Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41808017›Full record

ArticleBMC microbiology2026

Probiotic potential of novel Lactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus isolated from Formosan pangolin feces.

Sijia Yu, Peihang Hong, Shyun Chou, Tsui-Fang Liang, Kuei-Shien Lin, Cheng-Hung Lai, Chao-Min Wang

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC microbiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Sijia YuDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, Taichung, 402202, Taiwan.
Peihang HongDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, Taichung, 402202, Taiwan.
Shyun ChouDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, Taichung, 402202, Taiwan.
Tsui-Fang LiangTaiwan Biodiversity Research Institute, 1 Minsheng East Road, Jiji Town, Nantou County, 552005, Taiwan.
Kuei-Shien LinTaiwan Biodiversity Research Institute, 1 Minsheng East Road, Jiji Town, Nantou County, 552005, Taiwan.
Cheng-Hung LaiDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, 145 Xingda Road, Taichung, 402202, Taiwan. chlai@dragon.nchu.edu.tw.
Chao-Min WangDepartment of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, 580 Xinmin Road, Chiayi, 600023, Taiwan. leowang@mail.ncyu.edu.tw.

Funding

Ministry of Science and Technology in Taiwan MOST 111-2313-B-415-008National Science and Technology Council NSTC 114-2313-B-415-010
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe critically endangered Formosan pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla) faces severe conservation challenges, with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders being a primary driver of mortality in captivity. These ailments are often exacerbated by dietary transitions and anthropogenic stress. While the gut microbiota is crucial for host health, the probiotic potential of the pangolin’s native microbes remains unexplored. This study aimd to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from wild pangolin feces and preliminarily characterize their probiotic properties.

resultsTen LAB strains with < 97.3% 16S rRNA gene similarity to known species likely represent undescribed lineages within Lactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two clusters: three Lactobacillus strains related to L. jensenii and L. psittaci, and seven Limosilactobacillus strains close to L. fermentum. All isolates showed strong acid and bile tolerance and high cell surface hydrophobicity (> 90%). The Lactobacillus cluster exhibited superior auto-aggregation (> 80%), pathogen co-aggregation, and organic acid-mediated antibacterial activity, along with cellular component-driven inhibition of α-glucosidase (66.5–69.4%) and α-amylase (75.8–77.2%). In contrast, Limosilactobacillus strains demonstrated metabolite-mediated enzyme inhibition (up to 84.1%) and antioxidant activity (25.6–48.2% TAC; 36.3–46.3% DPPH). All isolates were susceptible to cell wall and protein synthesis inhibitors, confirming a safe antibiotic profile.

conclusionThese findings identify a reservoir of novel, pangolin-derived LAB with multifaceted probiotic traits. These isolates represent promising candidates for targeted nutritional strategies to mitigate GI distress and improve the survival of this endangered mammal. This work bridges the gap between microbial ecology and practical wildlife conservation, offering a scientific basis for enhancing the health of captive pangolin populations.

Indexed as

FecesLactobacillaceaeLactobacillusPangolinsProbioticsAnimalsDNA, BacterialGastrointestinal MicrobiomePhylogenyRNA, Ribosomal, 16SSequence Analysis, DNADNA, BacterialRNA, Ribosomal, 16SConservation microbiologyFormosan pangolinLactobacillusLimosilactobacillusProbiotic potential

Identifiers

PMID41808017
PMCPMC13088532

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.