Megaplasmid encoding novel sugar utilizing phenotypes, pediocin production and immunity in Pediococcus acidilactici C20 Original Research Article

A bacteriocinogenic strain of Pediococcus acidilactici C20 isolated from fowl intestine was found to bear a single megaplasmid. Strain C20 exhibited an ability to ferment a wide range of sugars including lactose, maltose and melibiose. Curing experiments employing novobiocin and high temperature indicated that the genetic determinants for pediocin production, immunity function and utilization of several sugars resided on the megaplasmid. Pediocin production with different sugars was tested and culture filtrate activity varied from 2500 AU ml−1to 3500 AU ml−1at 1% of carbon source. Molecular and biochemical techniques were used to characterize the bacteriocin produced by strain C20. It was found to be a pediocin AcH/PA-1 like bacteriocin with high antilisterial activity.