Probiotic properties of Oxalobacter formigenes: an in vitro examination

Oxalobacter formigenes (O. formigenes) is a nonpathogenic, Gram-negative, obligate anaerobic bacterium that commonly inhabits the human gut and degrades oxalate as its major energy and carbon source. Results from a case-controlled study suggested that lack of O. formigenes colonization is a risk factor for recurrent calcium oxalate stone formation. Hence, O. formigenes colonization may prove to be an efficacious method for limiting calcium oxalate stone risk. However, challenges exist in the preparation of O. formigenes as a successful probiotic due to it being an anaerobe with fastidious growth requirements. Here we examine in vitro properties expected of a successful probiotic strain. The data show that the Group 1 O. formigenes strain OxCC13 is sensitive to pH < 5.0, persists in the absence of oxalate, is aerotolerant, and survives for long periods when freeze-dried or mixed with yogurt. These findings highlight the resilience of this O. formigenes strain to some processes and conditions associated with the manufacture, storage and distribution of probiotic strains.