Evaluating oxalate-degrading Lactobacillus spp. for their ability to be used as probiotics in the treatment of kidney stone disease

• Main Author: Kabanda, Siti M
• Other Authors: Abratt, Valerie Rose
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2015
• Subjects: Cell Biology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11460

Includes abstract. === Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-95). === Although the direct cause of kidney stone formation is not known, reports have suggested it is probably a multifactorial disease. Lactobacillus strains which potentially had increased ability to degrade oxalate were previously isolated from a healthy low kidney stone risk group. The aim of this study was to identify these natural Lactobacillus strains and evaluate their potential for use as probiotics in reducing the risk of kidney stone disease. Identification was achieved by PCR amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The strains were identified as follows; Lactobacillus gasseri 7(3), L. gasseri 17(4), Lactobacillus reuteri 17(7) and L. reuteri 16(9). Their probiotic characteristics were also evaluated.