Ligilactobacillus agilis
| Ligilactobacillus agilis | |
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| Species: | Ligilactobacillus agilis
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| Binomial name | |
| Ligilactobacillus agilis (Weiss et al. 1982) Zheng et al. 2020
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| Type strain | |
| CCUG 31450; CIP 101264; DSM 20509; JCM 1187; LMG 9186; NRRL B-14856 | |
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Ligilactobacillus agilis is a motile, Gram-positive species of lactic acid bacteria in the family Lactobacillaceae. It was originally described as Lactobacillus agilis in 1982 and reclassified to the genus Ligilactobacillus in 2020, following a taxonomic revision of the genus Lactobacillus based on phylogenomic data.[1]
Morphology and physiology
L. agilis consists of rod-shaped, non-spore-forming cells that possess peritrichous flagella, a feature that allows active motility. Motility is uncommon among lactobacilli, making this species notable in that regard. It is facultatively anaerobic and homofermentative, primarily producing lactic acid from a variety of carbohydrate substrates. Optimal growth occurs at around 37°C, and the bacterium is tolerant to mildly acidic conditions and moderate salinity.
Ecology
Ligilactobacillus agilis has been isolated from the gastrointestinal tracts of various animals, particularly poultry such as chickens, as well as pigs, rabbits, and pigeons. Studies in mouse models have shown that the bacterium localizes to the mucus layer of the small intestine, with motility enhancing its ability to colonize mucosal surfaces. It is chemotactic toward mucin and is capable of persisting in competitive microbial communities.[2]
Genomics
Whole genome sequencing has revealed a chromosome of approximately 2.6 megabases with a GC content of about 40.3%. The genome encodes proteins for flagellar assembly, sugar transport, and stress response mechanisms. Some strains also carry genes for bacteriocin production, including class IId bacteriocins.[3]
Potential applications
L. agilis has been studied for its potential use as a probiotic, especially in animal feed for livestock and poultry. Its tolerance to acidic pH and bile salts, adherence to intestinal mucus, and antimicrobial activity support its candidacy for improving gut microbiota balance. In vitro assays and in vivo models have demonstrated its safety and efficacy, suggesting a role in promoting animal health and reducing antibiotic dependence in agricultural settings.[4]
References
- ^ Zheng, Jinshui; Wittouck, Stijn; Salvetti, Elisa (2020). "A taxonomic note on the genus Lactobacillus: Description of 23 novel genera, emended description of the genus Lactobacillus Beijerinck 1901, and union of Lactobacillaceae and Leuconostocaceae". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 70 (5): 2782–2858. doi:10.1099/ijsem.0.004107. PMID 32234132.
- ^ Kajikawa, Akinobu; Suzuki, Shunya; Igimi, Shizunobu (2018). "The impact of motility on the localization of Lactobacillus agilis in the murine gastrointestinal tract". BMC Microbiology. 18 (68) 68. doi:10.1186/s12866-018-1219-3. PMC 6042460. PMID 29996874.
- ^ Eum, Byeong-Gwan; Elnar, Arxel G.; Jang, Yujin; Kim, Geun-Bae (2024). "Complete genome sequence of Ligilactobacillus agilis LDTM47, a bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacterium isolated from broiler gastrointestinal tract". Journal of Animal Science and Technology. 67 (2): 489–493. doi:10.5187/jast.2024.e29. PMC 12010233. PMID 40264526.
- ^ Zhang, Yufeng (2024). "Characterization and functionality of Ligilactobacillus agilis 1003 isolated from pigeon cecum". Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2024.1432422. PMC 11673764. PMID 39735258.