Synbiotic-Based Suppression of ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Using Dairy Probiotics and Functional Prebiotics

Description

Antimicrobial resistance, particularly caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, represents a major public health challenge in Palestine and worldwide. These bacteria commonly colonize the human gut and act as reservoirs for infection, contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and limited treatment options. This project proposes a practical, non-antibiotic approach to limit ESBL-producing bacterial growth by enhancing the activity of beneficial probiotics through targeted prebiotic supplementation. The study will evaluate the in vitro effects of three well-characterized prebiotics—inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS)—alone and in combination with dairy-derived probiotic strains. Students will isolate probiotic bacteria from yogurt, culture ESBL-producing clinical isolates, and perform controlled co-culture experiments to assess bacterial growth, inhibition, and competitive interactions. Standard microbiological techniques (OD₆₀₀ measurements, CFU enumeration, selective media) will be used to generate reproducible and analyzable data. The project is highly feasible, low-cost, and locally relevant, while addressing a global scientific priority. It provides hands-on research training for students and contributes preliminary data that may support future research, publications, and non-antibiotic antimicrobial resistance control strategies.