In silico analyses of the genomes of three new bacteriocin-producing bacteria isolated from animal's faeces

Here, we have analysed and explored the genome sequences of three newly isolated bacteria that were recently characterised for their probiotic activities and ability to produce bacteriocins. These strains, isolated from faeces of animals living in captivity at the zoological garden of Lille (France), areEscherichia coliICVB443,Enterococcus faecalisICVB501 andPediococcus pentosaceusICVB491. Their genomes have been analysed and compared to those of their pathogenic or probiotic counterparts. The genome analyses ofE. coliICVB443 andEnt. faecalisICVB501 displayed similarities to those of probioticsE. coli1917 Nissle, andEnt. faecalisSymbioflor 1, respectively. Furthermore,E. coliICVB443 shares at least 89 genes with the enteroaggregativeE. coli55989 (EAEC), andEnt. faecalisICVB501 shares at least 315 genes with the pathogenicEnt. faecalisV583 strain. UnlikePed. pentosaceusICVB491, which is devoid of virulence genes,E. coliICVB443 andEnt. faecalisICVB501 both carry genes encoding virulence factors on their genomes. Of note, the bioinformatics analysis of these two genomes located thebshgene, which codes for bile salt hydrolase (BSH). The presence of BSH is of major importance, as it can help to increase the viability of these two strains in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The genome analysis ofPed. pentosaceusICVB491 confirmed its GRAS status (Generally Recognised As Safe), as no genomic virulence factor determinant was found.