Food-origin Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains increase the diversity of the intestinal microbiota in an inflammatory bowel disease model system. Human gut microbiota

Modifications to the gut microbiota can potentially impact host physiology. The human gut supports a highly complex and metabolically active community of microorganisms that have beneficial functions for the host. Alterations to this microbial community are associated with gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease. We have previously documented high levels of naturally occurring Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains in fermented table olives and cheese and have characterised the potentially beneficial properties of these strains. In the current study we evaluated the capacity of these isolates to impact microbial diversity and short chain fatty acid production in complex microbiota derived from a healthy human and an IBD patient using a continuous faecal fermentation model. Our results demonstrate the potential impact of dominant food dwelling Lpb. plantarum strains on complex gut microbial communities.