Augmenting Rat Lymphocyte Function by Bacterial Symbiont of Macrotermes Species
DOI:
10.54117/ijamb.v5i1.104Published:
2025-11-11Issue:
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025): DecKeywords:
Bacterial symbionts, Macrotermes termites, lymphocytes, immunomodulatory effects, probioticsArticles
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Abstract
The gut microbiome of Macrotermes termites represents a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the effects of bacterial symbionts isolated from Macrotermes species on lymphocyte function in Albino Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: Control Group (standard diet), Standard Symbiont Group (diet with 1% standard bacterial biomass), and Nutrient-Enhanced Symbiont Group (diet with 1% nutrient-fortified bacterial biomass). The bacterial symbionts used were Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain ZG308 (LPZ3), Limosilactobacillus fermentum strain 2760 (LF2), Bifidobacteriu dentum strain MB0148 (BDM1), and Bifidobacterium bifidum strain CNCM1-4319 (BBC4). The results showed a significant increase in lymphocyte count in the treatment groups, with the Nutrient-Enhanced Symbiont Group (D3) recording the highest count (p < 0.05). Although the standard drug showed higher activity, the bacterial symbionts effectively augmented lymphocyte function by enhancing proliferation. The study concludes that bacterial symbionts from Macrotermes species have immunomodulatory effects and may be a potential natural agent for enhancing immune function.
Author Biographies
M. A. Idigo, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
I. H. Iheukwumere, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. M. Iheukwumere, Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
B. C. Nnaeze, Department of Medical Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria
C. J. Akulue, Department of Medical Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria.
N. E. Nwakoby, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
J. N. Ezendianefor, Department of Microbiology, Tansian Universiy, Umunya, Anambra State, Nigeria.
V. E. Ike, Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria.
A. O. Nnaedozie, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
S. N. Ezekwueche, Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria.
I. S. Anagor, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria
C. C. Aniekwe, Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
F. C. Ezeoke, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
F. O. Okereke, Department of Biological Sciences (Microbiology), Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Spiritan University, Nneochi, Abia State, Nigeria.
S. C. Ochibulu, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
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Copyright (c) 2025 M. A. Idigo, I. H. Iheukwumere, C. M. Iheukwumere, B. C. Nnaeze, C. J. Akulue, N. E. Nwakoby, J. N. Ezendianefor, V. E. Ike, A. O. Nnaedozie, S. N. Ezekwueche, I. S. Anagor, C. C. Aniekwe, F. C. Ezeoke, F. O. Okereke, S. C. Ochibulu
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
CC BY 4.0
