Effect of fermented sausages with probiotic Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 on gut microbiota using dynamic colonic model

Abstract

Considering the importance of nutrition in maintaining health conditions, this study is aimed at evaluating the effect of the consumption of a potentially probiotic sausage, with reduction of curing salts and fat, fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 into the gut microbiota, using the simulator of the human microbial ecosystem (SHIME®). The SHIME® experiment was performed using the probiotic sausage for two weeks. The gut microbiota composition was monitored weekly in all colon vessels by plate counts and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). Samples of the colonic contents were evaluated microbiologically by plate counts and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and chemically by the production of SCFA (acetate, propionate and butyrate) and ammonium ions (NH+4). It was observed that the consumption of the potentially probiotic sausage can result in a reduced count of Lactobacillus spp. (colon vessels 3, 4 and 5), Bacteroides spp. (colon vessel 5) and Enterobacteriaceae (colon vessels 4 and 5) and increased levels of ammonium ions. The butyric and propionic acids increased (P < 0.05) while acetic acid decreased (P < 0.05) in treatment period. The PCR-DGGE analysis suggested that probiotic sausage increased the microbiota diversity during the treatment phase. Overall, the findings showed that potentially probiotic sausage represents a healthier alternative of fermented meat, with a positive effect on the microbial diversity and metabolite production.