Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the genotypic and phenotypic of Enterococcus thailandicus MEDPSU_PRO_001, a strain isolated from chicken feces, as a probiotic candidate through comprehensive in silico and in vitro analysis. Material and Methods: This study examined the genetic characteristics of E. thailandicus MEDPSU_PRO_001 by using Oxford nanopore long-read sequencing sequences to identify significant genetic details associated with probiotic potential and pathogenicity; such as virulence factor genes and antibiotic-resistant genes, and the findings were supported by phenotypic assays. Results: E. thailandicus MEDPSU_PRO_001, with a genome size of 2,771,294 bp, was analyzed for its probiotic potential. No antimicrobial resistance genes were identified, with a cutoff value of 80% identity; although vanY (33.91% identity) and aac(6’)-Ii (72.63% identity) genes were detected. Phenotypic studies confirmed the strain’s lack of resistance to vancomycin. Furthermore, genes associated with adherence; including ebpA, ebpB, ebpC, srtC, ecbA, and efaA and EPS cluster, were identified. This highlights their role in the adherence and aggregation of probiotic strains that were supported by phenotypic assays against probiotic and pathogens. Additionally, the presence of bacteriocin-encoding gene Laps was noted. No hemolysis activity supports the safety of this strain. Conclusion: This comprehensive genomic analysis of E. thailandicus MEDPSU_PRO_001 reveals its beneficial characteristics; such as aggregation ability, as a potential probiotic. This study provides valuable insights into the probiotic nature of this strain, underscoring the safe utilization of E. thailandicus.