Isolation and Molecular Identification of Bacteriocin-producing Enterococci with Broad Antibacterial Activity from Traditional Dairy Products in Kerman Province of Iran

Abstract One of the critical limitations to use of bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria as a substitute for chemical antibiotics is the narrow spectrum of their antibacterial activity. The aim of present study was isolation and molecular identification of bacteriocin-producing enterococci with broad antibacterial spectrum. Bacteriocin-producing bacteria were isolated from native dairies in Kerman. Bacteriocins were purified by ammonium sulfate method and the effects of them were investigated on different strains of bacteria. Also, the effects of pH and heat on produced bacteriocins were investigated. High level bacteriocin-producing isolates were identified based on molecular tests. A total of 15 strains of bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus were isolated initially. Enterococcus faecium C-2 and Y-1 strains produced bacteriocins with the highest antibacterial effect. The bacteriocins were stable in pH ranges from 2 to 12 and their antibacterial activity was maintained after autoclave treatment. The maximum bactericidal effect was observed against Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In conclusion, use of these bacteriocins as a substitute for chemical antibiotics is recommended.