In-Vitro evaluation of probiotic effect of Lactobacillus species for the inhibition of biofilm formation by Candida albicans

Probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus are well known to have a positive influence on the maintenance of human health by inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms. Lactic acid, bio-surfactant and bacteriocin are usually produced by Lactobacillus. Candida albicans as a dimorphic fungus grows both as yeast and filamentous cells. C. albicans is the most prevailing pathogen which causes the disease as an opportunistic pathogen in humans. The objective of this in vitro study model was to determine the effectiveness of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus casei isolated from local fruit sources against biofilm growths of C. albicans. Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar was used for isolation of bacteria. The confirmation of Lactobacillus species was carried out by microscopic as well as biochemical tests. C. albicans samples were collected from high-sugar mango fruit and the isolation was carried out by Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA). Biofilm of C. albicans was observed by micro-titration plate by using C. albicans cell suspension. The antagonistic effect of isolated Lactobacillus species on the biofilm produced by C. albicans was assessed using probiotic assay. Lactobacillus species induced a significant inhibition (p<0.05) in biofilm growths of C. albicans. The anti-biofilm potential of all Lactobacillus species was significantly (p<0.001) different from each other with Lactobacillus casei inducing maximum biofilm inhibition. The screening of probiotic characteristics and exometabolites produced by anti-candidal Lactobacillus species could precede efficacy studies for use these bacterial strains in cure of different candidal infections. Keywords: Probiotics, Candida spp, Candidiasis, Lactobacillus spp, Biofilms.