Probiotic Potential and Safety Assessment of Type Strains of Weissella and Periweissella Species

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of safety and functional features of six Weissella and Periweissella type strains was performed. Our data demonstrated the probiotic potential of these species, indicating the P. beninensis type strain as the best candidate based on its potential probiotic features and the safety assessment.

Biotechnological Potential and Safety Evaluation of Dextran- and Riboflavin-Producing Weisella cibaria Strains for Gluten-Free Baking

“…Vancomycin resistance was detected for both strains, and this trait was previously reported within the Weissella genus [ 55 , 63 , 67 , 73 , 74 ]. Like many LAB, this resistance may be considered intrinsic and not transmissible since Weissella spp.…”

“…[ 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 ]. Nevertheless, a preliminary strain safety assessment of Weissella strains is required for application in the food industry [ 63 ]. Consequently, prior to testing W. cibaria BAL3C-5 C120T and its parental BAL3C-5 strain for their performance fermenting pilot GF dough, they were subjected to safety evaluation.…”

“…hinders the interpretation of the results. For example, Fanelli et al [ 63 ] considered that strains are resistant to a specific antimicrobial when the MIC was >10-fold the cutoff value described by the EFSA-FEEDAP for other Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, Fhoula [ 67 ] used the cutoff values adopted for Leuconostoc spp.…”

“…However, screening of genes involved in tetracycline resistance has been found in different Weissella spp. [ 63 ]. In the case of the BAL3C-5 and BAL3C-5 C120T, the gene involved in the tetracycline resistance was not located in a mobile element and presumably not transmissible.…”

The Weissella and Periweissella genera: up-to-date taxonomy, ecology, safety, biotechnological, and probiotic potential

“…Jang et al ( 2021 ) performed a safety assessment of W. cibaria JW15 by phenotypic (antibiotic susceptibility, production of toxic metabolites, and hemolytic activity) and genotypic analyses (whole-genome sequencing and search of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes), confirming the safety of this strain. The probiotic potential and the safety of four Periweissella and two Weissella type strains were assessed by Fanelli et al ( 2023b ) using phenotypic and genotypic methods. The potential probiotic P. beninensis -type strain results the only safe candidate.…”