IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIOCINS PRODUCED BY Streptococcus spp. ISOLATED FROM DIFFERENT ANIMAL SPECIES IN BRAZIL FOR USE IN CONTROLLING IMPORTANT PATHOGENS IN PIG FARMING

• Grant number: 24/23506-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Pinheiro de Souza Oliveira
• Grantee: Carlos Emilio Cabrera Matajira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/25511-1 - Bioprospecting of bacteriocin-producing bacteria: from culture optimization to the application in animal production systems, AP.TEM

Abstract

Population growth and increasing demands for food and basic resources have intensified animal production, particularly in pig farming, a crucial sector in global protein production. However, this intensification amplifies sanitary challenges, including the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which pose a serious threat to public and animal health. Antimicrobial resistance compromises the effectiveness of available treatments, generating economic impacts and jeopardizing animal welfare. In this context, the search for alternatives to antibiotics becomes urgent, with bacteriocins emerging as a promising solution. These antimicrobial molecules are produced by bacteria and are characterized by their specific action against pathogens, minimizing disruptions to beneficial microbiota. Although lactic acid bacteria are widely investigated, their dominance in the field limits the discovery of new molecules. The Streptococcus genus stands out as a valuable alternative due to its wide diversity and the recognition of several species as bacteriocin producers, such as S. suis, S. pluranimalium, S. salivarius, S. hyointestinalis, among others. These bacteria have unique characteristics: they adapt to specific environments, such as the digestive tract and other mucosae of animals and humans, where they act as commensals. Their presence contributes to regulating the local microbial balance by competing with pathogens for space and resources and eliminating these threats through mechanisms such as bacteriocin production. This project aims to explore this potential by identifying and characterizing bacteriocins produced by Streptococcus species isolated from different animal species in Brazil, focusing on the application of these molecules in controlling pathogens relevant to pig farming. This approach not only contributes to mitigating antimicrobial resistance but also offers innovative solutions for the development of biotechnological products aimed at animal health and productive efficiency, reinforcing the pillars of food security and One Health. (AU)