Abstract:
Spore-forming Bacillus species are gaining interest in human health recently, due to their
ability to withstand the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract. The present study
explores probiotic features of Bacillus paranthracis strain MHSD3 through genomic
analysis and in vitro probiotic assays. The draft genome of strain MHSD3 contained
genes associated with tolerance to gastrointestinal stress and adhesion. Cluster genes
responsible for the synthesis of antimicrobial non-ribosomal peptide synthetases,
bacteriocins, and linear azole-containing peptides were identified. Additionally, strain
MHSD3 was able to survive in an acidic environment, had the tolerance to bile salt,
and exhibited the capability to tolerate gastric juices. Moreover, the isolate was found to
possess strong cell surface traits such as high auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity
indices of 79 and 54%, respectively. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis
showed that the strain produced secondary metabolites such as amino acids, phenolic
compounds, and organic acid, known to exert health-promoting properties, including the
improvement of gastrointestinal tract health.
