Positive Effect of Kefir on the Survival of Daphnia magna Infected with Clinical Bacterial Isolates
Anna K. Singh
Shadow Creek High School, Pearland, USA.
Publication date: January 21, 2025
Shadow Creek High School, Pearland, USA.
Publication date: January 21, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC202436
ABSTRACT
Kefir, a fermented milk drink, contains probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, produced through the fermentation of milk by kefir grains. We evaluated commercial kefir brands for protection against bacterial infection in Daphnia magna. Kefir optimal concentration was determined and for protection assays ~107 CFU of methicillin-susceptible beta-lactamase type A (MSSA BlaType A) Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were used to infect Daphnia magna. Experimental groups contained 1% kefir+Daphnia magna+bacteria and kefir (1%)+Daphnia magna and bacteria+Daphnia magna. Data were recorded over 24 hours. Kefir A significantly improved Daphnia magna survival against S. aureus, E. faecium, and K. pneumoniae. Kefir B and C also provided notable protection against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae, with P values ≤ 0.049. Results suggest kefir's potential for gastrointestinal health and underscore Daphnia magna's value as an in vivo model for screening natural compounds against clinically relevant bacterial infections.
Kefir, a fermented milk drink, contains probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, produced through the fermentation of milk by kefir grains. We evaluated commercial kefir brands for protection against bacterial infection in Daphnia magna. Kefir optimal concentration was determined and for protection assays ~107 CFU of methicillin-susceptible beta-lactamase type A (MSSA BlaType A) Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were used to infect Daphnia magna. Experimental groups contained 1% kefir+Daphnia magna+bacteria and kefir (1%)+Daphnia magna and bacteria+Daphnia magna. Data were recorded over 24 hours. Kefir A significantly improved Daphnia magna survival against S. aureus, E. faecium, and K. pneumoniae. Kefir B and C also provided notable protection against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae, with P values ≤ 0.049. Results suggest kefir's potential for gastrointestinal health and underscore Daphnia magna's value as an in vivo model for screening natural compounds against clinically relevant bacterial infections.
