Description
Enterococcus are lactic acid bacteria; LAB comprising both pathogenic and commensal microorganisms ubiquitous in environment even as gut symbionts. They are extensively studied as potential candidate probiotics. Several number of Enterococcus strains have been reported to produce antimicrobial compounds including bacteriocins. Bacteriocin production have be applied to preservation of a wide range of food products and is now being considered as a probiotic trait. Besides, bacteriocins are considered as promising alternative to fight emerging antimicrobial resistance. Enterococcus probiotics can be used in treatment and/or prevention of certain human and animal diseases such as alleviation of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and antibiotic-induced diarrhea and prevention of different functional and chronic intestinal diseases. Moreover, some Enterococcus exhibit anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, as well as immune regulation effects.