Isolation and preliminary screening of potentially probiotic Weissella confusa strains from healthy human feces by culturomics

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to isolate and identify strains of bacteria from feces of healthy human and screen potential probiotic candidate by using culturomics method combined with the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrum (MALDI–TOF MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Methods and results 31 strains were isolated and purified from human feces by culturomics method, and identified by MALDI–TOF MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Then the obtained strains were tested for haemolytic activity, antibiotic susceptibility, acid and bile salts tolerance, antimicrobial activity, morphological and physiological characteristics. Three potential probiotic candidate strains named YM5Y, YM5S1 and YM5S2 were selected and identified as Weissella confusa. Conclusion Our results suggest the culturomics approach could be used to isolate and screen human fecal strains which could eventually be used for the development of novel probiotics. In addition, the isolated strains of W. confusa can act as potential probiotics and should be explored further for their potential application.