Augmenting Rat Lymphocyte Function by Bacterial Symbiont of Macrotermes Species

Abstract

The gut microbiome of Macrotermes termites represents a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the effects of bacterial symbionts isolated from Macrotermes species on lymphocyte function in Albino Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: Control Group (standard diet), Standard Symbiont Group (diet with 1% standard bacterial biomass), and Nutrient-Enhanced Symbiont Group (diet with 1% nutrient-fortified bacterial biomass). The bacterial symbionts used were Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain ZG308 (LPZ3), Limosilactobacillus fermentum strain 2760 (LF2), Bifidobacteriu dentum strain MB0148 (BDM1), and Bifidobacterium bifidum strain CNCM1-4319 (BBC4). The results showed a significant increase in lymphocyte count in the treatment groups, with the Nutrient-Enhanced Symbiont Group (D3) recording the highest count (p < 0.05). Although the standard drug showed higher activity, the bacterial symbionts effectively augmented lymphocyte function by enhancing proliferation. The study concludes that bacterial symbionts from Macrotermes species have immunomodulatory effects and may be a potential natural agent for enhancing immune function.