular Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria as a predominant probiotic microorganism found in indigenous fermented pig fat of Assam, India

The study was focused on identifying probiotic bacteria from traditionally fermented pig fat (Sathu) procured from Karbi Anglong Assam. Two types of bacteria were isolated (KJc8_C8 and KJR2_C9) from the food sample. The isolates were morphologically found to be cocci and rod-shaped. The isolated strains showed resistance to inhibitory compound such as NaCl (1-10%), Bile salt (0.1-1%) that exhibit better growth in acidic condition which were the important characteristics for bacteria to be probiotic. In addition the isolates showed positive results in metabolizing different carbohydrates sources. Molecular identification using 16SrDNA gene sequencing confirmed the presence of probiotic bacteria namely Bacillus and Lactobacillus species. The experimental results further indicated the absence of any other spoilage bacteria in the food sample which predominated only Lactobacillus and Bacillus species. This strongly supports the food product as a potential probiotic. Further studies of the food product will be a milestone for economic growth of the society beyond its nutritional effects.