In this study, the antimicrobial activity of Enterococcus strains isolated from the gut content of garden snail (Helix aspersa Müller) was investigated by agar diffusion assay. Among the 90 isolates obtained, 37 exhibited inhibitory activity against one or more of the Listeria strains tested. Based on the highest activity, 16 enterococci strains were selected for further studies. None of these strains exhibited β-hemolysis or gelatinase activity and all were sensitive to vancomycin. Treatment with lysozyme and catalase did not affect the anti-Listeria activity. Moreover, the enzymatic activity of trypsin abolished the inhibitory action of the cell-free supernatants (CFS), confirming the protein nature of the active compounds. In all cases CFS activity remained stable after heat treatment (100 ºC, 10 min). These characteristics described agree with bacteriocin type II of lactic ac...

In this study, the antimicrobial activity of Enterococcus strains isolated from the gut content of garden snail (Helix aspersa Müller) was investigated by agar diffusion assay. Among the 90 isolates obtained, 37 exhibited inhibitory activity against one or more of the Listeria strains tested. Based on the highest activity, 16 enterococci strains were selected for further studies. None of these strains exhibited β-hemolysis or gelatinase activity and all were sensitive to vancomycin. Treatment with lysozyme and catalase did not affect the anti-Listeria activity. Moreover, the enzymatic activity of trypsin abolished the inhibitory action of the cell-free supernatants (CFS), confirming the protein nature of the active compounds. In all cases CFS activity remained stable after heat treatment (100 ºC, 10 min). These characteristics described agree with bacteriocin type II of lactic ac...