Antagonist action of Lactobacillus acidophilus against pathogenic strains in goat milk yogurt

Contamination by pathogenic bacteria is the major cause of foodborne diseases, which is an international public health issue. Probiotics added to fermented milk can fight against these pathogens. This research aimed to evaluate, by mathematical models, the behaviour of Lactobacillus acidophilus against pathogenic strains inoculated in goat milk yogurt. The Baranyi and Roberts' model was adjusted to data and statistically evaluated. A greater pathogens reduction occurred in the samples supplemented with probiotics, which exhibited antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The reduction was less efficient against Escherichia coli. The primary models adjustment indicated that the Baranyi and Roberts fitted the reduction of P. aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus inactivation. The addition of L. acidophilus proved to be an effective alternative for the safer production of goat milk yogurt.

Automated summary

Contamination by pathogenic bacteria is the main cause of foodborne diseases, but adding probiotics can help fight against these pathogens. This research evaluated the behavior of Lactobacillus acidophilus against pathogenic strains in goat milk yogurt using mathematical models. The results showed that adding probiotics can reduce the amount of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but is less effective against Escherichia coli.